Real Estate Blog - Six small steps: MAKING A NETWORKING EVENT WORK FOR YOU

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Six small steps: MAKING A NETWORKING EVENT WORK FOR YOU

Dear Real Estate Professionals:

Do you attend networking events? Ever wonder if you are wasting your time and money? I would like to share my personal recommendations on how to better network during networking functions which usually cost a low entrance fee and cost you precious time.

As many of you know, my name is Nima Rezvan, Home Loan Consultant http://www.mynima.com/ or Loan Officer with Countrywide Home Loans; America's #1 Residential Home Loan Lender http://www.countrywide.com/ in Fairfield County. I grew up around a large diverse group of friends so I learned how to communicate and work with many different types of people. My friends during high school were Italian, Hungarian, Romanian, Indian, Irish, Ethiopian, Puerto Rican, Polish, Persian, Greek and second generation Americans. During my college years I attended Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, CT http://www.wcsu.edu/ and I joined the World's Largest International Social Fraternity; TKE: Tau Kappa Epsilon http://www.tke.org/ which had the most diverse group of college men on WCSU campus. I was very active during my college days so I got to work with hundreds and hundreds of different types of people. I even graduated with a B.B.A in Marketing and had dreams of making the funny commercials you see on TV for a major advertising agency. After a few years in the Corporate Marketing world I had a near life/death accident that almost took my life. Since the accident I got a job opportunity with Washington Mutual Bank http://www.wamu.net/ as a junior loan officer under a President's Club Senior Loan Officer. I spent 2+ years with WAMU and learned the business ground up and during my years with WAMU I got to attend many company sponsored networking events which involved lots of our business partners. As a junior loan officer I stayed back and watched many loan officers at all of these functions and I even saw loan officers fail.

After almost 4 years of watching and learning people network the right way and the wrong way, I have come up with my own keys to networking. You should be making networking work for you.

Here are my 6 keys to better networking:

1.) Proper Attire: Dress professionally and make sure you stand out so if it means wear your best tie/shoes for the gentlemen and for the ladies to wear the correct amount of makeup/jewelry then let it be. Dress sharp and look good. Before you leave for the event, look in the mirror and see if there is a sharp dressed real estate professional looking right at you in the mirror. If you like what you see, you are ready to attend a networking event with a positive attitude and very high self-esteem.

2.) Smile: Smile as often as possible. Make sure you smile because it makes you look comfortable and it makes you look like you have the self-confidence to be where you are standing at that point of time. Make sure you aren't smiling too big and remember the rule, no fake smiles. Just a small natural friendly smile is much better than a big fake smile that could make you look like a politician or a door to door salesman. You are trying to network here and looking for a person to work with for many years down the road, not just make one sale off of one referral from them.

3.) K.I.S.S: I learned this one from one of my colleagues in 2005. It stands for Keep It Simple Stupid, no, don't just go up t a random attendee and kiss them! Once you do start to speak to another person keep it simple stupid. Talk about something off the topic of real estate and make the other person feel comfortable with your style. Talk about anything else and don't be too aggressive. If you are a lender, don't just start throwing mortgage products at them because all lenders usually have the same or similar products to offer consumers. If you are a real estate agent, don't ask if you are buying/selling or know of anyone who is selling. Being too aggressive is a turn-off.

4.) Business Cards: Make sure you have enough business cards with you at the event and make sure you try to trade business cards with every single person that you speak with even if you don't know that you will ever work with them or see them ever again. Trust me on this one. Imagine you meet a recruiter for a financial job and your best friend from college gets laid off doing a financial job and then you remember you met a young lady who is a recruiter in that field and you give her your friend as a referral? Who is that recruiter going to call for a mortgage or buying/selling a home? Okay, so it is not 100% given that he/she will call you but it is better than nothing. She will then need the urge to return the favor and refer you a person in need of a mortgage or a person in need of a realtor.

5.) Eating/Drinking: Make sure you are not drinking lots of alcohol because it does not look too professional if you are just taking advantage of the wine/beer because then everything that I just suggested might not come to you and you will look bad and first impressions count. Don't eat a lot of food either because it makes you look like you attended just to grab a quick snack or a meal. Are you there to eat or drink or are you there to network?

