What I Learned About Networking

I remember my very first real estate sales class. The instructor said belly to belly 20 times every day.

Kathy we can pass out a ton of business cards at networking functions, but know one is going to do business with us, or refer clients to us unless they know who we are and are comfortable with us.

I have also learned from the master Grant Schneider. Happy Tuesday and great seeing you today on the zoom call Kathy 🙂 

Networking is very beneficial if done consistently Kathy. You described how to do it perfectly!

Hi Kathy:

That is all great events. For some the value of networking seems to be how many cards can they hand out rather than trying to make meaningful connections with a few people. It's not very effective and you don't get to know others that way.

Jeff

Networking:  A supportive system of sharing information with individuals and groups having a common interest.  

If we actually NETWORK ... we must meet -- shake hands, introduce, talk, share, gain information about each other, and LISTEN.

I am not impressed by how many cards you pass out.  It's all about connecting and learning and listening.  If I come away having made at least 1-2 connections I am happy to build relationship with those and see how we can be of benefit to one another.

Networking was a skill I was taught early on, in the first real estate office I entered back in 1981.  What was interesting however, was finding networks I could have overlooked.  Namely, those groups my kids were involved in.  There were the swim team parents.  There were parents of the boy scouts that my son belonged to.  The list went on and on.

Kathy Grant Schneider  is the master of networking, followed by my friend George Souto  personally I am not willing to give up my evenings, those are the times that are for my animals and cooking.... yes I leave money on the table but it is OK with me, make enough just from Internet Networking:) now with that said I agree with you, giving out business cards to people without asking... goes in the trash... like you I ask May I give you my card???  Endre 

Kathy I have met people and ten years later done business with them ....networking today is vital to survival in business

Hi Kathy,
One of the networking strategies I learned and loved was to NOT pass out business cards. Instead, we should have a conversation and ask the other party for their business card. This gave me their contact information and the opportunity to write them a personal note describing how I could help them.  Once they see you want to help them, they'll want to help you too.

I never found the collection of business cards very useful...most I have collected ended up in the trash.

Cards are just information unless you have some form of relationship to go along with it.

That is the BEST advice!   Meet people with the intent to get to know them.  Don't just start talking about your business.   If you understand about their business and know what they are looking for in a relationship, you'll stand a much better chance of doing business with them.

If I had $1 for everyone that attempted to introduce me to a solar company I'd be rich!    Anyone who knows me, knows I already have LOTS of solar contacts. 

Excellent advice Kathy!  I am a big networker and have been for many years both with the chamber and groups I started and chaired for many, many years.  What's  so cool about that is many of my business associates became clients as well  and  are good friends to this day. We're planning on a Memorial Party and you got it.....they're all from networking groups!  It's more like a big family to me - much like ActiveRain!

Great insight, I concur.  I love being part of our local chamber of commerce since these are people and companies actively trying to grow their business - which is great for my business.