If your business only grows when the market does, that’s not a business. That’s a hobby.
The best agents in the game are already planning for 2026 today. And if your motivation is starting to dip as we wrap up the year, you’re not alone.
I get it. By Q4, energy is low, distractions are high, and the temptation to “coast” is real. But this is the exact time to double down and set the tone for next year.
Here are seven ideas you can apply when you feel that motivation slipping. Be sure to stay tuned for number seven. It’s my favorite.
1. Revisit Platforms You’ve Abandoned
Let’s start simple.
When was the last time you logged into Zillow?
Eight years ago, I was told to focus exclusively on Google reviews because Zillow was “the enemy.” The reality today? The consumer doesn’t care about our industry politics. They trust what Zillow says.
And here’s something even bigger: AI is scanning the internet for reviews about you. It’s pulling from every source, including Google, Yelp, and Zillow, to recommend agents to potential clients.
So here’s what you do:
- Go to Google or Yelp and find a review from a happy client.
- Take a screenshot.
- Text or email that client and say: “Hey! I’m trying to grow my presence on Zillow. The review you left on Google was amazing. Would you mind copying and pasting it onto Zillow for me?”
It’s a perfect excuse to reconnect with past clients, and it takes them 30 seconds.
2. Test What You Enjoy Creating (Not Just What Performs)
Everyone says they want to post consistently. But you’ll only stay consistent if you like what you’re creating.
So, use these last few months of the year to test.
- Do you love making hyperlocal videos, like restaurant spotlights or community guides?
- Would you rather film house tours?
- Do educational breakdowns energize you, or drain you?
Try different formats now so that when 2026 hits, you already know what you can do consistently. Because if you can’t do it regularly, there’s no reason to start it.
3. Audit Where Your Business Actually Comes From
Stop guessing. Start measuring.
Go through every transaction from this year and count:
- How many sellers did you represent?
- How many buyers?
- What’s your average commission on each side?
Then, for each deal, write down where that lead came from.
Once you know which sources are actually profitable, you can double or triple down on them and cut the rest. Small adjustments (even 1%) can have massive compounding effects when you focus your energy where it counts.
4. Update Your Brand Bio and Photos Everywhere
AI isn’t just scanning your reviews, it’s scanning your branding.
That means your bio and photos need to be consistent across platforms.
Next time it’s 3:30 p.m. and you feel that post-lunch dip, do this instead of scrolling Instagram:
- Update your LinkedIn bio.
- Refresh your Google and Zillow profiles.
- Make sure your photo, tone, and description match everywhere.
Consistency online increases your chances of being recommended, not just by people, but by the algorithms, too.
5. Plan a Memorable Client Event for Early 2026
Your momentum for next year doesn’t start in January; it starts now.
Plan an event that gives you energy going into Q1:
- A New Year Vision Board night.
- A Valentine’s appreciation party.
- A January “Kickoff the Year” happy hour.
Start brainstorming and locking in venues now. The more you plan ahead, the stronger your 2026 pipeline begins.
6. Create One Long-Form Asset You Can Repurpose All Year
This one’s a sleeper hack.
Film one long-form video, something like:
- “The Ultimate 2026 Buyer’s Handbook” or
- “The Orange County Home Selling Guide for 2026.”
Make it 3–7 minutes long. Then, chop it into short 30–60 second clips for your content calendar.
Now you’ve got one high-value piece that fuels your short-form strategy for months.
Even better? That same asset can double as a lead magnet, a free resource that captures leads while also driving your content plan.
7. Design (and Test) Your Perfect Week Now
This one’s my favorite.
If you want to build your dream business, it starts with designing your ideal schedule.
Life will always throw distractions your way. But if you can outline how you want to spend your days before the chaos hits, you can actually test what works.
Ask yourself:
- Should I make calls in the morning or afternoon?
- Does social media drain me, and should I do it first thing?
- When do I have the most focus and energy for client meetings?
Build your “perfect week” now, test it, and refine it before the new year. That way, when 2026 begins, you’re not playing catch-up, you’re executing.
The Bottom Line
The agents who win big in 2026 aren’t waiting until January to get started.
They’re using this season to re-engage old platforms, build better systems, and set new routines, so they can start the year ahead, not behind.
If you found these ideas helpful, share this article with another agent who needs the reminder.
And if you’re looking for more tactical tips, content strategies, and scripts to fuel your business, join the BAMx community on Skool.
Because the difference between a good year and a great one starts right now.