6.) Follow-up: Write a handwritten small note to each person that you spoke to and you have their business card on hand for correct spelling of their name and correct mailing address of their business location. Again, just say it was nice to meet you and you look forward to seeing them again at future networking functions. Offer your services/advice whenever they need it or if they know of anyone that needs it. Include another business card in your note to them. Email them that day or the next day and say it was very nice to meet you and you enjoyed meeting them.

These are the six small steps in my opinion you can take to make a networking event work for you.

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Here is a small quote that I came across while I was web surfing and I saved it on my laptop and now I am sharing with you:

"Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one." - Jane Howard

- - - - - - - - -

Thanks for your time reading my blog and good luck networking the rest of 2006 and for many years to come.

Your Connecticut Loan Officer,

Nima

203.913.6016

http://www.mynima.com/

Available to you and your clients 7 days a week until 10pm, always working for YOU

Posted by Nima Rezvan First Time Home Buyer Expert CT FHA Loans - FHA 203k - CT Mortgage on 12/03/2006 12:04 PM

Comments (112)

connecticut, ct, networking, loan officer, home loan consultant, real estate, mortgage, fairfield county, danbury, realtor, blog, nima, wcsu, tke

112 Comments on Six small steps: MAKING A NETWORKING EVENT WORK FOR YOU

DEC

2006

Good advice Nima! Something tells me you are the master of networking!

Linda: Believe it or not, I just might agree with you on that one. I wouldn't say master but I would comfortably say that I am a person who is well-liked 99.999999% of the time. I was going to blog about my Business After Hours chamber event in Stamford, CT this passed Thursday night but I didn't want to tell others what I saw and mention any names. Maybe I will get around to blogging about the Stamford chamber soon. I hope you are enjoying your weekend. Family and Football time for me today.

I'm not so sure about #5 there, Nima. I like to take advantage of the cheap booze. (They're actually charging us a buck a drink at our Chamber mixers now.

Nima,

Very good and simple points to remember. And written very well also. If you act like you write then I can understand why people like you!

Brian: Your chamber asks for an annual membership fee, an entrance fee for each event and charges you separtely for the alcoholic drinks? That is interesting. Our chamber events are usually $10 - $15 per event.

Karen Hurst: Awww, thanks for the kind comment. Yes, believe it or not, if you were to ask me if I was a good writer, I would say absolutely not. I always try my best to write well and mean well and I took a good hour out of my Sunday to write this blog and construct this blog and it all came from the HEART. Wish you were here locally to me so that we can work together on a daily basis.

Great advice! Some very simple yet sage rules to follow!

Kaushik: Thanks for commenting. Sometimes the simplest things are overlooked or forgotten and a healthy reminder will always benefit all of us here in the Real Estate World.

Thank you! I love love love to network more than do an open house. I feel it keeps me closer to the company dollar and your leads are more qualified.

Renee: How are you? Thanks for stopping by once again. I enjoy your comments on my blogs, makes me want to blog every day. I just want to compliment you on your picture, I love it. Also, I love your banner ad or small marketing picture on your Active Rain profile. Perfect colors are used and a short but sweet sharp message written across at the bottom. As a Marketing guru, I love it.

Nima,

You seem to have this networking thing down. Thanks for sharing.

Great post! It's funny, without fail, at every networking event that I attend with an open bar, there is always someone there in jeans drinking like there is not tomorrow. I always wonder if they ever get business from the event later....

I love the Jane Howard quote!

Here, "proper attire" would most often mean DON'T wear your fancy business clothes. "Office casual" is the way to go for most occasions; the trick is to appear sharp while dressed somewhat casually. Of course, we have very expensive restaurants where people waiting in line for their reserved tables on a Saturday night can be in anything from formal ball gown coming from the opera to blue jeans - and where Liz Carpenter (now, there's a lady who knows how to network!) has been known to invite everyone from Lady Bird to the checkout clerk at her favorite grocery store to the same party - that's just the way Austin is and always has been!

