Bad Practices to Avoid During Real Estate Networking Events
The National Association of Realtors® has got to be one of the most important networking event for real estate agents, brokers and companies on a national level. It’s where the best and the brightest celebrate another fine year for the Real Estate industry and where they are also honored. It’s also a great event to expand your network regardless of the size of your real estate business.
The problem with networking events is that there will always be people who do all sorts of things to be noticed or talked about. And it’s not just limited to real estate events as there are other networking events that have the same problem.
Pick Out Targets
Make each move count in a networking event. Avoid just befriending people you come into contact with. Pick out the ones that will bring the most punch to your campaign. We’re not saying that you should be a snob during the event, be amicable and civil, but put out your best foot forward to people who you feel can help you further in your business. It’s pretty much like saying avoid using a shotgun and instead pick out the sniper rifle.
Don’t Bring Friends
The theme of the event is socializing and meeting new people from the industry. Bringing along a friend to a networking event will basically close the door for actually making any network. This is because you’ll tend to congregate together and talk amongst yourselves. If you do want to bring a friend, make a goal to meet a certain number of people while you’re at the event.
Avoid Intimidation
Intimidation and doubt can be the biggest enemy when it comes to a networking event. To be a successful real estate agent or broker, you have to shrug off intimidation and doubt and channel out your inner confidence. If you start feeling any intimidation, remember that it’s a perfectly normal reaction, but what’s more important is what you do about it. Here are some tips you can use to avoid intimidation and boost confidence:
- Breathe deeply and give yourself some mental affirmations that you are confident, smart and easy-going.
- Perhaps carry some essential oils like lavender (to relax you) and peppermint (to energize you with confidence). Dab these on your pulse points before you start your networking event.
- They say that pressing on the tips of your fingers helps to alleviate nervous tension and anxiety.
- Keep a positive state of mind since your frame of mind is directly connected with your emotional being. Think optimistically and provide a smile and a handshake when you meet new people.
- Set some goals before you begin the networking event so that you have something to focus on. Perhaps set a goal that you want to meet a certain number of people and collect a certain number of business cards. If you have a goal to meet, perhaps it may give you more drive and overcome any intimidation.
With the NAR Expo going on in November, take some of these tips in mind and best of luck in meeting new business prospects and clients at this show and at future networking events!
