Networking, networking, and networking...... What does it all mean? In my opinion, you need to be open-minded about new ideas and attack them before everyone else jumps on the bandwagon. You also need to be consistent in who you network with on a weekly or monthly basis. Lastly, you need to have a few different outlets in regards to networking and not putting all of your eggs in one basket per se. Basically a true business plan which I talked about in Part 1 of this series : Marketing & Branding
To properly network, you do need a business plan first. Once you have a business plan, you need to review it every quarter. Joeann Fossland wrote a great post in regards to what you should be looking at once that quarter is over. The 1st Quarter is Almost Gone! Are you on track?
Keep in mind, don't get over-whelmed with what you want to achieve. Stay focused and organized. So let's move on to some different ways to network.
Basic Networking-- One thing I have been doing is getting to know several of the business owners in my town of Haddonfield, NJ. Think about your bars, restaurants, super markets, and possibly your barbershops or hair salons. Possibly putting your business cards or pamphlets in some of these establishments. Brian Brady has done a few blogs on putting your blogs together in regards to this. Check out : REALTORS: Barbershop Marketing& Revisiting A REALTOR'S GUIDE to Barbershop Marketing. You want to talk thinking outside the box? It’s a must read.
Online Marketing -- Blogging has become very big in recent years. This has to be the cheapest form of advertising when it comes to money out of pocket. But it does take some time out of your week to accomplish this. My biggest advice? Blog wisely. I gave some tips when blogging in Part 2 : Blogging - Techniques & Ideas Keep in mind, Active Rain is probably the best place to start when it comes to blogging. But there are other pay sites that you can expand with such as TypePad, Blogger, & WordPress.
** Guest Blogging -- You can get invited to write blogs on other networking platforms such as Bloodhound Reality, Rain City Guide, The 24, HomeGain blog, and so many others. If you can get invited as a guest blogger, you are devoting your time, but it gives you more internet presence for free.
Past Clients aka Sphere of Influence -- This is actually a no brainer, but I can't tell you how many don't even utilize this method. The basic concept involves monthly or quarterly newsletters, thank you cards, and sometimes just the basic phone call. I talk about utilizing Constant Contact or Act to help you with this which is mentioned in Part 1. If you ever follow this person, Jennifer Allan, most of her writing is talking about our Sphere of Influences.
** You are your database.... by : Linda Davis Linda talks about friends, family, outside vendors, and so much more.
** Increasing your 'sphere of influence' by : Jacqulyn Richey Jacqulyn talks about getting involved with charities. You can add Church communities & functions, fundraisers, and local community programs such as Habitat for Humanity. www.habitat.org
This is an excellent compilation Jeff. I need to spend some time reading these. It just occurred to me, wouldn't it be cool if we recorded our blogs into podcasts? Then I would be able to read so much more of the genuinely informative material that we have in our AR cache!! I should record one of mine and see if anyone downloads it!!!
HEATHER..... thanks for the polite compliment. I think so many of us don't review our business plan more than once a year. I know I have been guilty of this in the past. In regards to ST Patty's... as a FYI .. it's the 15th of March this year.
SONIA..... I see many who waist their money in areas that make money, but costs them more than what it's worth. They don't figure out their true costs. Thinking that they spend money to make money, but it's not a great percentage of what they spent to make it. If that makes sense. I am semi tired now... lol thanks for the polite compliment.
JENNIFER.... damn girl.... I totally forgot about podcasts in this series. Thanks for the thought now. Back to work... lol In any case, thank you very much for the kind words.
LARRY..... so, how's your vaca? I left you an e-mail. In any case, thanks for the kind words and the compliment. Give me a call tomorrow, since it's late. thanks
There are also a plethora (no, Jeff--I didn't have to look it up...this time) of mixers and networking groups for professionals in many cities--check out the newspaper or weeklies in your area.
This is a great series, Jeff! Are you writing a book soon? Seriously, you should consider it if you haven't already.
Jeff, as you have so eloquantly have stated, marketing is a multi front battle. And, in battle you have to have supplly lines, you have to resources to move to different fronts as needs arise. You also have to find new techniques and strategies as your opponent or the environment changes. Thank you for taking the time to put this into words. AJ
ELAINE.... thanks. Sorry that this one was packed with too many links. You usually don't want to write a blog with that many links.... but I didn't want to make mini series's either. thanks for stopping by.
