As we approach 2026, now is the perfect time for real estate agents and small business owners to refine their strategies and set themselves up for success. A strong business plan isn't just about setting goals—it's about clarity, organization, and leveraging your existing resources effectively. In this post, we'll cover essential topics drawn from expert insights: defining your identity as an agent, updating or creating your business plan, and mastering database management to nurture leads and drive conversions. These recommendations are inspired by practical advice from real estate coaching videos that emphasize actionable steps over vague aspirations. 1. Define “Who You Are as an Agent” Before diving into numbers and tactics, get crystal clear on your unique value proposition. One powerful exercise is to have an AI (like ChatGPT or Grok) act as an interviewer and ask you 25 targeted questions about your business. This process helps uncover your strengths, target market, niche, and what sets you apart from competitors. For a guided approach, check out this video: Have AI Ask You 25 Questions About Your Business. It walks you through prompting AI effectively to gain deep self-awareness, which forms the foundation of any solid plan. 2. Update or Formulate Your Business Plan Whether you're starting from scratch or refining an existing plan, focus on realistic, executable strategies. A good business plan includes your goals, marketing tactics, budget, and tracking mechanisms. This resource provides a step-by-step guide to updating or creating your plan for the upcoming year: Update Your Business Plan / Formulate Your Business Plan. Tie this back to your agent identity—your plan should reflect who you are and the clients you serve best. 3. Prioritize Database Hygiene and Nurturing Existing Contacts Your database is your most valuable asset in real estate. Instead of chasing new leads endlessly, focus on "hygiene": cleaning up and completing information on existing contacts. This allows for better segmentation and personalized nurturing, leading to higher engagement and conversions.