Effective networking is possibly one of the most important things a real estate agent needs when they start out.
After all, relationships are what real estate agents rely on when they’re trying to build leads.
That said, not everyone is born with a “social bone” in their body. This is why some real estate agents might need a little more practice before they can form a strong network.
Here, we’re going to tell you everything you should know about real estate networking. Plus, we’ll also give you 7 simple tips for effective networking to build leads.
So let’s begin!
What is Real Estate Networking?
Networking in real estate refers to the process of developing relationships with other real estate professionals in the field. The goal is to create connections that can help your business improve, whether it’s through the opportunities that this partnership provides or through the extra services and assistance that your partner can offer.
7 Tips for Effective Real Estate Networking
Partnerships are essential for any business to achieve success. But networking is not the walk in the park everybody expects.
With that, here are 7 tips for effective real estate networking to make it a lot easier.
1. Focus on the Value of Your Work
People are more likely to partner with you when they see that you’re able to provide valuable services and resources, not just to them, but to their clients as well.
If you want to grow your relationships and expand your network, you need to make sure that you’re able to provide valuable work/services.
Most people focus on what others can offer them. And while there’s nothing completely wrong with that concept, it does nothing to help your network expansion. Instead, focus on what you can give to other real estate professionals.
2. Make Use of Social Media
You don’t have to limit your networking to face-to-face interactions. Make use of virtual technology to meet partners and other real estate professionals from different states.
Not only does this makes it easier for you to have communication with your network, it also introduces you to a wider pool of business prospects.
3. Create a Website or Blog
Sometimes people need more information than social media can provide.
Building a website is a great way to get your brand and company message across the board.
It’s an effective way to transmit your mission and vision. Furthermore, it’s an efficient way for people to access your services without jumping too many hoops.
The key is to find a web host that will provide everything you need to get started on the right path. This includes:
- Free domain name
- Website builder
- Ample security features
- Marketing and email services
If you need help building your first website, you can find tons of helpful tips here.
4. Schedule Networking Time
The world we live in is fast-paced and unpredictable. The slightest change can alter your entire week’s schedule.
Still, making time for networking and building connections is important.
Set aside a couple of hours every day and dedicate them purely to networking; whether this is attending a real estate event, answering business emails and inquiries, or entertaining calls from partners.
5. Volunteer to Help
Besides positively impacting the lives of many people, volunteering can expose you to new people and organizations.
When you volunteer your services to a cause that you’re passionate about, you get to connect with like-minded people.
These people can help you expand your network, generate leads, and even help you improve your services or products.
That said, make sure the cause you’re supporting is something that you actually believe in. Otherwise, you won’t be able to establish efficient and beneficial connections.
6. Refine Your Strategy
No plan is rock solid — not when societal behavior is as volatile as it is. If you notice that your networking strategy has started deteriorating or isn’t as effective as it once was, it may be time to switch game plans.
Making sure your services and operations are on par with the latest technologies and styles will make it easier for you to build relationships with business partners.
7. Actively Participate in Your Community
Sponsor activities and fundraisers; join clubs and other community events. Don’t forget to invite real estate professionals, too.
And, when attending these events, don’t forget to have a set of calling cards handy.
They might seem “old school,” but they’re the easiest and most accessible marketing tool for real estate agents.
Where to Do Real Estate Networking?
The biggest challenge to real estate networking — especially when you’re only a beginner — is finding the right place to network.
The following are just a couple of ideas you can try out. However, there are certainly more resources you can tap into.
Family Gatherings
While it might not be the most obvious place to start building your network, family gatherings hold a wealth of opportunities for real estate agents. You never know which of your friends and family have connections in the real estate industry.
Friends and family members are the most likely candidates to recommend you to other professionals, too, in the event that your services or specialties are needed.
Networking Meetings
Consistently showing up to networking meetings — even for an hour or two — is a great way to get the results you want.
You can check out event listings on websites like Facebook and Eventbrite for real estate networking events in your area.
Traveling
Basically, anyone you meet is a possible partner when you’re a real estate agent.
When traveling, don’t disregard the people you meet along the way.
After all, that stranger you shared a coffee table with at the airport might just be a business mogul looking for a real estate partner. Or perhaps they might know someone else who is.
The Bottom Line
Real estate networking is an essential factor in any successful real estate business. Making the time to establish connections and build relationships is important, which is why agents should prioritize networking over other things.
You can start doing this by following the tips in this article. Hopefully, it helps you expand your reach and develop your connections further.
Good luck!