KENT.... lol.. funny, aka Dennis Miller. Thanks for your feedback. But in regards to a book? No, not really. Because that would mean that I would have to write 40 more times the info.... lol But thanks for the polite compliments.
ALAN..... a great way of putting it and analogy. Another way of looking at it. Thanks for mentioning this. And thanks for stopping by, General AJ... ;o)
Hi Jeff, I love your posts, and love all the great links and info. Later in the day I go back in to spend time on your posts and follow them where they lead. Very much appreciated.
I particularly like the part about the business plan before you network, and then reviewing it every quarter. I think that is the real fall down point in some networking. I am glad that you included blogging into networking; I am finding that to be the most important networking tool.
Jeff - I'm really enjoying your series. So much information. With the spring market almost upon us here, I have been back up with work, I haven't had the time to implement any of your great marketing ideas, which I need to do, for we all know you must keep marketing even when you are busy.
I'm busy so I can't complain ....I'm working on my farm and getting prepared for a bunch of closings in March. 1st Qrtr wasn't bad considering the market.
Jeff, great info as always! I bookmarked you so I can check it all out later. I've been so crazy with moving lately, it's all I've been doing, can't wait to get back to AR more!
Jeff, what a great post- so much to learn here at Active Rain- as most of you know there is not enough time in the day. Active Rain has been a great place to get my feet wet in this blogging world. It has brought me clients, friends and confidence to serve my clients in the best possible way.
Jeff, you've assembled a deep list of resources here. Salient points about formulating a business plan, a systematic approach to networking. I could definitely improve in this area. Thanks for the blueprint.
So many places to go, so little time. LOL I sign up for many of these and then just can't tend to them. All great articles, blogging, social networks, SOI, they all work, you just have to decide how many you can juggle and make the most of them.
Of course I like AR the best. Thanks for the link love. :)
EXCELLENT blog with so much valuable information ! I have really been beefing up my online presence lately. I have bookmarked this to re-visit and visit some of the great sites and blog links you have provided ! Thanks Jeff !
Very impressive & ambitious work here Mr. Belonger. (Local business owners is such an often overlooked Marketing Avenue) This was a good series of posts that is worth reading by anybody in this biz. Grazie amigo!
Hi Jeff, This caught my eye and then I see you have included me! The post is great. I so agree with the idea of expanding your strategic team to include all of those who are interested in the same demographocs as you are. It is going to take a few minutes to read all the other inclusions, but I know it will be worth it! You've done a great job here...I can just feel your high energy!!! Thanks
Thanks for the info. I agree that networking can make your life in real estate so much easier. Like anything else it all comes down to numbers the more contacts you make etc. My personal philosophy is that every day I need to meet five new people. Some days I succeed other I need to try harder.
Jeff Great post on your blog, I miss networking it seems like we all get into our caves in the winter time and now we are coming out like the slumbering bear - hungry and ready to eat
Great post. I have bookmarked it and will go back later to view some of the links. Networking with charity groups is my best method of networking and I'm glad you have it in your blog. I like the Business Plan too. It keeps you on track.
Those are all great suggestions on networking. I like to do my networking a bit more simply. I just go to the activities that I am interested in (music, gardening, reading, etc.) and things just seem to blossom from there!
CHARLIE.... my pleasure... but you said that you aren't on track as of yet. On track on? Your business plan? Some goals? Trying to piece some things together? Just curious...thanks
SUSIE.... well, thank you very much not only for the kind words and thoughts, but for the support. I hope some of the information helps.
CYNTHIA..... why stop now? lol Because these kinds of posts take too much time..... lol And it's not like I can get mortgage business from them. But I do enjoy sharing what I have learned. If I only had half of this help when I was newer in this business and younger. Thanks for the compliment.
MATTHEW..... that is a great idea and I would love to put that in here. But I was just told not to edit posts, especially features... they are working on a bug that is stripping some of what we edit.
