5 Ways To Network Like A Pro

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5 Ways Agents Can Network Like A Pro!

 

Networking is one the most valuable skills a person can have in life as it can help you get a job, improve your position at a company and enhance your performance. For realtors, networking can make the difference between struggling to find clients to becoming the top seller for your office.

Networking requires time and energy, but you’ll see much more results than using social media or advertising. Give it a try using these important tips and you’ll see the benefits.

 

1.        Schedule in Networking Events.  If you don’t make an activity a priority in your schedule, you will not do it.  Be honest with yourself, we’re all too busy already with so many time commitments. Networking doesn’t come easy to everyone.  Make networking a regular activity in your schedule and it will become more natural and you will master the skill.  Actively seek out new opportunities to network in your target area like sports games, community events, and so on — even hanging out with your dog at a really popular park.

2.        Focus on Conversations, not Cards.  Most agents think they have done a great job networking if they have a handful of cards at the end of the evening.  Not so!  Great connections matter more than a bunch of cards.  Let’s say that you are having a great conversation with a lawyer who is expressing a need for an agent to help him handle estate sales.  Does it make sense to cut the conversation short because you have a goal to collect 25 business cards that night?  No!  Make sure that you keep talking to people until you find those powerful connections in the room. 

3.        The money is in the follow up.  If you have done any programs or coaching with me, you have heard me say this!  As you are finishing up the conversation, say something like “I have really enjoyed our conversation.  How about I call you on Monday and we can schedule another meeting over lunch.”  As much as possible, try to always schedule the next meeting or appointment with someone before the conversation ends.  This keeps the momentum of the relationship going and allows you to keep exploring ways you can both help each other in business.  After your conversation, jot a few notes down about the person and when you are going to follow up (Especially if you don’t have a good memory!)  Then, once you get home enter your follow-ups onto the calendar and make sure you book those next meetings.  Going to a networking event and not actively following up after is a waste of your valuable time. 

4.       Promise yourself you will talk to new people at every event.  Sometimes it’s easy to talk to the same people, especially if the event is held regularly.  Make sure to address this at the beginning of the conversation, something like “Bob, I have to say- I promised myself I would talk to new people this meeting so we have 2 minutes and then we BOTH need to move on!”  Make it funny, be clever, but stick to your guns so that you get the most out of the evening that you can.  Remember, this is time away from your family or other business opportunities, so make it count.

5.       Create your own event!  Yes, it takes effort.  But hosting an event is a great way to draw attention to you!  Many people will likely come up to you and thank you for hosting or want to talk to you further about the talk or speech that you gave.  This is a great way to become the real estate authority in your area.  Make sure to invite others and have an incentive for them to bring friends.  Make networking easy and fun for others and your events will be a huge success!