The ultimate guide to real estate networking
The ultimate guide to real estate networking
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Networking can be intimidating for some real estate agents. It is an extremely broad term that encompasses many types of activities — from attending speed networking events (think: speed dating but for entrepreneurs) to stopping by your friend’s summer barbecue. Yet real estate networking doesn’t have to be scary. At its core, networking is simply meeting new people and building relationships with some of them.
We’ll dive into strategies for both online and IRL networking, expert tips for networking successfully, secrets specifically for introverts, and where to find new potential real estate clients.
Online real estate networking strategies
Whether you’re sharing tips on social media or attending an online networking event, you’ll want to be sure you’re presenting yourself in the best light possible. For virtual events, that means:
- Keep your camera on
- Ensure your background is appropriate
- Use the chat function to connect with individuals or comment to the entire group
- Remember to save the chat (if using Zoom) towards the end of the meeting
- If you’re the one hosting the event, require attendees to register in advance – this will allow you to know your headcount ahead of time and capture their contact information
IRL real estate networking strategies
- Dress comfortably yet professionally, in keeping with your own personal style and brand
- Maintain eye contact and show active listening using head nods, smiles, and affirmative language
- Keep the conversation focused on the person you’re talking to
- Ask open-ended questions
- Always ask for someone’s business card or contact information, and only hand out your card if someone asks for it
Expert networking tips for every event & occasion
Come with a plan. What’s your goal in attending the event? Who are you looking to meet? In some cases, you may be able to research ahead of time and find out who else will be in attendance.
Provide value. Once you’ve engaged in conversation, make it all about the other person. How can you help them? Who do they want to be introduced to?
Follow up, follow up, follow up. Write notes on your phone after each conversation to remember what you talked about, then when you get back to your office, send each person a handwritten note. A simple “nice to meet you” note in the mail makes a lasting impression.
Build the relationship. You likely won’t click with every person you meet, but the ones who you do have a good connection with, reach out and invite them to have coffee or lunch.
Remember: networking is a long-game. It’s all about building relationships.
Secrets of real estate networking for introverts
This section is for those agents who, like myself, are more introverted. For us, networking may not come as naturally as it does to our extroverted colleagues. That’s ok! Introverts can still successfully network to find clients. Here are a few ways to do so:
Set a manageable goal. Determine how many connections you plan to make. Three? Five? Just one, perhaps? Once you hit that number, give yourself permission to leave, knowing you accomplished your goal.
Give yourself a timeframe. Plan to stay for one hour or two hours. Once your time is up, you’re free to leave. This mental game is a very helpful tool if you’re struggling just to walk in the door.
Plan your energy for the day. If the event is in the morning, know you may be drained afterward. Maybe a nap will be necessary. If it’s an evening event, reserve enough energy throughout the day to survive the event and make it worthwhile.