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Who do you know and how can you help their small business grow?

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Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams First Coast Realty - The Marro Team

Who do you know and how can you help their small business grow? 

 
Trying to grow a small business is tough and it doesn't matter what kind of business it is. Today at lunch I was reminded that sometimes the best way to get business for yourself is to help others build their small businesses.
 
st augustine st johns riverBeing new to the area and new to the Florida Real Estate market, I've made it a priority to get to know more people. That doesn't just mean networking at BNI meetings, Chamber events or the local Builder's Association. Sometimes that means having lunch with friends. I'm an introvert and most of the time would actually prefer just staying home, spending a quite evening/afternoon watching television or sitting on the dock. That's not likely to get me business, however. 
 
Today at lunch, with one of my husband's coworkers and her spouse, I mentioned that we had dinner last night with other friends, one of whom was a social media expert. Immediately they asked about her. As it turns out, both the husband and wife have businesses in need of website and social media help. He creates custom wood furniture and cabinetry, while she is starting a vegan cooking school, offering classes to the general public. They have been looking for someone to help with this type of thing. Needless to say, I connected them with my dear friend Juliet Johnson, who I know will take great care of them.
 
jacksonville custom wood workingLater in the conversation, I also found out that he was looking for a luxury consignment store in Ponte Vedra to sell items that he crafted. I happened to have the business card for just such a store in my car because it was referred to me by another stager in the area. His ideal buyers are high end consumers, builders and designers. This was an ideal fit for both of them as most of the store's clientele are either designers or luxury property owners remodeling their homes. 
 
Of course as it happens, my husband's coworker happens to have a sister who needs to sell their home. Do you think that they will refer me after I helped set them up with connections that will grow their small businesses? Do you think they will think of me when any contact runs across someone needing a Realtor? I know if it were me, I certainly would. 
 
So, who do you know? How can you help grow their business? Helping them may just be the ticket to growing your own business.  
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 Author Bio: Melissa Marro, Home Staging Industry leader, Realtor, and entrepreneur offers a unique perspective on New Home Construction, Resale Residential Real Estate, and Home Staging

For more information on buying or selling in the Fleming Island, Orange Park, or Jacksonville, area, visit StageListSellNEFL.com or call Melissa Marro (marro.melissa at gmail.com), Keller Williams First Coast Realty, for more information (904-466-2093).

 

Comments (6)

Julia Maher
Nestings: Connecticut Home Staging and Model Homes - Fairfield, CT
Connecticut Home Stager

Good for you for putting yourself out there, Melissa!  I imagine that moving to a new place is tough enough...meeting new people is hard for most of us.  It's great to have a large circle of all kinds of referrals.  I should try to work mine more!  Thanks for a lovely post.

Jul 22, 2012 06:04 AM
Karen Otto
Home Star Staging - Plano, TX
Plano Home Staging, Dallas Home Staging, www.homes

Help someone else before helping ourselves... it's a servant's heart and the way to build genuine and lasting relationships both personally and professionally.  I have no doubt you'll be making a mark on my old college stomping grounds there in St. Augustine - can't wait to see you next month either..

Jul 22, 2012 08:29 AM
Melissa Marro
Keller Williams First Coast Realty - The Marro Team - Orange Park, FL
Jacksonville Real Estate and Home Staging

Thank you Julia. It really is hard but I know it is what I need to do to succeed. I know I'm more afraid of not being a success than I am talking to people (though I admit some days that is just not true =)

Karen - I forgot this was your old stomping ground. I wonder how much it has changed. Thrilled and excited to be with you next month!

Jul 22, 2012 11:06 AM
Donna Foerster
HomeSmart Realty Group - Parker, CO
Metro Denver Real Estate Assistant

I couldn't agree more, Melissa.  It works on the pay-it-forward principle.  When I meet someone with a small business I offer to blog about their business to help them with Internet exposure.  

Jul 22, 2012 01:01 PM
Melissa Marro
Keller Williams First Coast Realty - The Marro Team - Orange Park, FL
Jacksonville Real Estate and Home Staging

Donna - If they are local not only does it help their business but it can also help your RE blog by posting about things that are local! Great idea!

Jul 22, 2012 09:44 PM
Pacita Dimacali
Alain Pinel - Oakland, CA
Alameda/Contra Costa Counties CA

Melissa

What a networking coup that was. You never know when the next business is going to come from. But talking about what you do, planning to do, want to do....can get results :)

Jul 24, 2012 03:25 PM