In regards to my cigar shop locally.... it is a great place to network. But unfortunately a friend/ex-coworker is best friends with the owner and he is in there like 5 days a week. Everyone knows him well. But I do enjoy going there. And it is still a good networking place for me, because some people are still getting to know what I do. thanks And you just gave me an idea... thanks
DAN...... my pleasure.... hopefully it will help some. I do know that I included a lot of links, but it would have been a much longer and boring post if I had to write everything in detail.
FRANK..... I have seen several actually start the year off, then do a business plan and try to work around it... or basically work into that plan. As you stated, to write the plan before you start to network. You need at least an outline. In regards to adding blogging to the business plan? How could you not. In my honest opinion, and it's been proven, blogging is and will be a good part of someone's business for 2008 if they do it properly. thanks for your feedback.
Jeff - This is a really good series. Glad you wrote it. I don't network locally as my point is to promote being virtual. I've had too many instances where agents felt that, because I was local, I could go refill property flyer boxes and sit open houses. Not so! That's not what I do. Agents outside of my local area "get" the whole virtual thing a lot better, which is strange.
But I completely agree with staying in touch with my past clients, sphere, and leads! Thanks for a great post!
Jeff - it's great that you've brought out some blogs from back in 2006. Most agents weren't members back then and missed them and probably don't have time to go back. Thanks for featuring them.
The way we did it in the past is not the way of the future we all need to get the networking of the electronic age mastered or someone else will. Thanks for the post.
SANDRA,...... you're busy, that's good. And yes, I believe that you need to stay on top of marketing & networking, even when you are busy. Because there will be those times when it's slow and by then, it's too late usually to kick it into high gear. In any case, thanks for the compliment.
JUILIE..... my pleasure and thanks for the compliment.
NEAL.... busy is good, even in a so-called down market. I am finding many that have been busy. I myself have seen it in spurts this year. Hence why it's good to stay on top of this stuff. thanks
DWAYNE.... I have seen so many that just do the same thing over and over and over... year after year...some people are set in their own ways and if you can't change with the times, you will be left in the dust.
KRISTA.... you have been moving? A new home or a new company? In any case, I was wondering where you were. Thanks for stopping by and for the polite comment.
JUDY..... what, you don't have 30 hour days and 8 days a week where you live? lol Yes, there sometimes not enough hours in a day. And I came to AR about 17 months ago, which is where I first started to blog. And yes, it's been a great place to not only learn, but to meet friends and new people... and yes, to get business also... and thanks for the compliment.
I just read through this. Networking and Relationship building is really the key to this business. In a market like today, these 2 things seem to keep myself busy. It is also good for my business. Thanks for these interesting posts.
ANDREW L. .... thank you very much for the kind words and for the compliment. I am sure many need to work on something, I know I do. And as I wrote this, it was a great reminder even for myself.
MISSY..... time? Who needs time... lol I know you have signed up for a lot. I am still just here and Myspace. I know I need to join a few more to get myself out there, but I am also concentrating my efforts on what I have. Not trying to spread myself to thin, would could hurt my efforts... baby steps right now, because as you stated, there is little time. And my pleasure in regards to the link love. Show me the love baby. ;o)
MELISSA.... all I can say is that the internet is extremely powerful. Even though I closed 7 loans in the 4th quarter last year, it just gets better. I have already closed 2 this year from blogging, and I have 2 more in the next 14 days just from blogging, via the internet. The hope the info helps and thanks for the compliments.
JASON...... I agree, I think we overlook local businesses. Branding yourself within your town has to be the best, without over doing it. Thanks for the kind words and for the support.
JANEANNE..... that's great. And yes, team, which I have always believed in the team concept, even if you don't have a team. Those around you, working together.
JOEANN.... it's just going to take you a few minutes to read the links? That's pretty quick. ;o) And we seem to agree on much. And you wrote a great post to include in this. It fit perfectly in what I wanted to show. Thanks for stopping by and for the compliment.
KEVIN & MONICA.... are you guys going to take turns in reading the links and then report back to each other? ;o) Seriously, thanks for the kind thoughts.
Where did you get that pix, I love it..... Here's a good story about AR networking - I have the pleasure of working with Sardi's brother. Jason's family lives in the area and Jennifer, from Portland, referred him. That's Jason's signigicant other. Are you licensed in NC? I think you are - Jason is not. So, what a great story for you, me,and others from AR if we keep it in house.
