Good morning: We all know we should network yet we often don't. Why? I would argue that it's uncomfortable for us to go to an event, etc. and possibly not know anyone or know what to say. I would argue that all of us are inherently shy so we get invited to an event and hope that someone will come talk to us.
Why do I network? It's not necessarily because I look forward to it. I'm a little bit of an introvert personally. The reason I network is because you never know. Case in point. A few weeks ago I attended a Discover Burien, WA. event hosted by a realty firm. I knew one of the realtors there slightly so that made it easier. The bonus I didn't expect was I met their managing broker who informed me that they had just lost their mortgage lender for another office she manages. Now we're going to talk about if it makes sense for me to help them with that vacancy. So you never know. That's why I network.
I have attended more breakfasts, lunches, and dinners the last 2 years than I would have liked. Some have been good, others a waste of time. But whenever I try and talk myself out of going, I remind myself that I never know who I might meet. And sometimes, when I'm the most reluctant to go, is when I make a great connection.
So, again, you never know. I encourage all of you to network if given the opportunity. There are always events, some cost and and some are free. In this market, it has definitely paid big dividends for me as I build my business. Give it a try! You might actually find that you like it! Have a great day!
Paul
Paul McFadden
you hit the nail on the head, Paul....."YOU NEVER KNOW"
thanks for sharing :)
Paul: Well said. I agree that today, more than ever, it's all about relationship building in our business. We've got to get into relationship with more people to suceed in our business. Thanks for the tips. JC in Vegas.
Thanks, Kara. Every time I say I shouldn't I do with often great results.
Paul
Thanks, J.C. It has sustained me in a business that at times can be pretty unforgiving. Plus, occasionally it's downright fun. This Thursday we're going bowling on the house with my Chamber of Commerce! Take care.
Hi Paul-
Its funny that you wrote this, and so very true. Networking has never been my forte, and I have avoided it for years. But with a small business of my own, I realized I was only hurting myself.
I recently was invited to a guest day for a networking group and I attended. I found it so interesting that I continued to go for a few weeks to see how it works. I have now joined and go to the weekly breakfast meetings.
I have not received a lot of referrals as yet, but have met very interesting people and it has been a good resource for my business. I will be patient and continue to attend each week, and hope that it will be good for me in the long run.
If nothing else, I have met very interesting people, and enjoy their company each Thursday morning. I have also gained confidence in myself, for I am not a bad networker at all, I just thought I was. I am gaining a new skill, and it will only help me in the long run.
Keep on networking, it is good for us all.
Thanks Linda. I wish you success. If you keep at it, you'll be amazed. Plus, the self confidence part is key. If we could all walk up to someone we don't know and start a menaingful conversation, that would be a valuable skill. Good luck to you!
Paul
Thanks for the good advice, Paul....it is critical in a real estate economic slump like we are in, that we reach out. It is like insurance. If you have a network of professionals and people that you can "go to" for referrals and possible reciprocation (I will scratch your back philosophy), it makes the potential for pain (loss of income) much less likely. And if this was something that was done during the "fat" times, then the slow times are so much less painful.
Happy networking!
Bo
I have to agree that you never know when you're going to run into someone that will be important to your business. Simply spreading the word through, you are and what you do makes huge difference. Also it is important to remember to treat everyone with respect, even if they aren't going to directly be a client. I now have several clients that have done business with me, simply because I met with some of their family, who are still waiting to be in a position to buy a home.
Thanks, Bo, for your thoughts. Good luck to you!
Jacquie: Thank you. Good for you. I agree with you about trating everyone well. Hopefully that becomes ingrained in us all. It can go a long way. Take care.
exactly! how are you to get referrals if no one knows what you do or who you are...
Thanks Naoma. The one thing I occasionally forget to do is ask. That's important too. Have a nice day!
Paul