During your search for outside the box networking events, a great place to look after you have found your "society charity" events is in the employment niche. One of the best sources of contacts pertinent to the author I represent has been employment networking groups.
Why Networking Groups for Employment?
Many folks are being forced out of jobs, lay offs being the first step, and need to reevaluate their financial positions. Many decide they want more from life and wish to become entrepreneurs in a field that is a passion for them--following their hearts. Others feel stressed by their expenses including a large mortgage that is a continual source of stress. What is the biggest purchase and sale in most people's lives? People need your expertise so start ACTING like the expert YOU are already!
The Solution
Many people sell their homes or property to fund their dreams, sell their property to relieve their stress, or many will "trade" down aka sell their larger home for a more manageable mortgage and smaller property.
Realtors being transaction oriented, you can see the trend here.
Position Yourself as The Expert
Position yourself as the real estate expert for a particular region. Go to these meeting with information that will help these people to decide on a course of action. Help them with information and you will find new clients
Tone
DO NOT TRY TO SELL ANYONE ON YOU, YOUR LISTINGS, OR YOUR OBVIOUS GREATNESS AS A REALTOR! This is the fastest way to being asked to leave, being ignored, and turning your potential referral audience off--forever!
1. Instead position yourself as someone who is an expert and can answer questions, for free no obligations, and consult with the group.
2. Bring handouts for other employment networking events, job fairs, or offer knowledge of businesses that are hiring. Be a source of employment yourself
3. Write articles on your blog, website, or newsletter highlighting your new "friends" and their goal of employment. Call it your Expert Section and use it as a tool to bring more exposure to these folks. Maybe highlight one member per week or month. Print out your article(s) and circulate amongst the group.
4. Build a List when you offer to include these folks in your blog post you will receive their contact information. You then have the beginnings of your "Employment" list to send people to your newsletter, blog, or info on things you are doing in the community
5.Offer to speak about real estate in your groups region, alternatives, and the state of the market today
Where Do I Find These Groups?
1. Google the phrases employment education, employment networking groups, and any other combinations of phrases surrounding employment, job search, group, organization. Include the region, county, city you want to focus upon.
2. CSIX Connect is a fantastic example of employment networking. Go to http://www.csix.org/ for more information and an example of the type of group you should attend
Remember
Have fun when networking. Provide great value that people want. Be open and listen to learn. Connect and make lasting relationships. Don't ask but instead ask how you may provide help--the rest will take care of itself
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