Before you set out to that neighborhood BBQ or the big family picnic at Cousin Sally's house at the lake, do three things:
- Perfect your elevator speech
- Practice an answer to the question "How's real estate?"
- Put plenty of business cards in your pocket.
Gathering with friends and family is a perfect time to relax and unwind – and also a perfect time to meet new people and remind both distant family members and old friends about the service you provide.
These gatherings make it easy to promote your service because people are looking for things to talk about. When you meet someone new, chances are that within a very few minutes one or the other of you will say "What do you do?" We define and categorize each other by our work, so that's one of the first questions people ask.
Not only that, it's a pretty "safe" subject. You just don't want to be asking 
people about religion or politics. It might not even be safe to ask about family any more, and not everyone follows sports.
What about family members? They might already know what you do, but they're apt to ask how business is going. Be ready with a positive answer. Then ask about their work and the people they work with. If you know any of those people, ask how they're doing.
Could be someone they know from work is being transferred, just got hired, or needs a new home because their housing requirements have changed. They probably wouldn't think to mention it if you hadn't asked about work.
What about people you meet who are just visiting and live in distant cities? Chat with them. Ask about real estate in their location. You just might find out that they're going to need an agent soon. You can't help them, but you probably know someone from Active Rain who can. You can get a referral fee, while they get the benefit of contact with a top agent.
So… don't be caught off guard. Be ready with answers and business cards.
And one more thing... if any of those folks are active duty military or veterans - remember to thank them. If it weren't for them, the Founding Fathers, and the long dead soldiers who risked it all, your life would be very different - and probably wouldn't include watching fireworks displays or enjoying BBQ's with friends and family.
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