I am glad that you have included some past posts. That way,I can go back and educate myself on some things that I need help in. Great information as usual by one of the best on active rain. Great post.
LORRAINE & LORETTA.... yes, networking can make your life easier and business more prosperous. But trying to meet five new people per day? Wow.... I have heard about calling 5 to 10 people a day. Maybe meeting 5 people a week? Personally, I think that is too much, but I guess it depends on what you mean by meeting 5 new people a day. Does the gas station attendant and the CSR at a bank count? :o) In any case, thanks for the comments.
KARL.... my pleasure, thanks for stopping by and for the compliments. How they come in handy...
DAVE.... why is it that you miss networking? Have you stopped lately? Was it because of the weather? Or just stopped period? Thanks for the comments.
ROSALINDA...... do you do a lot of networking amongst charities? And if so, how do you go about it? Maybe you should write a blog on this? Your experiences? thanks and thanks for the compliments.
?????.... thanks for the polite compliment.
RICHARD..... my pleasure and thanks for stopping by.
EMILY..... one great thing about everything mentioned... you not only don't have to do it all, but you can do what you want at your leisure. It all comes down to your goals and business plan. And some of things that you mentioned, also sound like things that you truly like to do. This makes networking more fun and enjoyable..... and can make it worthwhile. Thanks for your input.
I get overwhelmed sometimes. Just when I get a schedule going, there seems to pop up another site that should get my attention. Then I have to rework my schedule all over. I have been doing this a lot lately. Great post though, as always!
Hi Jeff - You really covered a lot of ground with this series, and thanks for the mention! It's very encouraging seeing such a great response to this. To me, it means that Rainers are actively expanding our online presences and helping others do it as well.
Jeff - You clearly put a lot of work into this post, and I would like to congratulate you on a well-deserved feature! I bookmarked it as a checklist of sorts. Take care and we'll talk sometime soon -
DIANE.... not sure... hopefully not that many? ;o) Thanks for the polite compliment.
JESSICA.... thank you for both comments and hoe not to disappoint you in the future. ;o)
TRACY..... I think many of us always need a swift kick in the butt at times. I am glad that I could help some. Let me know if the links were useful.
RENAE.... I totally agree with you when it comes to local. I have that issue from time to time also. Realtors telling clients to just use local lenders. Or that they are afraid of out of state lenders. Even people locally can screw something up. About 65% of my business is out of state and I am very successful with that. In any case, thanks for the kind words and compliments.
SHARON..... lol... I am laughing, because there wasn't anyone around here in '06... ;o) I am glad to have brought out some stuff from the past, that is relevant to this post and that it has a good message. Thanks for actually checking out the links and actually bringing this up.
KERRY..... thanks for stopping by and for the kind words.
TERRY.... it's funny that you brought up comparing the past to the future. Brian Brady and I were just talking about this today. Brian and I see some big differences and changes in the next 12 to 24 months, at least on the loan originators side of things. And it will either be done one way or another way. Nothing down the middle. Thanks for your input.
GARY & MELYNDA...... hope you find many good things on this one.. Would love to know what you liked the best or what helped the best. Thanks....
GARY M. .... I am glad that you had a chance to read through this series. And yes, marketing and networking is key. But even if it's busy.... thanks for the compliments.
D. BASS.... thank you for all of those kind words and comments....it's much appreciative.
TODD & DANIELLE.... I know Craigslist has help many of realtors, but from mortgages, I see mostly junk...false advertising.
CAROL.... glad that you found this helpful and actually found your way back. ;o) Thanks for the compliment.
TRACY S. ...... I found the pic while just searching the net... in regards to Jason's brother, yes, it would make for a good story. I'll send you an e-mail on this.
LANRE.... well, don't go that far in your statement... lol But I truly appreciate the kind words and polite compliments. Overall, thanks for the comments and for stopping by.
I just want to educate people about mortgages and the process.
In regards to lending, I am very creative, intuitive, honest, and one who communicates information, may it be good or bad. I am a loan officer that looks out for your best interest.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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