It's Convention Season..

CONVENTIONS - NETWORKING IN REAL LIFE!

Convention Season is upon us. Many of you who aren't actively involved in local, state, or our national REALTOR® Associations probably think, "What's the big deal? Why should I go?"

First and foremost, there is the Networking. My REALTOR® associates from far and wide, are far more than friends after almost 10 years of attendance. They are FAMILY! We automatically have so much in common, stories to share, and even venting to get out of our system.  Each opportunity we have to see each other is like a reunion. To me, these relationships are priceless, and mean more to me than anything else.

Referral opportunities also abound at convention! When people get to know you in, IRL (in real life), who do you think they will think of, when they have a client headed your direction?  Many, many of my referrals have come from REALTOR® friends, whom I've met at conventions. This can be a real boost to your business, and conventions can often more than pay for themselves!

Then there are the learning opportunities. At various national and state events, I have heard speakers such as Nido Qubein, Michael Russer, Les Brown, Bill Cosby, Campbell Brown, Harry Connick Jr., and even Presidents George W. Bush &  and Bill Clinton, just to name a few! Not to mention the quality classes of specific instruction offered for a really inexpensive price.  Go get motivated and come back charged to do business again!

Then there are the opportunities to serve and donate. I love that when NAR went to New Orleans a few years ago, we actively participated in rebuilding after the Hurricane Katrina disaster. The video of those endeavors still bring tears to my eyes. As well as just all the thank you's I received from locals, just for being there (we were the 1st major convention after Katrina to be held there).  At NCAR we always have an auction of GREAT prizes and items, including some major trips to benefit our statewide Housing Opportunity Foundation. Many of the items go at below value, but the proceeds all go towards helping increase homeownership in North Carolina.

OK, then there is the partying. Part of the networking but worth of a mention all to itself. Conventions are a place where you can let your hair down and unwind from the stress of a great, but difficult job. Especially during these turbulent times. You've worked hard, now it's time to reward yourself a little, and have some fun.

I will be at the NCAR Convention in Savannah, this Saturday thru Tuesday, September 26-29th.  I also hope to be at NAR Convention in San Diego, November 13-16th. I am doing my best to make that as well, as I know how important it is not only to my business, but to my heart and soul, which is refreshed and awakened at these events. 

I truly hope to reunite with many of you there, and meet many more for the first time. It's gonna be great!