Remember the days when real estate agents considered themselves sales professionals?
Today, most consider themselves to be ace relationship builders and wince when anyone regards them as someone in the same category as a person who sells cars.
However, a strong, well-maintained network can sustain your business for decades to come.
But, wait, “network” isn’t only a noun
When you “… interact with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts,” and relationships, you are networking. Generally speaking, there are three types of networks that real estate agents participate in:
- Professional
- Peer
- Client (or prospects and leads)
All three provide different results, but today we are addressing the potential client variety of networking.
While it’s the wise agent who schedules time to nurture their current networks, those a step ahead are also adding to it, by networking.
Networks should be diverse
Unless you’re building a professional network, choose events and opportunities outside of the real estate industry. This might include chamber mixers and school board or PTA meetings where you’ll be exposed to those who are active in bettering your community.
Diversity in your networking, however, is critical, so branch out to other opportunities as well.
Consider creating a community service network by joining the local chapter of the Lions Club, Rotary or Jaycees.
“If you consistently push your boundaries and work to broaden your sphere of connections, over time, you will run into opportunities that others would only be able to describe as luck,” suggests Maria Arauz with the Keller Center for Research at Baylor University.
The Content Card Series is shown above. See Content Card postcards, HERE. See Content Card scheduled campaign information, HERE.
Break the ice … Gently
Naturally, you’ll want your new network of possible clients to understand what you do for a living, but there’s a right way and a wrong way to let them know.
“If you go to networking events with the intention of just trying to sell to people, they won’t want to meet with you later because they know you’re going to pitch to them,” cautions author and keynote speaker Ivan Misner at entrepreneur.com.
These are the overtly salesy folks who approach others at events, business card in hand.
“Be interested, not interesting” Misner continues. “It’s not all about you.”
If you want to make a true connection, make the conversation all about them. No pitches, no asking for business.
Sure, it takes time to network. Step one is making the time. Step two is showing up.
PLUS: When you have time…below are some marketing tools to help support your success.
1. Put Your Real Estate Business a Step Above with Your Own Branded Magazine
Homes & Life Magazine is a customizable magazine, with rich, full-color content, and a sharp, professional esthetic. It includes compelling, direct response-driven articles written by real estate industry experts, combined with engaging lifestyle content. Send out Homes & Life Magazine in Just Minutes – No Minimums Required. Or we’ll ship it to you.
Homes & Life Magazine is the ultimate “Coffee Table Lingerer”! …and, it costs less than sending a greeting card! – Click Here
2. The Free 12 Month Done-For-You Strategic Marketing Plan
The Real Estate Marketing Planner is a powerful 12-Month-Guide that strategically defines what marketing to do when. Four key market segments are included, niche Markets, geographic farming, sphere of influence, and past clients. – Click Here
3. The BusinessBase, SOI building system
The most effective thing you can do to build a real estate business is to become more visible, more likable, and remembered more often. The BusinessBASE™ not only checks all of these boxes, but it is a business building machine. In two easy steps, you can begin to build a robust sphere of influence that will provide you a lifetime of repeat business and referrals. – Click Here
4. The Free Interactive Real Estate Business Plan
The Free Interactive Real Estate Business Plan allows you to enter your business goals for this year and get a breakdown of how many prospects, listings, closing, and so on are needed to reach your goals. – Click Here
5. The Become a Listing Legend Free eBook
Ready to take a vertical leap in your real estate career? If you’re looking for inspiration…and the tools and methods to dominate a market and go to the top in real estate…you’ll find them in this free book. – Click Here
6. The Take a Listing Today Podcast
Watch the ProspectsPLUS!, Take a Listing Today Podcast for actionable content to help you get more listings. – Click Here