Hi Nima, You are the networking guru. Thanks for keeping it so simple. it is the follow up that sets you apart. A hand written note...you gotta love it.

Congratulations on the Gold Star!

www.HomeRome.com

Baltimore,Md

Nima- Great Post !! Thank you for the tips !!

John H: I am just sharing some of the small steps that are needed in order to be succesful. I am sure there are other small steps that others take that I have not mentioned. I am always willing to share and contribute to our Active Rain community.

Chichi: Thanks for dropping by. Look for a future post on my last experience at a Chamber of commerce event. I will probably title it, things to avoid during networking functions. I also had a young lady at my last event who was pretty drunk and her foul language was even turning me off because others could listen to her and think I am the same. How is your market in PA ?

Tricia: I've always wanted to visit Texas. Austin or Dallas or Houston or San Antonio. Not sure 2007 will be the year but I can't wait to visit Texas. Most of my family from New England area went to college in Texas many years ago. The Jane Howard quote I found on some website while I was surfing the web. I wish I could re-trace my steps. Thanks for commenting.

Margaret: Thanks for reading my blog and commenting today. You are a very kind professional realtor which I would do tons of business with if you were here in Fairfield County. I hope things are going well with your husband. Thanks again.

Lauren: Your welcome, anytime! This is a great community to share our ways of doing business with one another. I enjoyed reading more about you on your A/R page. Seems like loan officers know that you have the patience for first time homebuyers, which sounds a lot like myself. Thanks for visiting my blog today. I am actually watching my New York GIANTS play the Dallas Cowboys right now. GO GIANTS!

great post brother, i have been to realtor and broker hangouts will some of my business partners and i have seen what happens when they drink a bit too much lol

Eddy: How's the family? How's the west coast? The thing is that most of these real estate functions are like 90 to 120 minutes long so if you drink lots of alcohol to get tipsy and drunk, then you are not being professional. I have seen this in the past and as you can see with the comments above, others see it as well. Thanks for commenting.

Nima, in this market we need to get back to basics. Person to person, face to face. So simplistic and yet so essential to success. Thanks!

Nima, excellent post! Very good usable information with all the networking opportunities coming up over the holidays. Personally I just like to get drunk and eat all the shrimp:) Just kidding!!!!! I don't drink. I don't do any networking functions anymore. Haven't been to one in about 5 or 6 years. But if I did, I would play by the Nima rules of conduct. Even though I think s...m man would work just as well. CLUE: Halloween:)

William Collins: Very true my friend but do not forget about the internet. We need to keep up the networking in person and on the web. Your welcome, anytime.

Broker Bryant: You really do know how to make me laugh. I still can't believe that you remember the costume. Every year, it is my duty to put a smile on my friends and my friends friends faces. You are not the only realtor that is not attending these type of functions. I have a close realtor of mine in Stratford, CT who hasnt gone in 15 years. To each his own. I love to network and I love to socialize and meet as many new people as possible. Say hello to the wonderful wife from me.

Nima... good post with some good information. I like # 3.... and it makes sense, why scare someone with a bunch of jargon. As you stated, get to know them. Talk business another time.

Also...#4 & #6 are very key. It cracks me up when I am out and I ask for someone's business card, and they don't have any. I think in 16 years of ever having a business card, maybe twice that I can remember, I didn't have them on me or ran out. And #6... something that I need to do more of.

Now.... #1, I will agree with what Tricia Jumonville had mentioned. I have seen some people actually put their very best on and it stands out too much. It's one thing to dress like you are successful. And it depends on the type of event... but in todays business world, casual is excepted a lot more often. The high end suits, mostly Wall Street and high end Execs. Now, this is just my opinion, but if you talk to a lot of corporate people, it's okay, depending on your dress. It can go either way... people can also lose business in the real estate market because it might look like you don't need it.

I would add one. Act as IF. If there are any fans of Boiler Room out there you know what I mean. Act with the confidence that you are the best person at your job, etc. -Charles

Jacqulyn... yes, good point. But it goes back to dress attire. This can put some people off also. Like I said... we aren't the high end financial district. Again,.... people and places...

