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Posted over 9 years ago

The Art of Networking

Normal 1409712362 The Art Of Networking

Humans are naturally social beings and we are here on this world to make connections. We are expected to do it, but not a lot of people master it. In fact, I am one of those shy guys and a wannabe introvert because I thought it was cool. Well, that was before. I learned that in this world, success relies so much on your connections and how wide your network is.

I consider it this way: when I have a wide array of people I am connected with then I can actually have some good place to stay when I become homeless. Of course, this is an extreme case and there is no way I would want to be homeless, but you get the point. Your resources become ten times when you have ten people who you can call and provide service or aid.

This is the power of networking and for some it is a form of art – since you can be creative with it! Here are some things I’ve learned to improve your art of networking:

Let go of the less confident you

You know that feeling you get after a party where you were unable to express yourself or when you were not confident enough to talk to that popular investor, where you could have gained some wisdom? This lack of confidence is what you should hate and try to let go.

Be confident enough – yes, it’s easier said than done, but it all starts with little change in your habits. Start by saying hi to at least one random person a day. Also, another technique is to consider that new person as a long lost friend whom you just met after several years. This will change how you situate yourself in talking to people. They will feel the genuine interest, warmth, and confidence you give out, which makes the whole networking process a smooth one.

Introduce people to each other

Another hack is to introduce people to each other. Although, this is not just a mere “This is ____, meet ____” introduction. Instead, you focus on allowing someone help or be of value to someone else. You can actually help people who come to you in need by being the bridge and let them meet people that could help them. You become a catalyst of the solution and at the same time save yourself the hassle. Furthermore, no one forgets the bridge.

Go out there!

Of course, you cannot meet new people unless you go show yourself out there. Or if you are too lazy to go out, at least go to social networking sites or forums like BiggerPockets and meet people there. However, you should make an effort to meet them personally. You just get so much more when meeting people by taking them to lunch or coffee than just exchanging emails or phone calls.

Don’t forget to smile

And when you finally meet them for coffee or lunch, don’t forget to wear a smile. Be interactive and put the spotlight on them. Ask questions and make them feel you’re interested because you truly are interested with what they have to offer! Keep in mind that you always get something valuable from people.

Using BiggerPockets to improve your professional network

BiggerPockets just made it to 200,000 members! Let’s just say that half of these are active members who are active investors. Just imagine how many people in here that you could connect at this very moment! You are certainly not alone my friend especially when it comes to the joy (and pains) of real estate investing.

As a total amateur to REI and someone who is not from the United States, BiggerPockets is the closest thing I have to meet people who are into investing. We don’t have some local REIA here. Also, most investors are ones doing huge projects, which I can’t really relate as someone who is just starting. It also seems that most people I know are more into the selling aspect of real estate and not naturally the investor type.

Those are the reasons why BiggerPockets is a huge plus for anyone like me. If you feel the same, then here are some tips to make the most out of your networking and learning here:

– they say that the best way to make people like you is to make them feel you are interested in them. A good way to do that is to ask questions in the forums. You easily get noticed there too (especially if you start a debate or controversy!)

Use keyword alerts – keyword alerts are perfect in meeting specific people who most likely meet your criteria. For example, you can add location as keywords. You can also add specific terms that you are interested to know more about ex. “rent to own.”

Create a blog – remember the tip of expressing yourself? You can definitely express yourself here at BiggerPockets by sharing your journey in REI. In fact, I am starting now!

Complete your Profile – first impressions last and this might be your first chance to express yourself to any profile visitor. So make sure you have a complete profile with a nice looking profile picture and add some interesting facts about yourself. (Tip: they say sharing your passion to the world allows people to be interested in you!)

– with the plus and pro accounts you gain access to tools and perks that help you improve your networking. One of my favorites is the ability to see who visited your profile. This is a great way to be able to connect people and makes it a lot easier since, ehem, you already know they’re checking on you. Smart right?

– lastly, you want to introduce yourself in the new members area and at the same time, return the favor and network right away with newbies in the site.

They say that, it is not about who you know, it’s about who knows you.

I believe that BiggerPockets is a great place to start letting the world know who you are as an investor!

p.s. Please share some of your tips for networking that was not mentioned in the comments section below. 


Comments (3)

  1. Great article Dave, a lot of solid points here. I have caught myself being a bit shy at times at local meetups, do to it being my first time in the environment where there is a lot of people interacting already & me trying to find my way into a ongoing conversation with seasoned investors.

    But I will be working on getting better at my introduction approach. 

    Thanks 

    Jay


  2. Great insight! As a first time BiggerPockets member blogger but long time BiggerPockets appreciator and sharer of their awesome articles, we really enjoyed the tips in this post! Getting out there and meeting people is crucial in the world of REI, and knowing the best way to do that in the cyber world is especially important now that there is so much technology is at our fingertips. Learning how to meet people, introduce yourself, smile and be interested and interesting online is almost as important (or maybe more?) than face to face. And see, we are already putting your great advice to use by commenting on your post! Here's a tip we would add: Attend Networking Events. Having connections with so many people online, it's nice to put a face to a name/company and meet new people (to then connect with online).    


    1. Hey J thanks for checking the post. Yes indeed, that is a very good advice. Attending to networking events and just going out there is the best way to meet real people. Nice to meet you! (*insert smile) :)