Each and every one of us is surrounded by diverse opportunities. The perspective of the opportunity depends on objective and excepted outcomes of the opportunity itself. Networking is a key activity that offers a person to explore opportunities which is important for business development and personal growth.
It is important as a real estate agent as this helps build your network for recommendations and more. The core idea is to network while building and maintaining relationships from the people you meet at networking events. There are tremendous benefits to networking and we would like to share the step-by-step recommendations you are able to utilise to develop and grow your network traffic which will help grow your business further.
Step 1: The Winning Start-Up Plan
It is important to get into the mind set or concept that networking is about impacting others. Make sure you already know the key purposes of networking. This is a great leap forward!
Networking is great for sharing ideas and knowledge. For example, iProperty.com Malaysia’s Thursday Learning and Networking Session is a morning event of knowledge exchange and insights over breakfast to assist all real estate professionals. The event connects members of the industry with some of the respected real estate experts to help you with facts and learnings that enable you close deals more efficiently.
During the event, you can make effort to dress professionally and have your business cards ready. Remember first impressions does count! Set a target for yourself of the number of people you would like to connect with and here’s the perfect opportunity to gain feedback, have a discussion and expand co-agency opportunities.
Step 2: The Strategic Approach
Strategic approach is the art of networking. Master the basics etiquettes such as firm handshake, eye contact, smile and speaking clearly in order to create a great first impression. It creates facial or personal brand recognition and sparks the desire of other people approaching you. Approach them with key questions that will open them up verbally and give you a chance to truly connect:
- What are your personal and professional goals for this year?
- How do you gain your clientele?
- How can we work together towards a common goal
Step 3: The Follow-Up
Follow up on key details that you have obtained and how you can increase collaborations in your real estate business. You can split the 10 -15 people into three to four groups and set up coffee meet-ups within the next two weeks. Try to set up appointments at the networking event. If not, follow up the next morning with a casual email or short text.
Step 4: Build Your Own Social Network
By creating these mini-networking groups from one networking event, you have literally become a small networking platform. People will start to recognise you as the main connector especially when they want to be introduced to a desired connection. At the meet-ups, provide everyone a chance to introduce themselves and simply state what they are searching to achieve. Remember to ask everyone how you can all assist each other in achieving these goals. The referrals will start pouring in your way.
In conclusion, remember to allocate considerable time and effort to your personal network. Helping and supporting each other is one of the golden rules to achieve win-win outcome and make a difference.
