Property agents, listing agents, and other real estate marketing players often join networking clubs. Some prefer clubs within their locality while others can pursue meetups that are not necessarily within their area of interest. For newbies and those who are yet to join the buzz, it is always good to know how networking clubs work and if they are good for you.
Organizers of such groups usually join hands to bring a team of motivational speakers, industry experts, volunteers, and mentors. Once they have a full package, they invite members to join, sometimes at a fee. Some do not bother with the process of planning; they go straight into inviting and charging guests. Once they have a requisite subscription base, they will negotiate with speakers and host the seminar. When it is done like that, the benefit is usually zero.
If it is planned and focused on specific challenges that affect real estate within your region, expect to reap the following benefits.
- Access to information
These clubs bring together all players within the industry. They include mortgage companies; investment banks such as Tweed Financial Services; construction agents; renovation companies; contractors and many other players within the industry. Speakers focus on the mutual operation between and among industries. They also focus on how each party can help the other.
Various people bring tons of information, usually summarized industry reports and insights wonderful to a discerning seller. You can access significant information that can shape your career positively.
- Deal-making and sharing
Real estate projects vary from one to the next regarding players involved, the scope of involvement, and resources required. There are always people looking to complete projects, and once they identify you as a suitable candidate, they may engage you. The trick to clubs is to share your knowledge, expertise, and experiences. You never know who is listening.
Some agents combine selling property with renovation and improvement services, a very wonderful ingredient for home market players. It is possible to get people interested in just renovation but once they know you can renovate and market, they make up their mind to recommend you the job. In some instances, they may request a form of partnership to complete the project.
- Sharing experiences and mentorship
Networking is an art of bringing together people who can help each other grow. Without sharing, you cannot possibly get a mentor. Mentorship forms a critical part of success in any career. According to most industry players, mentors get the most credit towards success. The good mentor ought to be within your line of work.
- Building referrals and buyer lists
Assuming that you have 100 members in any club, the chances are that one of them is interested, or knows someone who wants something you have in your portfolio. Zillow advices that you have a complete portfolio, website, social media, and an updated resume before you attend any club meeting.
Ensure you have enough business cards, dress professionally, and approach every person courteously. Don’t be afraid to interact and share some of your items in your portfolio. Someone may be having a ready client, and you strike a deal; its better half a loaf today than a full one deferred to an unknown date.
- Education
Well established real estate networking clubs feature educational and vocational training including current industry insights and publications. You will get unparalleled knowledge relevant to your daily activities once you find the right group.
Companies such as Tweed Financial Services prefer to work with competent groups to help them grow and learn together. Unless you enroll in a bogus meetup, you will reap significant benefits.
