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Networking Groups: The Attitude is the Difference

By
Real Estate Agent with Beringer Realty

AttitudeThere's been a lot of talk about attitude lately here on Active Rain. This morning I read a post on how the attitude of a single person can affect a group and impact the individual's future business. (Here's the post if you'd like to read it...it's a good one: “What Did You Forget? Your Attitude?")

And so I thought I'd share my experience in starting a networking group just a few months ago and how it ties in with the attitude theme.

The thing is, I don't really like "networking." The idea of a bunch of people in suits throwing their business cards at you begging for business just isn't my thing. I'm sure many of you out there can relate.

At the same time, I recognize the need to expand your network in order to grow your business.

So after several months of planning and brainstorming, I started up my very own "networking group" (and I use this term very loosely). There are five of us at this time; we’re all on the younger side, we’re all women, and we all have goals for both our businesses and personal lives which we take very seriously. We get along famously.

I specifically sought out ladies who were open-minded, had a joyous attitude towards life, and had demonstrated that they had serious interest in growing as individuals. Their work experience and local connections were irrelevant to me. More important was their attitude.

We as a group and as individuals will constantly be gaining experience, growing our businesses, and making important connections in the world, as are some of the goals of our group. I know this because I know that each member is committed to it, so the fact that most of us are currently in the early stages of all of the above is okay.

Attitude, on the other hand, can make or break you...and those around you. Attitude is non-negotiable.

We’ve had two meetings so far and the energy and excitement level at each was intense! I came away from both of these get-togethers ready to shake the world up a little…I felt empowered by the support of this amazing group of young ladies.

So if the idea of joining a “boring old networking group” makes you want to run and hide (it certainly did for me) then start your own. Do your own thing. Be creative. Make it fun.

Just be sure to choose supportive, open-minded, enthusiastic individuals to join you and the results will follow. I’m certain of it.

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Shannon Lewis is a Realtor® and broker at Beringer Realty located in Urbana, Illinois. She and her partner, Debbie Hensleigh, help home buyers and sellers in Urbana, Champaign, Savoy, and many other surrounding communities.

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To contact Shannon with a question, for real estate assistance, or just to say "hey!":

call 217-552-8059, or email Shannon@HomeplaceAdvisors.com

Comments (4)

Ellie Penaranda
239.776.5077 Downing-Frye Realty - Naples, FL
Naples Florida Real Estate - Waterfront & Beach Co

Shannon, I was just about to start tweaking my post before publishing on the subject of attitude and the power of positive thinking.  You are absolutely right about the old networking techniques (which I too could not deal with) and your great idea of taking hold of things and forming your own group with the type of people that can energize you.  I've been very consious lately about who I surround myself with... I've also noticed that the more I spend time with positive friends, the more I notice how negative some people can be.  Great post and good luck with all your efforts.

Jan 27, 2011 08:23 AM
Shannon Lewis
Beringer Realty - Champaign, IL
Realtor, Broker - Champaign-Urbana, IL

Thank you, Ellie, for your comments. It's incredible how surrounding yourself with the right people makes all the difference in your own attitude. I'm sure I'll be writing more about this networking group in upcoming posts...I'm already learning so much from being a part of it!

Jan 27, 2011 09:55 AM
Renée Donohue~Home Photography
Savvy Home Pix - Allegan, MI
Western Michigan Real Estate Photographer

I think it is up to us to do what works for our business and our personal lives.  Online and offline networking works for me but I won't judge for those that it doesn't work for. 

Jan 29, 2011 06:07 AM
Shannon Lewis
Beringer Realty - Champaign, IL
Realtor, Broker - Champaign-Urbana, IL

Renee- for some reason I didn't get notified that you commented! Sorry about that! In any case, I agree. Traditional offline networking, if you will, tends to make me uncomfortable (I'm a total introvert)...so I found a way to make it work for me and I can't tell you how awesome it's turning out to be!

Feb 02, 2011 12:55 PM