Increase Your Chances With A Network

From the desk of C.J Lauria

“No man is an island” is an expression that best explains the subject of today’s discussion.  The world of real estate investment is no different for the small, home-based investor than any other industry.  It is always harder to “go it alone.”

There is always strength in numbers.  That is why I have long stated the need to attach oneself to a solid, stable REI group, if possible.  The better organized the group, the bigger the benefit to the individual REI businessperson.

Take, for example, marketing.  If an individual decides to start advertising his business he will have to go through all the same steps that a larger conglamorate may perform.  Yet, the larger group will enjoy more “bang for their buck” because of sheer volume.  In the virtual world of the internet the same tasks are performed for both large and small businesses.  Why not pool efforts so as to keep costs to a minimum?

It really bothers me to see so many sincere folks spend their last dollar on another REI program in which they are still left to their own devices.  Imagine if they had connected with a group of experienced, motivated entrepreneurs in a non-competitive environment?  Their time and money would be put to much better use while they hunt for those illusive “killer deals” we all salivate over.  An example of one such group is found at www.invesdoor.com/mentor.htm.

Suppose you decide to start a list of cash home buyers for wholesale deals you wish to “flip.”  You hunt high and low for someone with all cash to purchase your house for sale.  The deals just don’t come often enough.  You have nothing for them and you lose touch with your prospective customers.  This is a sad scenario when we weigh in on the hard work it takes to secure cash home buyers.

Imagine, though, that you were part of a network that kept your buyers interested via the internet and maintained your relationship until you do have another cheap home for sale.  This is just one way that networking can maximize the effectiveness of one’s marketing budget.

Another advantage of such a group is the constant input of new methods and techniques.  The website referred to earlier is a non-competitive group under a mentorship program in which each member manages his own territory.  Thus, no two real estate investors can use any of the proprietary systems in the same area.  There are, of course, other fine networks out there.  National is always best in the long run.  Do your research.  No two are exactly alike.

The important thing is the results.  Remember this:  Efficiency is great, but effectiveness is better.  Look for the network that is enjoying results while growing their individual small businesses.  You’ve chosen the right industry at the right time.  Now go out there and make it happen!