Jeff B: Thanks for the nice comments. I figured why not work on a great post because I went to a chamber event last Thursday and I saw some things that turned me off and reminded me that I am pretty good at networking myself because I would never dare make those same mistakes.

Jacqulyn: My father once told me to find a job that I love and do it well. When you are working in a position that you LOVE and you ENJOY, you will have much more confidence in yourself and what you do so you will be the person and you wouldn't need to act like the best person.

Jeff: To be honest with you, I co-hosted a broker open house 2 weeks ago and the agent asked me not to wear a suite to the open houses I do with her anymore because I might intimidate the buyers that walk through. On the other hand, if my branch manager finds out that I was at a real estate function networking or prospecting for new clients/leads and I was not wearing a suite/tie then he would be upset with me. Again, each person is different and each event is different. Each real estate pro should be able to do whatever he/she wants to do. Remember, we are mostly commission only so that means we are the CEO's and Presidents of our own company so we will make the decision on what to wear, what to say and what to do on a daily basis.

Great tip, networking is such an important part of our business. I will make sure I follow each of the six pointers.

Jennifer: Are you a member of your Chamber? How many networking events do you usually attend on a monthly basis? Thanks for commenting.

Nima.... I would then disagree with your boss. And if he got mad otherwise, then he should find another position, especially if he didn't ask why you did it or didn't do it.... lol But seriously.... clients can and do get intimidated at times. And the same goes with functions. I think too many times, people watch the Apprentice and says.... this is the way it should be. Again, not true. TV... and like I stated, we aren't on Wall Street or work for some international company, etc etc... dress for success? Not always the case.

Again....good post with some good, basic concepts.

I think what Jeff and I are saying is that "Proper Attire" means, know what's proper for wherever you're going to be and dress accordingly. Maybe a smidgen above, but not much more than that, or you're going to be putting people off, just as much as if you were too casually dressed. It's a balancing act.

Long before I became an agent, I HAD an agent who helped me find our horse property. He handled horse property almost exclusively, and he said that the people in his office gave him a hard time about the fact that he came in in a (clean, pressed) white shirt and jeans and boots. Until they noticed the pattern, that he was the top producer for that office consistently - he was dressing for his clients, who he would be hiking across country and through weeds and briars and such with, not for his colleagues, and it paid off in sales. Now, if he was going to a professional meeting, he had the suits that were appropriate for that and wore them - that was the trick.

Jeff: I will be honest with you here that I do wear jeans to the office when I don't have any scheduled appointments with any clients or any business partners. Each office has its own type of management and I am always willing to please him because that is what he is looking for. I disagree with him at times but I aim to please my managers wishes.

Tricia, I agree with you here. I am not saying that I wear a suite and tie every single day. No way Jose! I would rather be in jeans, a shirt, small v neck sweater over it and then a sports coat. I would have to say that this is how I look now 4-5 days a week.

Nima.. on another note... dress down or casual Friday's is good..... but I am now questioning your boss... one who would get upset if you weren't in a suit during an open house, but allows jeans during the course of a full work week? There is a lot of meaning behind what I am trying to get at...same thing I tell people that even dress in jeans, work for an office that is strictly phone sales, and think...hey, if they don't see me, no big deal... my opinion...wrong. But this could go on for a while. Maybe someone else could jump in and explain if they know where I am going with this.

Secret... there have been studies to show that the better sales people... for the most part, not always... lying to clients does not constitute a great sales person... lol But those dressed better... actually come off more professional. It's a fact.... but again... you need to feel comfortable.... but like I said, there is meaning behind this. And one last thing.... if someone brings someone into the office and everyone is wearing jeans? Yes, there are nice jeans...but jeans are jeans. I believe in the middle attire, casual dress....

Jeff: Our branch manager is in another office so now you can understand where I was coming from. I do have a door to my office so I can close it but I usually sit behind my desk and you can't really tell if I am wearing jeans anyways. I just believe that jeans are okay because we haven't had a walk-in in 2 years that I have been in the office. We are on the same page here, no worries.

okay Mate.....

