It’s often forgotten that the agent who speaks to the most people will most likely sell the most real estate. We are all so hyper-focused on lead generation and finding potential clients without internalizing that your network could be the largest source of business for you.
No matter your personality, you can succeed in real estate! Both introverts and extroverts can do great in this industry. You don’t need to have a big, over-the-top, personality to succeed, but you should have and live a networker’s mindset.
Living a networker’s mindset means, you are constantly looking for opportunities to talk to new people no matter where you are. The trouble is this doesn’t feel natural for most. That is a habit that needs to be built and worked on. It is amazing the opportunities that arise when you just talk to more people.
While you are focusing on meeting people. Remember, that it is all about building connections, and having conversations with other people, and it is important not to make it all about real estate. Approach every conversation with an inquisitive mind, drop your expectations, and try to make a new friend. When you truly care more about the person rather than what they can provide, people will help you in ways that you had never expected or imagined. This makes the relationship-building process fun and you get surprised every step of the way as your relationships grow. This can only happen if you do not establish relationships with anyone with a pre-set agenda in mind.
Another thing to keep in mind is that building your database and meeting new people in real estate is a long-term game. You don’t go to one event and leave with a bunch of hot real estate leads. You need to build these connections over time as you get to know each other better. It is easy to be motivated to want everything now, but remember you are in real estate for the long haul. Everyone regardless of where they are in life appreciates kindness and assistance. Be the one that takes interest in people for who they are and what they believe in. Be the odd person out who reaches out to someone to make his or her life simpler.
There is a saying that you should “dig your well before you need water”. With building your network, you should build your network before you need the business.
As you foster these valuable relationships, it will ultimately help you reach your goals.
Here are some ideas on where to meet people:
Fitness and Meetup Groups – If you have an interest in fitness or playing sports, consider looking at how you can do these things with people. Most communities have some sort of recreation leagues for sports and there are usually many fitness groups out there for you to join. Another great option is to sign up for something like “Meetup”, where you can join groups to meet new people who share your interests. Bottom line, find something that you like to do and do it with other people, hopefully, new people you haven’t yet met.
Find a Hobby – If you are like me when someone asked what my hobbies were, I would generally stare at them with a blank look! As my only so-called hobby is collecting random hockey memorabilia. If you don’t have any hobbies, it’s ok, no worries, there are so many things you can choose from. If you already have a hobby, and surround yourself with peers in a positive way, keep it up. If you don’t have a hobby or you would like another one, start exploring.
Learn a New Skill – Learning a new skill and taking a class can be a great way to meet and bond with people. As a hobby, this can be anything that interests you. It is best to pick something that repeats so you have the opportunity to build stronger connections with the people you meet.
Say Yes More – One way to build your networks is to focus on saying “yes” to requests in life. If a friend invites you for a coffee, say yes! If you are thinking of hosting a dinner at your place, say yes and invite people. If a person you meet at a networking event recommends another group, say yes and attend. This doesn’t mean that you should start saying yes to everything. Sometimes good things are just waiting for you to say yes and let them in.
Become a Regular – Becoming a regular at any establishment is important. Familiarity breeds trust. In real estate, you should always be thinking of building connections, and becoming known at a local establishment can solidify you as the go-to real estate agent for that community.
Joining Boards and Committees – We bring a lot of experience, and expertise to the table. People will look to you as a local professional and various boards and committees could always use your local knowledge.
Volunteering – Not only does volunteering just make the world a better place, but it’s also a fun way to meet more people in your community. There is nothing better than being able to help others and build some great new relationships.
