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Looking For New Ways To Get Business, Check These Out

By
Real Estate Agent with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services

Looking For New Ways To Get Business, Check These Out

 

Networking groups to grow your business

 

Are you looking to increase sales? Who isn't, right. While there are certainly a lot of different ways to get business, joining local groupsis a tried and true method that is proven to generate quality referrals for business people nationwide.

While some may consider these "old school", especially with the rising popularity of social networking, meeting other professionals face-to-face is a great way to cultivate relationships and get business. Most of these don't take a huge commitment of time, and the rewards can be huge.

Today, I'm going to share with you a list of organizations that can be a goldmine for anyone in sales.

1.     Networking Groups - These are structured groups that bring together like-minded business professionals to share ideas, and referrals.  BNI is the largest networking group, with chapters in every state in the US, as well as Canada and beyond. There are a lot of local and regional networking groups as well.  You can even start you own.

2.     Chamber Of Commerce - Most cities have a Chamber of Commerce, an organization whose goal is to represent local businesses within their community. Chambers offer opportunities to network with local professionals in a very friendly environment.

3.     Rotary International- Rotary is a world-wide service organization, with over 1 million members. The clubs consist of business and community leaders who work together to help their local community.

4.     Trade Organizations - There are tons of groups in your area that cater to a specific trade groups. Define the type of professional you want to meet, and join their trade organization. As an example, an account executive looking to meet real estate agents would benefit from joining the local Realtor® Association.

5.     Charity Groups - Do you have a cause that's near and dear to your heart? There are a lot of groups, such as the humane society, that are always looking for volunteers. It's always nice to interact with others who have similar interests, and with relationships comes opportunities for business.

 

I have personally been involved with all of these types of groups over the last 20 years and can attest they can help you personally and professionally. The toughest thing is just getting started.

If you want help finding the best group for you and finding a location, please feel free to contact me. As a one-time membership chairman, I am naturally inclined to help you get involved. Also, if you know of a fellow business professional that could benefit from this information, please feel free to share this post.

Tomorrow, I will write about how to maximize your efforts once you actually join one of these groups, so look for it.

If you liked this post, please subscribe to our blog. We are always appreciative of new having new readers and more importantly, enjoy making new friends. 

 

Here are some other articles of interest that we have written:

C'mon People, Stop Posting Vacation Plans On Facebook

Does Hiring Cousin Vinny Really Make Sense?

Real Estate Agents Are Not Just Door Openers

Is Zillow Really Accurate? Take A Look For Yourself

The Art Of Working With Professional Athletes

 

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About The Authors:

Dan and Amy Schuman live on the East side of Cleveland and specialize in Cleveland Luxury Homes, working with buyers relocating to Cleveland, and first-time buyers.

Dan is a member of the Solon Chamber of Commerce, and one-time Vice-President and Board Member of the Beachwood Chamber Of Commerce.

For Ohio and Cleveland Oh real estate and homes see  Cleveland OH real estate

For a personal consultation or to speak directly to The Schuman Team, call 216-346-3235 or email.

 

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Comments(8)

Jessica Harwick
Howard Hanna Smythe Cramer - Wadsworth, OH

Thanks for the tips and best wishes for 2011!

Jan 05, 2011 05:49 AM
Greg Nino
RE/MAX Compass - Houston, TX
Houston, Texas

Always a nice reminder to join the local chamber and rotary club.  A lot of people don't understand the difference between the two and how they can actually help your networking part of your business, especially when you are the only Realtor who is a member! Great post!

Jan 05, 2011 05:53 AM
Bryan Robertson
Los Altos, CA

These are all good suggestions but I'm especially fond of the charity groups.  The great thing about connecting with those folks is that they see you as being committed to the community but also see you as a person instead of a REALTOR.  Making that personal connection can be more valuable than a 100 mailers.

Jan 05, 2011 06:10 AM
Dan and Amy Schuman
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services - Solon, OH
Luxury Home Specialists

Jessica - Best to you as well. I noticed you are somewhat local, perhaps our paths will cross at some point.

Greg - Most agents usually don't like to get involved in these types of groups as they don't provide the "quick hit" that many are used to. Any agent that does make the effort in a group can really benefit if they are willing to put in the time and effort.

Bryan - That's a great point, because we are people first and being part of any group breaks down barriers so that everyone can freely interact and get to know each other. Eventually, as you know, things tend to progress and business tends to come up.

Jan 05, 2011 07:33 AM
Karen Crowson
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Rancho Bernardo, CA
Your Agent for Change

I agree Dan & Amy.  I've belonged to several networking groups - in fact, my very first listing came from a networking group. Being involved connects you to a lot of people, and when you're able to help them in their business, the reciprocity just starts to happen.

Jan 06, 2011 02:35 PM
Dan and Amy Schuman
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services - Solon, OH
Luxury Home Specialists

Karen - That's great that you belong and have seen the results. Some people are afraid of joining because they may be intimidated by the process, so I suggest they attend as a guest and at least check it out. It always makes us feel good to be able to refer business to other people.

Jan 07, 2011 12:16 PM
Christine Smith
Buyers Brokers Only LLC - www.BuyersBrokersOnly.com - Canton, MA
Exclusive Buyer Agent & Attorney, Canton, MA

These are great tips & I agree with Bryan above about the charity groups.  I like joining something where I have a common interest.  I think being an active member of your community reaps benefits beyond business too.

Jan 07, 2011 01:30 PM
Dan and Amy Schuman
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services - Solon, OH
Luxury Home Specialists

Christine - I agree that it's important to join a group where there is a common interest, whatever it may be. You meet great people and will get business benefits as well. Thank you for reading and commenting.

Jan 09, 2011 11:50 PM