Simple concept, simple points to follow, well stated. It seems that the attire aspect brought up more comments than the other points. Coming from the east coast, and now living in AZ, what one area considers appropriate would be overkill for another. Yet, I still feel that if you are a professional, you should act it. Here is AZ, a suit would be too much at most of these meetings, yet, some people take casual too far. A tie, nice slacks seem to be appropriate for the guys, yet, I still see shorts and other such attire. It just doesn't say professional to me. And who do you think I would recommend

Adam & Sharon:

Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Everyone will make their own decision on what to wear and not to wear. Until there is an event where a dress code is stated or in print, no one will ever dress the same at any event or function. We are all unique individuals and have different views on what to wear and not to wear.

Nima, great blogs and tips. Like everyone else, I've seen different dress for different areas. I to try to dress professional but not look way out of place.

Cynthia: Thanks! I guess if I was going out to an event or out in public, I would rather be over dressed then under dressed. Would everyone agree with me?

Great stuff Nima. Networking is one of the best ways to build a referral business. Definately better than cold calling.

Nima. We have so many submarets in SD. Downtoen? waer a suit with no tie. East County. Khakis and cowboy boots. North County beach area...dress slacks and a hawaaiin print shirt.

Rebekah: In the 4 years that I have been in the real estate financing field, I have never ever cold called anybody. Most of my business, in fact, 95% of my business is referral business.

Brian: Hawaiian shirt huh, not bad. I know when we spoke over the phone you were telling me about the open house you co-hosted as well and that you cooked for. We have snow coming tomorrow. HELP!

Great post, Nima, and great suggestions. Simple, straightfoward and easy to implement. How could it be easier?

Nima, Like the pointers... I do all of them but number 5 (the drinking part). I will eat the food, but stay away from the alcohol. I do not drink alcoholic beverages when I am at a business function. I have found that people appreciate the fact that I stay away from the drinks at the networking groups. (Plus it is fun to watch those that do get too heavy into the drinks.)

Hi Nima~ I'm late on this I know! But thanks for these tips! As a service provider in real estate networking is a must, but sometimes awkward! I'm not very good at it...it just feels funny~

Hey, I just saw a GOLD STAR:)))yay!

Jeff D: Isn't great when you hear of easy suggestions. I wish I could learn how to blog more effectively. Maybe in 2007 I will learn how to better blog and get picked up by search engines. Thanks for coming by.

Jason: That actually doesn't sound bad at all. I will stay totally away from the alcoholic beverages at the next function. I will see if there is a difference. Thanks for the suggestion.

Laura: I know, it's not easy. That's why it took me a while to join these local chambers because I wasn't ready to network with all different types of people. Practice makes perfect. Start out slowly and just tell yourself that it is easy and that you will be fine. Thanks for commenting.

I've heard a different approach to #4. Don't take any business cards, but collect everyone's card. Then, after the event, send your card and a follow-up to everyone telling them you enjoyed meeting them, etc. You have their address on the card you collected from them. this makes you stand out from the crowd.

Hello

Great post. I also want to add "work smarter not harder." I would skip the small talk (a bit is fine) and get straight to the point of networking... finding how you can benefit each other's businesses ;)

cheers,

cindy

i stage & redeisgn to sell, live and work in san francisco bay area!
cindy@staged4more.com
www.staged4more.com
http://stagingtipsandmore.blog.com/

DEC

2006

Nima Great post!! Thank you for the tips !!
What type of networking events would you recommend to attend for recruting and creating new realations??

Thank you
www.rightabouthomes.com

Hi Nima, this is the first post of yours that I've read and I'm looking forward to reading more of your ideas in the future.

I like the voice you write in, it's very friendly.

Ryan

Carol W: I like your idea as well but if it is an event that is meant for just networking and it was planned a month or two ago, then it would look bad that you went with no business cards. People might think that you forgot to bring your business card and you might forget things often. I do like your idea but when someone asks for your biz card, what do you say to them, what is your responce?

