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Best networking ideas?

I was curious to hear what has worked best for you when networking (outside of the internet). I am trying to train my agents (we have about 20) not to depend too heavily on internet leads, and I would love to hear some ideas from you guys with regard to what has been successful. I have a good number of ideas and books on the subject, but I am curious.

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Posted by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653) on 08/07/2007 07:30 PM

Comments (13)

Networking in the Offline Marketing Channel

networking, sales, social

13 Comments on Best networking ideas?

AUG

2007

Jason,

one thing I have done successfully here in Tempe Arizona is to start a referral network group. After 2 years of existence, I can say I walk away at lease once to twice a month with a good/great referral. Check out our website. www.businessreferralnetwork.org

I become involved in two networking groups which pass leads exclusively within the group. The benefit of the particular groups I'm in allow for only one of each profession so it greatly increases the referrals I receive. I've also would encourage your agents to go through a training course like Brian Buffini's which teaches how to build a referral based business.

AUG

2007

Loan officers who drive their own business can be a good referral source. Networking groups usually pay off as well.

Join the local Chamber of commerce and make sure all your agents are aware of the networking available there. Mine has monthly breakfasts, mixers, educational classes, etc. You can't just join & keep it a secret. Make sure agents feel welcome to attend as well. When at a networking event, SPREAD OUT! Don't stand in the same old group talking to the same people. And don't huddle together as a company. Mix & mingle.

Also, ask agents to join service clubs. Again, make sure one is in Lions, one in Rotary, etc.

Everyone has shared great suggestions.

I have found that my volunteer activities have lead to some great business relationships. I also advertise in quilting groups newsletter that goes out to maybe 65 people. I have had a couple of calls and inquires from that small advertisement. I think the niche market philosophy is very valid and we would all benefit from specializing in areas that are of personal interest to us. (Does anyone have a minor league baseball stadium they want to list?)

I must also confess that my wife who is a title agent and a very outgoing personality has been instrumental in introducing me to potential clients.

Joining a coaching group, whether it be Brian Buffini or something else is a tremendous benefit for networking with other like minded professionals. I know from attending these events, you are able to get some great contacts for referrals. Doing Business to Business luncheons and meetings with vendors - mortgage brokers, attorneys, tradesman - electricians and plumbers etc. is another great way to create referral reciprocity. Hope this helps : )

AUG

2007

GARY - That's kind of what I was thinking of doing. I will check out the site - I appreciate your comments! Sorry for taking so long to respond - I somehow overlooked all of the comments on this post.

CHRISTY - My title sales rep swears by the Buffini system - I guess I need to seriously consider using this for my agents. Thanks for your ideas.

TOM - I have received some referrals from our mortgage guy, and he is good about thinking of us when it's time to direct the business (he is a friend of mine from church). Thanks for your comments.

ERICA - I may suggest this to our agents, but I am so involved in service activities through our church that I don't think I would have enough time to do this properly. Thanks very much for the idea!

SCOTT - This is a terrific idea as well. We have benefitted a few times from our connections within the homeschooling community (three sales so far). I need to think of ways to expand this.

ERICA - As I said to Christy above, I need to give some serious thought to Buffini. Also, we are in the process of starting a networking group where we will be the only Realtors. Thanks for your comments.

AUG

2007

I second that on Chamber of Commerce and local networking groups. Just that alone can keep you busy for months!

I've joined a few, and started a couple, of Meetup.com groups on topics in which I am particularly interested (cooking and other things food related, green homes, wine, etc.), and we have monthly gatherings. Plus, I spend time on online forums (as I did before I became an agent), with people that I've learned that I get along with well and share things in common with. It's not "internet leads" as it's usually defined, but it is a form of networking that takes place on the internet - people get to know you online and that carries over into the real world.

Volunteering also works well.

MARC - Thanks so much for your suggestions. I have a friend who is an "ambassador" for the Austin Chamber of Commerce. I need to speak with him and find out how to take advantage of their events.

TRICIA - Great idea! I will look into this as well. I appreciate all of your thoughts on this. I have done a lot of volunteering in the past, but I guess I wasn't looking for business there.

AUG

2007

Jason,

I'm a Board of Director for a Chamber of Commerce here in the Tampa Bay area. I'm also a member of the very first coalition of nine Chambers of Commerce working together in the area called International Chamber of Commerce. Talk about synergy; now I have access to all of their contacts as we share ideas and events together. Such a great group.

As we were sharing ideas, I was introduced to a gentleman who is now I consider a great friend. He has shown me one of the best marketing tools in real estate (or any other business). You can check out my profile for info.

To Your Success and happy Networking!

AUG

2007

MARC - I will take a look at this. Thanks for your comments.

NOV

2007

Joining groups and clubs and activities that are not networking geared are also a great place to pick up leads. Going into these events with relationship building in mind, not necessarily the one time lead, have proven to be profitable for my husband and myself. For example, at my son's many soccer practices and games recently we met some folks that have recently listed multiple properties with us.

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