What the #@!* is HBUT and Why Will It Make Me More Successful?

December 21, 2017

I know you.
I know there are aspects of your business that you feel you do better than anyone else.
It’s not about a superiority complex or an overinflated ego, but simple pride…
You believe so deep in your heart, “Nobody else cares enough to do this as well as I do.”
I understand how you feel.
But guess what?
It doesn’t matter.
You’re wasting your time.

What’s Your HBUT?

Real estate is a business that will pull you in a million different directions if you let it.
The key to being successful is identifying where your skills make the biggest impact on your bottom line.
That’s what is known as your “highest and best use of time.”
Or, as we affectionately call it, HBUT.
Becoming aware of your HBUT and operating accordingly will revolutionize your business.
Your HBUT likely revolves around dollar-productive activities:

Going on listing appointments
Going on showings
Working your database to set appointments

“But Tom, there are so many other things involved in running my business!”
I know.
But are they your HBUT?

Use Your HBUT to Prioritize Your Activities

Once you’ve identified your HBUT, use it to question whether or not you’re using your time most effectively.
This becomes a very powerful question to ask yourself repeatedly:
“Is this the highest and best use of my time?”
If the answer is yes, great. Keep going!
If the answer is no, the solution is to delegate.
Delegate. As. Much. As. Possible.
Outsource marketing. Leverage technology. Take advantage of services your brokerage offers. Hire team members to do paperwork and other behind-the-scenes tasks. Do whatever you can to ensure you’re spending the majority of your precious time on HBUT activities.

Day to Day HBUT vs. Big Picture HBUT

If your goal is to grow your business, you know what got you here won’t get you there.
For instance, it’s crucial to put yourself in a learning environment on a regular basis to ensure you discover new ways to expand your mind and grow your business.
That’s why you can’t be too rigid when defining your HBUT.
Unless you’re 100% content and confident in the direction of your business, you need to allow your HBUT to be somewhat fluid depending on your long-term objectives and where you are at any given moment.
Which means finding a balance between day to day activities and your big picture initiatives.
Your HBUT can’t be spending every week at conferences to continually grow, because you won’t sell any homes.
Your HBUT can’t be focused solely on selling homes and never expanding your horizons, because you’ll never grow.
Find that balance, stick to your HBUT, delegate when possible, and reap the rewards of your increased efficiency!

How do you keep yourself focused on your HBUT? Share your secrets (or any questions you might have) in the comments below!