Cindy Lin: The only reason I say include some small talk is because you will stand out from the other person in the room that does what you do. If I was to approach all the realtors in a Chamber of Commerce event and just keep throwing mortgage products at them and telling them how great I am probably won't make them want to hear from me again or use me. But.. If I was to speak to them about other things and feel comfortable with them and tell them different ways to increase their business and talk about how you can help their business makes them listen to you even more and enjoy speaking with you. Because it is obvious that a lender can help a realtor out if they refer a client to the lender.

Ivan: I would recommend Chamber of Commerce events. Join more than one and attend the events and follow my tips. Attend other local events where PEOPLE are at. Remember, our business goes around because of PEOPLE. We have to be always around people. I would attend as many real estate functions as possible. Attend tradeshows, conventions and as many social events as possible. Definitely always have business cards on you, no matter where you are going.

Ryan W: Thanks for your kind words. You are more than welcome to read more of my blogs in the near future. Look forward to reading your blogs as well and learning tips from you. Thanks for commenting.

Nina, Great post! I always love networking events. I'm the first one at trade shows or exhibitions and at many I can gain one or two sales or listings because i like people. (and I like to talk)

Cindy, Nima, I actually belong to a networking group with a difference, formed by people who also belonged to the other, more "traditional" networking groups and found them, while somewhat useful, also lacking. This group has no dues, the only expense of the meetings is to bring your favorite appetizer (we used to try to have dinner, with one person providing the main course and the others bringing something for the side or donating $3 to the kittie for the person providing the main course, but we've found this works better). The rule is, while you can mention what you do, heavy business discussion is forbidden - the entire point is to get to know each other as people. Meetings are rotated between the places of business (or homes in the case of those who don't have an office) of the various members as they volunteer them. The folks that belong to this group have gotten to know each other really well and naturally tend to use each other for business, as well. And it's the only networking group I've been to where a bunch will end up staying late, perhaps sitting around a kitchen table, talking about life, the universe, and everythng.

This isn't the only networking I do, but it's certainly refreshing, and it really, really works, because it's all about forming friendships first, with business as a side-benefit!

Nima - great point about going easy on the food and booze. The people you WANT to network with are well dressed and well fed!

Hi Nima, I certainly don't say I forgot them or I ran out! I say "my business cards are the size of bookmarks, so I will be glad to mail one to you. They don't fit in your pocket". These unique biz cards work in lots of ways. Everyone comments on how great they are... and they don't throw them away. Mailing the card give you the advantage of bringing yourself to their attention (again) away from the bustle of the event.

By-the-way, I do have regular sized business cards but I rarely use them. I find the bookmark cards get much more attention.

Great post and the dialog on dress has me thinking about how I dress every day.

I usually have nice jeans, a button down shirt and sports jacket. Hmm ... and Jeff has me thinking about this - how much more time would it take to slip on my golf khakis? None. So I'm going to start with that change on Tuesday A.M.

Have a great one!

Toby

Chris Tesch: I am a peoples person as well. I love to talk and I love to listen. I recently had an opportunity to have my own table or tradeshow set-up in Boston, MA but it was like 6,000 for each table and I declined in having my own set-up there. Have you ever had your own table at a high end real estate function?

Tricia: Very nice. Being a very outgoing and popular figure and having hundreds of friends I can easily come up with a networking group but in the past 4 years or so, I have seen so many business groups fail and it was hard to see loan officers spend so much money/time on their group and then no one would show. I shouldn't just look at the failures and try to set up my own business group and work hard to make it work by having good quality people in my group that will give 100%. Maybe in 2007 that will be one of my projects to work on.

Another thing that is key is to make sure you are only part of one business networking group because you wouldn't want your main group to find out that you also know other builders, carpenters, painters, attorney's, realtors that you are referring your business to. That can destroy a business networking group instantly and give you a bad name.

Tony: Good observation and point. In my case, I am willing to network with any single person because not everyone is succesful from start. I actually would enjoy to work with someone who is not that succesful and then help them become succesful because in the long run, he/she will remember that you were a part of their success.

