Making New Friends to Sell Real Estate To - a Guide for Introverts & Other Reluctant Networkers

Jennifer, it is all about bumping into others without an agenda, and just showing care and interest in THEIR lives. They'll get around to finding out what you do eventually.

The title of your post got me thinking how many of my friends came from being in the business, directly or indirectly, quite a few! Socializing with friends balances all the time I spend talking with people that is strictly business. I used to avoid social events when I could get out of them, but now it's no big deal, go with family, friends or alone. Sometimes that last one is the best, I meet more people in a freer way.

Very cute, Jennifer.  I too can be an introvert, it is just easier and more "peaceful", but there comes a time in everyone's life when they have to get out there and make friends.

Good stuff, I like the title, very catchy and it was full of what was promised. THanks!

Hi Jennifer,

It really is hard to step out of one's comfort zone to expand one's social world.  I recently decided to go to a networking event completely on my own.  Didn't know a sole.  My husband thought I was nuts and, to be truthful, as I was handing in my $10 admission I told myself "I could still back out of this."  Walking up to a complete stranger and saying hello was also hard, but you know what?  That person introduced me to about 5 other people in the room.  After that, it was much easier to say hello and introduce myself to other people in the room I didn't know.  Most of the people at the event were eithar Realtors, mortgage people, contractors, etc.  Next time I'll be a little braver and  maybe just go to a Chamber event, or maybe even just something given at the local library. 

Jennifer this is a very good post as well all have a certain comfort level.  Thanks for the post!

Such a thoughtful post, Jennifer!  I'm sensing from the volume of your emails, and the comments here, that a majority of people (from all professions) feel shy about getting out of their comfort zone and meeting new people.  I'm sure your words are a comfort to them!  Whenever my daughter started a new school, I reminded each morning that every friend she's ever had was once a stranger.  For those that know they need to get out and network, but are feeling squeamish about it, I'd suggest finding events and groups that have meaning for you personally.  If you love.. turtles, cooking, books, or are passionate about starting a dog park in your area, etc., start with seeking out people with the same interests -- that's where the friends can be found (and they all have relatives and neighbors and friends who might need a Realtor!) Trying to network just for the sake of networking or increasing your SOI, can be a hard first step.   

I so look forward to reading more about this from you! :)

Jennifer: Thanks for the post. I think it's important for all of us to step outside of our comfort zone. I think most of us are inherently shy and I can be kind of quiet sometimes. But certain businesses require us to get out there. It doensn't mena we need to be the life of the party but we do need to be somewhat social and continue to build relationships. Thanks again!

Paul

I never would have thought you were the shy type at all! I know it is hard for some to be around people in social situations. I love to be around people- but I need my "me time" as well! Great post, thanks for sharing.

I'm with  you on the cottage cheese!  Real estate has been very good to me - in spite of the fact that I am an introvert and will always choose to be alone with a good book over going out.  I look forward to your next post.

I do not suffer from this challenge being a "High I" personality!  But I work with agents constantly who ask me how I got to know so many people in the business and built a huge SOI.  I like to help them figure out their personality type so that I can suggest how they can socialize and build a network without feeling out of their skin.  It has been fun and I have watched a couple of my mentees grow into real estate moguls as a result a having faith in them and helping them along with the confidence building!  Toastmasters is a great solution too as it helps you communicate in almost any situation!  Thanks for the post about a very common challenge among people in our business!

Jennifer - Before I entered real estate, I had very minimal needs to network.  However, upon entering real estate, I had to learn about networking and it took quite some time.

By the way, what's wrong with cottage cheese?  I really enjoy the cottage cheese in the USA.  Most of the Canadian brands are not tasty except for one brand that we have found.  Unfortunately, all cottage cheese has a very high salt content which does not make it overly healthy.

I would classify myself as extremely introverted.  I've overcome this is two ways:

1. I spend a lot on marketing.

2. I have a weekly poker night, and I encourage everyone to bring new people as often as possible.

The marketing costs me money and brings in about half of my business.

The poker night usually makes me money and it brings in the other half of my business.

I just wish I could find enough people for a second poker night.

I look at it like - If you are deliberately branding your name in a SPECIFIC marketplace and actually live there ,then all of these folks are actually your neighbors !!! With that new(imposed)mindset, it makes it easier for me to motivate myself to use my potential by networking/prospecting. It is amazing when I finally meet someone in my(designated)Primary Market Area , I develop a new conscienciousness and start noticing all of the times we probably have been at the same location(at the same time). The Battle is truely in the MIND !!!

Jennifer - Sounds like you were a lot like I am, so that gives me hope that I can change.  I much prefer the organic method of getting business than being forced to attend some function.  I just hope I can become more extraverted in the process.

Jennifer - So true !  I can relate that I very much at times avoid the social networking opportunities and can be quite introverted and shy.  It was even a little tougher for me too getting started in real estate in Philadelphia as I had no family in Philly where many agents do a deal here and there with their family or a friend of the family.  Starting without a networking base in real estate is hard.  But through hard work and building a business, it certainly can be done by anyone.  If I can do it having social anxiety disorder, anyone can do it !  Will look forward to Part II !

Great read for all the introverts working in an extroverts world.