For realtors, networking is a must, but there is a right way, and many wrong ways to do it. The secret to success in networking is quite simple. There are hundreds of events going on in your area that you many not even know about that will allow you to get your name out to dozens of people you would never have contacted before.
Join Your Local Chamber Or BNI
Organizations like your local chamber, BNI groups, LeTip, and even using meetup.com to find more groups to join if the fit’s right. Now let me get to the nitty gritty of how to succeed in networking whether you are a real estate broker, agent, or mortgage lender.
It’s all about the relationship you develop with the person. Be more interested in THEM than you are in selling your service to them. Spend 80 percent of your time listening, and 20% asking (and answering) questions. This ratio will “eventually” get you tons of referrals.
If you take this advice, and really, really be interested in them, what do you do after the conversation is near a close? Get their business card! Even if you don’t give them yours, you want theirs, so you can follow up with them, thanking them for their time, and letting them know you want to help them in THEIR business.
Send A Follow Up Card
How do you do it? As I have mentioned (shameless plug) briefly before, right when you get back to your office you log into your account we’ve created for you, you find an appropriate card (this is a REAL card), type a nice message (in your handwriting and with your signature) with no sales plug, insert your picture, and phone number, and send it off.
The impact of this action done consistently will EXPLODE your business…I can assure you!
Networking Disaster
I was recently approached at a networking event by a mortgage lender. They handed me their card without me even asking for it..ouch! They proceeded to ask me if I know anyone who needed a mortgage? Even if I did, I did not even know this person, and was not impressed how they approached me.
When I looked at their business card, it was laminated on both sides which makes it very difficult to write on the back any notes about the person, so you can remember it when you send your card. So make sure to have the back side of your card just paper, no glossy finish.
This person didn’t even ask for my card (nor did I want to give it to him). So based on this interaction, do you think he passed my test from the information you’ve read at the beginning of this article. NOT! I hope I have opened your eyes to the importance of the proper way to network that will build strong relationships with each and every person you come in contact with. And remember…each person knows at least 250 people you don’t know, so keep that in mind next time you network for your real estate business.
Contact Me if you want to find out more about this unique online marketing system for real estate professionals.
And as always, I’d love to hear from you! Give me a shout out down below and some FB or Twitter love! Thanks so much!
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