Carol Williams: Oh neat! Can you scan a card and share with the group and post it in a comment here. I would also blog about it as well and share your secret. I personally am not much of a book reader but I do read a lot of newspaper and magazines. I guess people can use them in magazines as well. How long have you been using the bookmark biz cards? Would love to see one if you can get it up here on this blog. Thanks for revealing your secret.

Toby: No worries because I prefer to be in clean jeans, nice shirt, nice v neck sweater over the shirt and a sports jacket on top of those. That is my new look and has been for the past couple of Falls/Winters. Jeff is right, it doesn't take much more time to put on some khaki's and it won't hurt your look either.

Nima, I actually did blog about my best marketing tools some time ago, which included my bookmark business cards. I also offered to share my source with those outside my market area. Gotta stay unique you know. I may have a copy scanned into my computer. If not, I'm sure I could find one. Perhaps I'll do a new blog and see if it gets more attention than the last.

Have a great day!

Great Tips Nima!

I really liked the K.I.S.S, It’s very important to keep a genuine smile on these events. It should be easy for others to approach you, when people see a warm smile they find it a lot easier to communicate.

Thanks!

Yasir Malik

Nima, I'm going to try to find the time to do a blog on how to market with business cards. It is an art in and of itself!

Carol: Great blog, I just commented on your blog as well. I know how I missed your blog. It was published on my Birthday. My birthday is October 15 and your blog was published on the same day. Thanks for sharing.

* I will also look for your new blog on business card marketing.

Yasir M: Oh oh, you go to George Mason huh! We can't ever be friends then!!! I am just kidding with you. I am a die hard UCONN fanatic (University of Connecticut). Yes, if there is no smile on your face then it would be pretty difficult for someone to approach you for anything. Specially at networking functions when you don't know the person or anything about them. Just a natural smile will do. No big fake smiles, they are as bad as not smiling. Thanks for commenting. GO UCONN!!!

Yep, another blog post where I learned what I've been doing wrong. Thanks a lot and for showing the right way to network.

Collecting business cards is the best practice beyond the obvious etiquette issues. I usually write something down on the card and if I felt comfortable with the person I send them a note the next day. This helps to start the relationship moving to the next level.

If I feel uncomfortable or don't see them as a valuable referral source I keep the card for future reference, but don't send the note.

Great advice! I would like to add a sixth (#6) to your list. :-)

6. Become a professional 'matchmaker.' Think of networking, and your "network" as a NOUN, not a verb. At events, work towards matching others up that you meet, building your network and allowing you to cultivate relationships.

Kevin Boyd: No problem sir, anytime. I am here to share my experiences and help you become a better real estate professional and at the same time, I will be looking to learn many new things to improve my way of doing business here in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

John Klassen: I can see where you are going with this because I went to send a note to one of the recent persons that i received a biz card from at the last Chamber event I attended and I really don't remember who this person was at the event. No, I did not drink too much. I believe I had 1 and a half Samue Adams at a 150 minute chamber function. That is not drinking too much, it is a good amount and respectable but like I said in a comment above, I will not be drinking at the next function to see if there is a difference in my networking experience.

D.L.: I kid you not, no joke but I actually met an IT gentleman at the last Chamber event I attended and I also met a realtor who did not have a personal website and I pulled him over and introduced her to the IT guy. That is exactly the best way to do it. You are right.. Hmmmm, I really like your #6. Thanks for adding that to the comments. Everyone will benefit from it. See, I already practiced it and I didn't even realize that I did that. Thanks D.L.

DEC

2006

Great suggestions Nima. I especially like number 2. There is nothing like a genuine smile to draw people in and your smile is a classic. Thanks for the post

Nice job Nima.

Sometimes I think we make things too complicated and when you really get down to it, real estate and business have always been about people. The simple things will always work.

BTW - I know it happened days ago, but congrats on reaching 100K! That is quite and accomplishment. (Now if we could just turn these AR points into cash.....)

DEC

2006

You're right on, as usual, Nima.

I'd add #7 - put that person into your contact database, so that you have the information at your fingertips, both to follow up with them in the future and to refer them. You might even want to enter them into an e-newsletter followup or a drip system. It's the continuing contacts that matter.

