If you are looking to join a Business Networking Group, there are tips and techniques that can enhance your networking experience. In the real estate industry, we can greatly benefit by participating in a networking group. For many agents and mortgage professionals - business networking is essential for the growth of your career. In the current economy, networking also serves as a support group for those looking to ride out the current market. If you have trouble finding the perfect networking group- you can always create you own via Meetup.com, but be prepared to dedicate the time and energy necessary to keep a group going strong. 

The below 6 Networking tips will benefit your next event.

 

1. Attend all scheduled meetings, on a consistent basis. It may seem obvious, but as with many things in business, its about "suiting up and showing up" consistently. It may be difficult in these times to stay optimistic, however an important aspect of outlasting a major crisis is simply the ability to "Shift" along with it. Attend scheduled events frequently to gain the most benefit from the group.

2. Be Memorable. First impressions are important, but at a networking event where you are exchanging many business cards- its easy to forget conversations and contacts shortly after. If you have specific branding for your niche, try to incorporate it into your attire or marketing materials. Wear interesting apparel or bright tie. Your appearance is a reflection of your business and profession.

3. Load Your Pockets with Business Cards. This is pretty self explanatory, but there are many times that I have met other professionals who fail to carry business cards. This is a "MUST" for effective networking. You should also bring a notepad and pen in the event that a referral comes your way. You will show the referral source that you are eager and prepared. When given the option to give your information, or to obtain the leads information, always opt for obtaining a leads information so that you are in control of calling them, and not waiting for them to call you.

4. Follow Up. If you have attended a networking event before- then you know you will bring home many business cards. The key is to follow up with those referral sources who are most relevant to your industry. Once you follow up with them, brief them and educate them on how they can help and talk up/sell your business. Once you obtain a lead, follow up with them immediately, preferably in a few hours or the same day. You don't want to risk losing business by not acting in a timely fashion.

5. Treat the Referrer like Gold. Of course you should give 100% to any lead source that comes your way, as you would with every client. However, its important to realize the importance of a good referral source. Send them a small "thank you" gift each time they send a referral your way. Thank them in person and over email/phone when you can. Once you close business, send them yet another small "thank you" gift, card or email. It will keep the relationship on good standing and remind them that you haven't forgotten them.

6. Share Leads. Many professionals are guilty of attending networking events with the intention of generating more business for themselves, and its easy to forget about others expectations. When you join a group, depending on how it is structured, members are attending to build their businesses, just as you are looking to build yours. Remember that "An open hand is ready to receive abundant blessing in return". You need to reach out and give sometimes in order to receive.

 

Are you located in the Westchester, NY or Fairfield, CT area and looking to join a great networking group? Check out my group "The Westchester Professionals Networking Group".

If you are a first time home buyer or perhaps downsizing, but don't want to be too far from the NYC area, we have two great options for you that are affordable and commuter friendly. Check out these great co-ops in Westchester!

 

1 Oakridge Pl. #4A in Eastchester, NY

 

A lovely 1 Bedroom unit that is across from the Eastchester public library! View full slideshow here. This unit features hardwood flooring, lots of light and a desirable location.

Offered for $199,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

245 Rumsey Rd. Yonkers, NY

Only a 15 minute drive into NYC, this large unit includes 1 bedroom and 1 parking space. View full slideshow here.

Offered for $115,000

For more information on either of these properties, please contact us at RichardsonRealtyTeam@gmail.com or call 203-273-0055.

Are you looking for a new place to call home for 2009? We have a great selection of Westchester homes: [/caption]

4 Bedrooms and Totally Renovated!

Located close to Greenwich, CT in Rye Town (Port Chester, NY) is this beautiful Tudor home welcomes you from the moment you enter, with glass french doors leading to a cozy, bright family room with fireplace. Completely renovated this past year, this home features a new eat in kitchen, beautiful gleaming hardwood floors, new windows, roof and a huge walk up (via stairs, no pull down!) attic that makes for a great storage area. All located within minutes of major highways, train, bus and much more. Click here or call us for more information! 888-RRT-KWRE for private showing. Offered for only $475,000

Calling all Nature Lovers! 2 or 3 Bedrooms, For Rent or Sale- Close to New Canaan, CT & Merritt

Beautiful 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath town home at desirable Oakridge Condo's, this RARE townhome style unit will meet all your requirements: New Kitchen, Lots of space, Storage galore, Garage, fireplace, Master bedroom Suite and Private Patio. Located along Rte 123, minutes from schools, parks, pool, New Canaan town, train and Merritt Pkwy, yet only a fraction of the price! Click for more info or call 888-RRT-KWRE for private showing. Offered for Sale $375,000 For Rent $ 2,350/mo

Home Sweet Home, Beautifully Renovated Cape close to all!

