The post-Christmas period can be a dispiriting time for many working in estate agency. Any return to work after the Christmas break (no matter how short) is always a bit of a downer but in Estate Agency there are no Xmas Sales or new season lines to get stuck into. Instructions and viewings are often thin on the ground and the thought of how quickly another year has passed only adds to the general malaise.
Despair not! The New Year can offer an ideal time to make significant changes that will reap benefits for the forthcoming year. Any downtime is a great time to review all aspects of the business - from opening hours to staffing levels, commission structure to marketing strategy - and to implement good practice across the business.
One area to consider is the look and feel' of the branch - its all too easy to put off any changes to the interior and window displays due to lack of time or cost but again the New Year period is a good time to consider relatively significant changes. As always check out the competition - if you were a potential vendor which of your rivals would you go to if the decision was based on the look of the branch only Light frame options are falling in cost and increasing in ease-of-fitting so there is no excuse for an outdated visual display, and there is no need stop at the window display: the look of the branch says a great deal about your brand' values. Many branches have moved away from a traditional concept of desk-bound staff to a more open plan concept. Even if this is not for you, there are plenty of smart desk options (many at great value) that can bring the branch into the C21st century. Research the latest trends in interior design to create a smart, approachable interior.
The make-over can be great team exercise that should enable everyone to throw themselves enthusiastically into a new project for the New Year that will have a big impact throughout the year and beyond. Encourage feedback and ideas and get the team to create mood boards either as a group or individually. Set a budget - and spend on quality items that are important (ergonomic seating, desks with sufficient working space, updated light frames). Get quotes (and advice) from at least three local shopfitters and/or decorators to give you a realistic figure for the changes.
We'd love to hear if you take the plunge and create a new look for the New Year.
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