The purpose of a networking event is to meet people. In an industry that is wildly competitive, sometimes all it takes is knowing the right person. Like any other marketing tactic, networking can drastically improve the success of your business. If you don’t like getting out of your office to meet people, then you’re in the wrong industry.
Here are 8 items to consider while at a real estate networking event:
Be early
Being early to a networking event gives you a chance to not only chat with the organizers of the event before they are bombarded by other people, but it also gives you the opportunity to talk with any other early birds in a less chaotic environment. Additionally, who doesn't like a real estate agent that is prompt to their scheduled events and meetings? Being early reflects well on your time management skills which is wildly important in an industry where deadlines are crucial to success and happy clients.
Be yourself
You are who you are. Don’t try to put on an act because eventually your true colors will shine through. In life, you are not always going to mesh well with everyone. The same can be said for people you will work with in the real estate industry. Being true to who you are will bring you more success in the long run than being fake in order to get business. If your prospective clients don’t like you for who you are, then it is their loss!
SMILE
Have you ever been to an event where there is one person in the room that is completely straight faced and doesn’t crack a smile the entire time he/she is there? I’m sure it looked like they were in agony being there. Don’t be that person! Smiling lets people know that you are friendly and gives them a signal that it is okay to come and chat with you. When you smile, you give people good vibes which can greatly improve your success at networking.
Don’t Overdo Social Events
Networking events are supposed to be fun, but they are also professional events. Don’t be that agent that is out of control because you enjoyed the open bar. Your goal is to conduct yourself in a professional manner, while also being somewhat casual and approachable so that you are able to make connections with others. My point - know your limit.
Start conversations
Engage with others so that they will engage back with you! If you are just going to stand there looking awkward and miserable it is unlikely that anyone will come and talk to you. Get out of your comfort zone and start a conversation with someone new. Everyone that you meet has the potential to help your business so make the time you spend networking count.
Get off your phone
If you are going to spend your time sitting on your phone, you might as well go home. When you are on your phone, it gives people the impression that you don’t care about the purpose of the event and that you don’t want to talk to anyone. Put your phone away and engage with people face to face.
Collect business cards
Every business card that you collect is a potential lead for you. Maybe not right at this moment, but at one time or another, almost everyone is going to need a real estate agent. You want to be that real estate agent! You are going to be able to market your business to these people in the future so collect as many business cards as you can. And yes, this means that you should be talking to as many people as possible in order to get these business cards :).
Don’t over analyze
Networking events are supposed to be fun so don’t over analyze the situation. Try to relax and just have a good time talking to people and make some connections!
Real estate networking events can really take your business to the next level and allow you to meet people that you may not have met in different circumstances. Remember that real estate is a numbers game, and the more people you connect with, the better chance you have for potential business. Don’t be shy - get out there and network!
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