Networking: Why it’s king in the real estate business

For a business that’s heavily dependent on relationships and referrals such as ours real estate, you either network, or you network.
Now while understanding the quintessence of networking is one thing, being adept and really effective at it is another. It doesn’t matter the size of event, function, or gathering that you’re at, an all-state real estate convention, or a small local open house, these networking guides will come in super handy and help you milk the most of your time and conversations. While you’re at it, you might as well carry on business in a savvy manner, no?

Set yourself up for ease with mock networking moments especially if you’re shy or introverted
You can actually do role play scenarios with a friend or colleague that you’re comfortable with, hash out different scenarios of you chancing upon an introduction of you and your business to others. That part where you’ve just got to break the ice and initiate conversation is usually the hardest part. Some of these lines steal the ice show and slide you into conversations, easy:

 

How did you hear about this event?
How has business been for you this 1st quarter?
What was your biggest accomplishment last year, and what’s your biggest challenge this year?
What was the best book you read last year and what are you reading now?

Remember, you’re surrounded by people who make their living in sales: for these folks, talking comes cheap, literally. So, chances are if you start the conversation, it will take off nicely without a hassle as they are most likely looking to engage and interact as well.

 

Why not start a conversation centered on yourself, not your business?
Don’t commence right off the bat talking about your services even though you’re trying to gain confidence and put your best business foot forward. Even though the main goal of networking is to get the other person to have confidence in you and your services, don’t lead conversations with talking about your business. Allow the person you are talking with to get to know you as a person, let them into your personality for starters so that a background impression is made, before you shift ground to telling them about your business. People do business with people, not companies. So, the business actually starts with you, your persona, way before you let them into your business world.

 

While you are going to be at this event, what’s the plan?
Before stepping to any event, set a goal for how many contacts you want to make. Do not stop working the room until you have met your goal, even while you’re having leisurely moments as refreshments, but the key is to do this effortlessly without trying to hard, in consistency with the energy of the space you’re in.

 

Anyone, in particular, you’re looking forward to meeting?
Have this info well ahead of time. Do your homework and get acquainted with a bit of the guest list. If it won’t be too much of a bother, before the event, reach out to the people you want to meet. Send them an email introducing yourself and why you would like to meet them at the event. Be specific in your request and keep your actual meet short and sweet, else you might come across as imposing, time is a luxury not everyone has in abundance.

 

Check-in and Keep up
To maximally leverage the efficiency of your networking experience, follow-up. Send a personalized email 24-48 hours after meeting your contact, or shoot a text message 24 hours after your first meeting, mentioning what the highlight of your conversation was. If you get no response, try calling. If you don’t hear back, that’s totally fine.

 

Easy on the liquor
Decorum at engagements that provide a forum for networking is absolutely essential. True, there is such a thing as Dutch courage and a glass of wine may take a little bit of the edge and uneasiness off, yet overindulging will leave you acting in a despicable manner. You always want to have on and leave the best impression possible no?

 

Pay attention to personal appearance and hygiene
An overall clean look, fresh cut, hair nicely done, light makeup, fresh fragrance and fresh breath will score you high marks as you navigate these networking waters. Don’t cut corners when it comes to how you look and smell at such events, image is everything, and your confidence levels get an incredible boost when you’re absolutely certain within yourself that nothing is out of place, image-wise.

 

Be yourself!
Be a believer that your natural, warm personality will sell you better than you ever could. Maintain an aura of vibrancy, cheer and openness whilst being yourself. Let your natural personality shine and just be yourself. Try to genuinely enjoy every moment and your time there meeting new people and engaging in riveting, stimulating conversation.
People will sense and be drawn to your true, authentic self, and you will have more networking success.