This week, we conducted our Annual Kickoff Meeting for Duratus Properties. Leading up to the meeting, I reflected on 2023, and I want to share my thoughts.
What are some of the most important lessons that you learned in 2023?
I learned a lot in 2023, but a few things stand out. #1–big, higher-end flips are difficult for us, and we need to avoid these in 2024. They tie up too much of our time and capital and cause too much stress for the team. #2–Our Rent-to-own portfolio is our best-performing line of business, so we need to expand this aggressively in 2024. #3–I still have a lot to learn when it comes to digital marketing. Launching our digital master class has been an adventure, and I learned a lot from that experience, but I still have much to learn about how to sell effectively with digital marketing.
What was your favorite project that you worked on in 2023?
Although there have been many challenges, and it was much more difficult than I anticipated, creating and launching our digital course was my favorite project that I worked on in 2023. This idea was burning a hole in my brain for a couple of years, and I needed to get it out into the world and learn a whole new line of business along the way.
What was your LEAST favorite project that you worked on in 2023?
It turned out beautiful, but our flip at 505 Dyson St was my least favorite project of 2023 because it caused so much stress for the whole team. This project took almost 2 years to complete and tied up so much of our capital, so I would not embark on a similar project for a long time.
What is your proudest accomplishment from 2023?
Learning how to balance working with raising two babies.
In 2024, I hope to figure out how to take better care of myself along with Duratus, Maeve, and Connor.
What things do you think Duratus should focus on in 2024?
I think that our priorities should be as follows:
#1–Aggressively expand the RTO program
#2–Refine our flip/construction management process
#3–Learn how to sell the digital course
If you could change one thing about working for Duratus, what would it be?
I would like us to have an in-person summit once per year with all of our employees from around the world.
Working remotely is great 90% of the time, but it would be nice to have an opportunity to spend a few days with everyone in-person.
What are some big Rocks that we should consider working on in 2024?
- $4M in revenue
- $50K passive income
- $10K in digital course sales
- 12 flips
What would help you grow professionally in 204?
Reading 50 books and doing podcast episodes about them
What did Duratus do well in 2023?
We expanded the RTO program and invested a lot in it by making Lilly the program manager.
What things did Duratus NOT do well in 2023?
The digital course launch and sales have been slow. We still have a lot to figure out about how to sell more courses.
If the company could only focus on ONE thing in 2024, what do you think it should be?
Expanding the RTO program