Networking—a delight for some, a nightmare for others. Whatever your feelings are about networking, it is an essential part of being a real estate broker. However, just because it’s necessary, doesn’t mean that it can’t be fun and personally fulfilling as well. Here are some helpful tips to seamlessly incorporate more networking opportunities into your daily life.
#1: Get Involved In the Community
Getting known in your community as a person is probably more important than getting known as a real estate broker, especially when you’re just starting out in the business. Of course, you want people to know that you’re a broker (and there are easy ways to drop that into your conversations without coming across as too pushy), and you want to be front of mind when an acquaintance of yours decides to buy or sell a home. If that’s going to happen, you need to get involved in your community. Whether it’s volunteering (see tip #3), or joining the board of a local organization, or just being out and about, getting involved in the community helps you establish trust and credibility with future clients.
#2: Go Knock On Doors
While it may not be the most fun way to meet new people, it can be highly effective, especially for those just starting out or for those who have moved to a new town and want to hit the ground running. However, handing out marketing materials to strangers at their front door may not be the best way to introduce yourself. Figure out how you can stand out from the crowd and not just be “another real estate broker.” This could be something you are passionate about or something unique to your career and life experience.
People want to see that you are a well-rounded person with interests outside of your real estate business. In no time, you’ll be remembered as the real estate broker who brews his own beer, or trains dogs on the side, or whose family has been in the town for five generations. What makes you unique, makes you memorable.
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#3: Volunteer
Volunteering is perhaps the best way to network with people in your community and market yourself as someone who cares at the same time. Volunteer for a cause that you feel passionate about, or start your own charity! If you’re already an active volunteer, don’t be shy about it. Post pictures of you volunteering on your real estate business’ social media accounts and include them in your newsletter. This is a great way to show that you give back as well as give the charity or volunteer organization some added attention and awareness.
#4: Seek Out Other Real Estate Brokers
Networking with professionals in your industry is important for every profession, including real estate. If you’re just starting out, see if you can find a mentor. Whether it’s someone in the same brokerage or the top broker in your market, it never hurts to ask. Who knows, they may even ask you to be on their real estate team!
If you’re a bit more established in your career and don’t want to “trade secrets” with your competition, go outside your market. Networking with brokers in different cities or states is a great way to set up referral networks that are mutually beneficial.