Bob Sommers: Last night I was at the Fairfield, CT Chamber of Commerce Holiday Reception Party and the smile was working full time/over time. I even got my picture taken and it will be printed in the local newspaper that goes to every household and business here in Fairfield, Connecticut. Thanks for your comment.

Mark Flanders: Thanks for the 100k wishes. Business is about people, you are correct and if someone doesn't feel comfortable with "you" then why would they want to do business with you now and maybe later? Thanks for reading my blog and commenting.

Sharon Simms: Great to have you read my blog and comment. Currently I have been just adding the realtors that I meet at open houses, public or broker to a special database and I try to send them something twice a year just to remind them of me. The realtors that I meet at chamber events or through some other way, I add them to my special realtor database and they could get something from me 3-5 times a year. I don't believe in sending something to my past clients or current business partners more than 3-5 times per year. I will be making up a special database of people that I meet that have nothing to do with real estate and sending them something twice a year as well just a quick small reminder of me. Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, I don't have a drip campaign for e-newsletters. I sometimes wish I was a realtor where I would have more opportunities to improve my website and add special campaigns that you mentioned. Happy Holidays Sharon!

MAY

2007

http://www.MyNima.com

MAY

2007

I enjoy networking functions, but I always wonder if will ever get any business from them. I like these ideas and realize I haven't been using these events to the full potential. What kind of advice do you have about drip campaigns??

These are great tips! I plan on writing notes after my next networking opportunity!

Is there an easy way to collect people's info that you meet at these functions without seeming pushy?? (to add them to your SOI list)

Good post Nima. Follow-up is so important. They say that the average person has to be contacted in some way, shape or form an average of 7 times before they will become a customer.

MAY

2007

Nima you are simply the best at what you do. I have run into Nima at several networking advents. This man knows how to dress to impress and is well spoken. He has become a close networking partner of mine. He also taken me under his wing. He is truly a man of his word.

How ever I never pass on the food and beer at these events.

Your Pal

Big Pete

You are very wise for such a young man! Lots of good pointers here. I think the handwritten note is key!

MAY

2007

not only should you have enough business cards - but you shouldn't be pulling them from your wallet either... I have gone in with stacks of cards and run out - or ended up with a whole pocket full ... either way, the thing to remember is that they are precious commodities and should be treated with respect. The Japanese offer their business cards only after you have proven your worth - then they offer with both hands and bow. It is a great sign of respect to "earn" a card.

I see a lot of people come to networking events to drink and be merry... and they don't even bother to talk shop.

JUN

2007

Excellent points- thanks! I will remember these-

Nima:

Thank you for the great tips on Networking during an event! I will start using all six of the tips that you have given on this web site today. It is kinda funny that I have already been using at least three of them in my every day life. I believe that Knowledge is POWER.... Thank again for the tips! :)

JUN

2007

Thanks for the advice. I truly believe that most of my business comes from networking - I Love it!

SEP

2007

Another reason not to drink too much is that it's not professional to be slurring your words at the end of the event! One single female lender in my area shows up to chamber events and after an hour or two she's slurring her words, having a hard time keeping her eyes fully open, and obviously on "the prowl". It's not professional, and I've never sent her a loan!

SEP

2007

Great tips. I'll make sure to bookmark this post. I'm always looking for ways to network better.

Great set of pointers. Not only are many of those things appropriate for networking events, but just dealing/meeting with new people in general.

FEB

2008

Thanks Nima for the tips. I have a couple of networking events coming up so I can use all the help I can get.

FEB

2008

Very useful information. I will too bookmark this post.

Jay

FEB

2008

HEre's another tip: Don't stand in one place for 2 hours talking to the same people. Mix & mingle. Get out and meet someone you DON'T know. Don't hang with all the people from your office/industry all night. The point is to meet contacts and reinforce old relationships. You have to circle the room and keep it moving!

That was an awesome post! I'm going to start attending networking events and you definitely gave me some tips I had not even considered!

FEB

2008

Great information. I am planning an event soon and this is very helpful.

Great blog! These are "down to basics" points that we all need to be reminded of. I love the KISS...and how true that is!

Great information, thanks

Gary Love

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