How can you super-charge your real estate networking results?
In person networking is one of the most critical lead generation channels for real estate investing and done well investors may never need to do something else. So how can you get better results from attending networking events or even just everyday interactions which could become lead generation and referral opportunities?
5 Tips for Better Networking
1. Be Interesting
Networking can be really boring, especially when everyone seems to have the same pitch; “buy my properties, they are the best and I give the best discounts”, or “deliver the highest returns” or can “help you sell your home and avoid foreclosure”. This just makes people tune out. What do you do different to everyone else?
2. Focus on What You Can Do for Them
The bottom line is that most potential prospects or referral partners really don’t care about you, your real estate investing business and what you do. They care about what you can do for them, which no one else is solving. When networking with Realtors, loan officers and attorneys the odds are they want more business and coverage. How can you deliver that?
3. Practice, Practice, Practice
Whether it is introducing yourself on stage, at round table events or even in the elevator it pays to have practiced your pitch. It doesn’t matter how great the script is if it doesn’t sound natural.
4. Hone in on the Few
You don’t need to connect with or win everyone in the room. Set specific goals before you head out the door and hone in on a few valuable contacts you can actually work with.
5. Create Results on the Spot
Of course no one wants to be sold on the spot but if you simply hand out business cards the odds are they won’t even remember you in the morning and you’ll just start getting more junk mail. Instead exchange Facebook likes, Twitter follows and join each other’s G+ circles on the spot and set up lunches or appointments with the best leads for later in the week.
