GANTT CHARTS

In Chapter 2, I urge agents to use the tool that every contractor, engineer and architect uses when they design and construct a building – the almighty Gantt chart.  When you look back at the chapter, you’ll see that I’ve listed (and explained) eight reasons why I think you should be using a Gantt chart to manage your marketing process.

All those reasons are still valid.  There is no better tool for communicating with the stakeholders.  Here’s one more reason: what’s the most frequent complaint we get as agents from the principals that grant listings to us?  “No communication!  Since I awarded the listing, I haven’t heard from you!”  The Gantt chart, presented up front as part of the listing process, essentially eliminates that complaint.  All you have to do is report that the plan is on track – “We’re exactly where we wanted to be at this date and will conclude line item 15 today.”

Masterminding your communication (in advance!) with the principal is how you turn a weakness into a strength.  Instead of being lumped in with the non-communicative masses, you stand out in the crowd as a professional.  You build trust by helping the principal understand the master plan; you build confidence by implementing the process every day.

If the roles were reversed, isn’t that what you would want?

Since Thrive was published, I’ve evangelized the Gantt chart with agents across the country. It’s been very encouraging to see some creative uses that have surfaced.  One agent created a stylized version of a Gantt chart (think: graphic artist creates a “flat” template) that he uses in every listing presentation.  He felt it was too complicated to create a customized document for each assignment, so he marks the applicable dates on the reusable guide and uses it to explain his process.  The result?  “They love it, and often bring it back out at meetings.”

Another agent went in the opposite direction.  She used the mind-bending capabilities of Monday.com to combine detailed task assignments with the “Gantt view” offered by the software.  Now, her entire team to stays connected with every project without ever having to attend a meeting!  Someday, using a Gantt chart will be the accepted best practice (we’ll finally catch up with our general contractors).  Perhaps today is the day for you to join the movement.

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