Whether you are just beginning your real estate career or are a seasoned Real Estate Agent, your success depends on becoming an active member of your community. Networking and making personal connections are a key part of growing your real estate business. A solid real estate marketing plan must include opportunities for networking. You can do this by participating in local events, joining organizations, volunteering your time and services to the community.
Networking, Networking, Networking
What is networking? Dictionary.com defines networking as “a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest.” So how do you begin to network? What are some specific ways that you can continue to grow and expand your networking contacts?
Professional Contacts
Start by reaching out to professionals in your field such as mortgage brokers, real estate lawyers, appraisers, contractors, developers, and so on. Connecting with people in your industry will make you a valuable resource to others. Networking is a win-win proposition. You position yourself as a real estate industry expert. People will turn to you for real estate advice, industry information and services. Your real estate business will then begin to grow organically.
Make the Time
Schedule time for community activities and events. Make networking a priority. It may feel challenging to fit all of these events your everyday responsibilities, but if you fold them in with your daily activities, networking can become an enjoyable and valuable addition to your life. You will be able to make a real contribution to your community and your personal and professional life will become the richer for it.
Easy Places to Start
Becoming a volunteer, joining professional associations, and participating in local events makes you part of the fabric of your community. Start with the things you are already doing. Do your children play sports? Volunteer to sponsor the softball team, or consider being a coach. Do you love to read? Join a book club at the local library. Get exercise by signing up for a running club. The possibilities are endless!
Invest in Marketing Materials
Invest in real estate business cards, postcards, magnets and other real estate marketing materials—and have them on hand for all of your networking opportunities. BestPrintBuy offers online design and print solutions for real estate agents and their franchises.
Ready for More?
Once you’ve begun networking and becoming an active participant in your neighborhood, consider how to expand your network. Build upon your momentum. The idea is to become an active and visible member of your community.
Ideas to Try
Join the planning committee of the annual Spring Festival. Volunteer at the local food pantry. Become a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Offer to give a free housing seminar at the community center. Improve your presentation skills at Toastmasters. Sit on the board of directors at a nonprofit organization.
Immeasurable Benefits
The time and effort you invest in your community will come back to you tenfold. You will become a trusted expert on important topics such as school systems, community events, and even great lunch spots! You’ll be the expert people turn to when they need real estate advice. When it comes time to buy or sell, the choice is obvious—you will be the Realtor® they call!
“A.B.N.”
As time goes on, networking will become a natural part of everything you do. Whether you’re a member of the Chamber of Commerce or you simply volunteer for the PTA, networking is an integral part of your successful real estate career. Remember the acronym “A.B.N.”—“Always Be Networking.”
BestPrintBuy.com provides print and marketing solutions for real estate agents and their franchises. We offer online design and print solutions for business cards, postcards, postcard mailing and marketing, folded note cards, door hangers, note pads, bookmarks and several other products to real estate agents.