The real estate industry is built on a foundation of personal connections, and a big part of each of our days is occupied in reaching out to clients, colleagues, and competitors. The right contacts make a critical difference in our ability to identify opportunities and get the job done. Meetings, conferences, and CE are a golden opportunity to not only improve our industry knowledge, but expand our network by exploring new possibilities. So, the next time you plan to attend an organized meeting, put some of these networking tips to work to help make the most of your time.
#1 Organize Your Contacts
Most event websites feature an attendee list, so you can begin to check on which of your contacts will be attending the meeting. It’s a great practice to consider the people with whom you’d really like to meet. Using that list is a great starting point for the next tip.
#2 Set Up Meetings in Advance
The time at a conference flies by, and the whole thing will be history before you know it. You can nearly always schedule a chat over breakfast or a cup of coffee during the afternoon – if you reach out to people before their days fill up. Use your contact list first, and then branch out to people on the attendee list whose work you’re familiar with or who share your area of expertise. They’ll be glad to make the connection too, even if it’s just to trade business cards for future contact.
#3 Fill the Time
Some of your most productive conversations may occur in the hallway, between sessions. Keep your eyes peeled for people you’d like to speak with, offer to make introductions, and be helpful – offer to share information you may have that’s relevant to the conversation.
#4 Speak with Speakers
Conference speakers expect to interact with the audience following a talk. The best speakers will make it a point to greet you as you enter the room, and introduce yourself. You don’t need an introduction, no matter how renowned the speaker may be. Ask questions and join the post-session huddle. It can lead to bonus information and help you connect with other interested parties.
#5 Follow Up Right Away
When you get back to the office, you’ll often find you are inundated with work to catch up on, and the conference will be a dim memory in a matter of days. While it’s fresh in your mind (like on the flight home), add new contacts to your email account. It’s a good idea to jot a short note on the back of each card as you collect them, to help you recall what made you interested in that person. Follow up with speakers and other people you met, restating your interest in their ideas, providing supplemental information, leads, or contacts, and expressing your hope that they keep in touch.
