Building relationships, sharing information and contacts between your existing connections, and using your connections to build new connections is an important way to build a network in real estate. By building lasting relationships with potential clients, other real estate agents, and industry professionals, you can gain an edge in this very competitive business.
Avenues to building bigger networks in Real Estate:
- Attend industry events. This is a great way to meet other real estate professionals and learn about the latest trends.
- Join professional associations. There are dozens of professional associations for real estate agents, such as The American Real Estate Society (ARES) or the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). Joining one, or more, of these associations can give you access to new relationships and opportunities, educational resources, and industry support. A quick internet search will reveal the most active ones in your area.
- Get involved in your community. Volunteering for local organizations is a great way to meet new people and build relationships.
- Use social media. Social media can be a great way to connect with potential clients and other real estate professionals. Be sure to use your social media profiles to share your expertise and promote your business.
Once you’ve started building relationships, it’s important to nurture them. When someone reaches out to you, be sure to respond promptly. When you can, offer to help your contacts with their real estate needs. Most of all, be yourself and let your personality shine through and you’ll attract a network of like-minded people with like-minded goals.
Share your connections and don’t be hard to reach
Remember, too, that networking is a two-way street. Don’t just expect people to help you. Be willing to help them too. When you help others, they’re more likely to want to help you in return.
Most of all, remember to stay in touch with the members of your network. Keep relationships fresh by letting contacts know how you’re doing, by sharing topical information, or by just checking in occasionally to say hello. Staying top-of-mind in your network will make you an easy choice for those who have an opportunity to pass along.
By following these tips, you can build strong relationships that will help you build a strong real estate network and unearth hidden opportunities.
Now get out there and get networking!
