Today, we are featuring a guest post from Christel Silver, Broker/Owner of Silver International Realty!
I just attended a real estate trade show (MIPIM) in Cannes, France. It was the first time I attended this meeting. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) had a huge booth—sharing it with other state associations. I met so many interesting agents from all over the world, as well as from other states and from other areas in Florida and had one-on-one conversations.
Besides the knowledge I gained and the people I met, I came home with a referral in my hometown. Will I go again? Absolutely!
Get the Most From Your Experience
It is not important to come home with 100+ business cards, but rather with the business cards from people you had conversations benefitting both of you. Once you are home, sit down and write a personal note thanking them for the meeting, before entering their information in your database.
You do not have to travel overseas to gain a similar experience. Your state has conventions and NAR has two annual conventions, including the Legislative Midyear Meeting that just recently concluded.
Be prepared, know something interesting about your community you can share to make your meeting more memorable to the agents you meet. Contact agents, who are also attending and set up a face-to-face meeting with them. If you are going to a NAR conference, please reach out to me or send me a text and we will have a cup of coffee together.
You can never underestimate the power of face-to-face meetings. The agents who attend these meetings are the decision makers, the top-producing agents. You want to become their referral agent for your area. How you present yourself and the information you bring along, can open doors for your future.
Bring Others With You & Don’t Fear Competitors
I introduced a new agent in my office to one of the conventions and while she was amazed about the activity, the education and opportunities, she said, “Why do I want to meet these agents, they are my competitors?”
Wrong attitude.
Even networking with agents in your hometown is a benefit. What if you know one agent and you have an offer in a multiple contract situation, don’t you think you have a better chance of getting your offer accepted, providing it is a good offer?
With social media it is easy to stay in touch with your new friends, exchange experiences and help one another. We all experience the same problems, and it’s beneficial to have people to share positive experiences with or get help in a problem situation.
Education & Demos
Every convention has vendors showing you the latest technology, software, or services. You get hands-on demonstrations. And don’t forget the many educational seminars you can attend. Many speakers are available to you after their presentations and throughout the conference. Do not sit in the back of the room, sit in the front rows, go up and introduce yourself, they need referrals too.
Something to look for is the many samples/giveaways you can find. You may walk away with tons of new ideas on how to advertise yourself. Many vendors are giving away free pens, thumb drives and other gadgets. Check out calendars and postcards, I usually come home with a new idea for a postcard, because I appealed to me.
But best of all—at each convention I attend, I meet new friends. Friends I can pick up the phone and ask them for help or advice or just stay in touch!
If you’re ready to build your network through attending conferences and other events, make sure your real estate marketing is up to date. We can help – reach out today!
Christel Silver is a full-time Broker/Owner of Silver International Realty servicing the East Coast of South Florida. The National Association of Realtor’s (NAR) President appointed her (2010-2014) as the President’s Liaison to Germany, where she grew up and worked at the Justice Department for 17 years prior to coming to this country. Fifty percent of her business is in the International arena. For more information visit www.silverhouses.com.
This post originally shared on PrinterBees' Real Estate Marketing Magazine.
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