This sweet home located in the heart of it all- in Yonkers, NY is available for both rent and for sale. Nothing needs to be done! Move right in. Beautiful renovations, lots of storage, private manicured yard and a large driveway fits up to 4 cars! Click for more information or call 888-RRT-KWRE for private showing. Offered for Sale $579,000 For Rent $2,950/month

 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE RENTALS CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOMES FOR SALE

 

Pre-register for Anthony Robbins National Trainer Workshop in Westchester/White Plains, NY

We have a really exciting meetup to announce!

Wed January 7th, 7pm -

We are going to have a really special guest speaker- Anthony Robbins top national trainer/coach Doug McGuirk! He speaks for many Fortune 500 companies and is a great presenter. The workshop/seminar is about 50 minutes long and will cover The Principles for Success. For anyone that might not know, Anthony Robbins is a very well known motivational speaker. I think we could always use some motivation.

 

To read more click here

To RSVP visit our Meetup Page

 

Serious times = Time to be blunt....

 

After learning some important market updates today, we feel it is important for Westchester home sellers to know that unless they are prepared to stay living in their home for several years, or take further losses, listing your home for sale this winter can be the smartest move you will make. Read more here.

Are you looking to sell or rent your Westchester NY home? Have you tried the FSBO (For Sale By Owner) route and have been wasting time with bargain hunters? Perhaps you had your home on the market that expired recently with a previous broker who never actually showed it themselves. Maybe this is the first time on the market and your looking to work with a company who does more than simply list it on craigslist. Will our team be a good match for your needs?

• If you are looking for the team with "something more" to offer, rather then "something less", you have found the right match. If you talk to our previous clients, you will find we go the extra mile for each and every one of our listings. We are known for featuring our listings in local magazine articles and well known real estate blogs.

• As you know from visiting this site, we also showcase our listings on our many blogs and sites that score top google ratings (perhaps you found this article the same way). We get thousands of visitors a day from all over the globe! Ask us to show you the stats- we would be happy to email them to you. We promote your home in many ways. While many are slowing down and doing less, this market requires the opposite. We are always vamping up our marketing efforts, staying on the cutting edge to get you the maximum exposure and talent. We often are asked by other agents "how do you do all that you do". We put our clients needs first. We take our job very seriously, but also enjoy our work. If you check out our blog, we post a lot about local events, news and other topics aside from real estate. We like to keep the news fresh and interesting.

• The way to sell your home in a tuff market and economy isn't to wish away your competition, as that is never possible in these markets where homes tend to sit longer. You can try to out market and out promote your home, which we certainly do a great job of, but the bottom line for a quick sale in the current market is a pricing and marketing strategy that meets your timeline. We will be upfront about what pricing point will sell your home, but ultimately we will let you decide once we have provided you with our opinion. While we differ from most by not being overly aggressive to work with, we are however aggressive in our strategies, and believe that sound and honest advice is what the clients appreciates most.

We specialize in homes located all over Westchester, and have systems in place for your specific Westchester location. Contact us today via email: RichardsonRealtyTeam@gmail.com or call 888-RRT-KWRE. You may be interested in: About Us & Our team the news How to price to sell and still make a profit Why List with The Richardson Realty Team? Your Homes Value

Halloween Events & Haunted Houses in and around Westchester County

Want to see the Headless horseman in person or attend a spooky haunted house? Check out these events this fall before and on Halloween.

Click here to view full list of Haunted Houses, Scarecrow Invasions, BooFests, hayrides and more!

Have a area favorite? Mention it here!!

 

Bargain Hunting?

This charming colonial at 35 High Street in Armonk was recently featured as a great buy in Westchester Magazine's Spotlight "Bargain

Hunting" Web exclusive, and just might meet your needs! lined entry.

 

 Read the article here!

If you are looking for a charming home that is just the right size at 2,000 square feet, in a great price range, this home could be just what you have been dreaming of! This home is unique in that it has historic charm, including original glass window in the kitchen, and beautiful maple wood floors. It has exposed beams and original plaster walls and moldings, creating a feeling of old meets new. Speaking of new- the large, eat in kitchen features a great layout, with a handy laundry room off the kitchen. The family room is warm and cozy, with a fireplace as the focal point and a large picture window looking onto the grounds. The windows are replaced, and the oil tank is above ground.

 There are over 2 acres of wooded, rolling acres which could lend themselves to great gardens with enough space for a small yard and garage area. If you check out the survey, you will see 3 original chicken coops on the map! This house is perfect for someone looking for old meets new. Could that someone be YOU?

 

 

 

 

35 High Street, Armonk NY 10504

3 Bedroom Antique Front Porch Colonial

Listed for $639,450.

Byram Hills Schools, Close to town, pool and parks.

Contact us to view this charming home! RichardsonRealtyTeam@gmail.com or 888-RRT-KWRE

View more information on this home here.