It’s not what you know; it’s who you know.
That’s what we have heard all of our lives and it is not any less true when it comes to networking for real estate. There is undoubtedly power and knowledge to gain when one reaches out and networks for his or her benefit. But where do you start?
The Internet, while sometimes an unruly place provides us with the ability to reach people all across the globe and find individuals or groups interested in the things we are interested in at the touch of a button. While it is true that the Internet and connected entities are vast and full of valuable information, it is very often easy to get lost in the endless sea of information. Fortunately, Mr. Property has some great tips for you to optimize network outreach and minimize time wasted searching.
Firstly, social media has really just recently landed in our laps. Everyday we hear stories about the good and the bad. While there are surely both, one great thing about social media is its aptitude for networking that can lead to many positive connections. Take Facebook for instance, while public trust and popularity of Facebook have declined in recent years, there are thousands of groups pertaining to real estate and related areas. Also, as is the case with most social media platforms, one can simply post news, thoughts, and ideas to his or her page allowing the public to interact with them. More recently, and especially within the younger demographic, Instagram has been a leader in networking for investors of all kinds. It is very easy today to start an Instagram page with you or your company’s interest being the focus. While there are many options, we suggest networking in as many places possible for people who are serious about expanding their network and scope of influence.
The Internet is one of the most potent tools in the arsenal of today’s networkers. Let us not forget though that there are many just as effective means of networking in the real world. While we realize these methods may be more difficult to undergo during the current season not to mention during the time of COVID, there are still options for when the world returns to normal for lack of a better word. Participating in your local chamber of commerce is an excellent way of communicating with local businesses and being a part of the community. Attending seminars and classes is also a fantastic way of expanding your horizons, meeting new people, and maybe giving you a new perspective on things you may have overlooked in the past. It is sometimes hard to take advice especially from people we do not know; however, it is just as often lucrative to yourself and your wallet.
Lastly, it is important to say yes and be open-minded about opportunities. If we had all of the answers, we would not be trying so hard to network and reach out. As an investor or speculator of real estate, every situation in day-to-day life should strike you as an opportunity. A friend asks you to go to dinner? Say yes. A co-worker asks you to attend a class or meeting with them? Say yes. That isn’t to suggest we should say yes to everything. But, we should always be mindful of the fact that life is often about one’s mindset. If you view these suggestions as tasks, you will not get as far as you would if you saw them instead as an opportunity in motion.