How to make first impression on other collegue investor

Question

My best friend was able to arrange a meeting betwen myself and her boss friend which is one of the most successful REI in town, he has been an investor way back in the 60's, know his stuff and up there. Seems like a perfect fit for me I just started and not much to show for. He said bring my questions, he will answer them. But I am more interested on how to relate to him and he can tell that I am serious so either he can help me finance couple acquisition or point me toward some connection of his. too much to do in one meeting but I want to set the tone.
So any ideas on how to abord him or to plan for the meeting and to impress him so that he will be willing to seat with me again and eventually take a chance to help me grow my business. Please advise. 
Thanks

Jeffrey K. · Answer

I am not sure I would ask him to partner with your or finance one of your deals.  You don't bring anything to the table and this will be a turn-off for him.  Go with questions and go to learn.

If you ask the right questions he might point you in the direction of a deal or funding.

You should be asking him about what he is doing in today's market and what he thinks you should be doing.

J Scott · Answer

Do some research on HIM, and ask him questions that make it clear that you've done your research on his history, success, etc.  The fact that you were willing to do your research on him and come prepared with personal questions (in addition to the fact that people love to talk about themselves), will set the tone that you're serious and willing to do some work...

Tod R. · Answer

I agree with JS.  I would also see what you could do to help him, like being a runner, bookkeeping, anything that might be of value to him in exchange for learning from him.

Good Luck!

Bill Gulley · Answer

All very good points! Whilehe may not think he knows residential properties (and may not in detail) he will know more than he thinks. You can easily go from commercial to residential, but not the other way. Stick with this guy, sounds like you have good advice! Good luck

Dee Xixi · Answer

Just feedback on how the meeting. The meeting went way better than I expected. 
From the get go, he was very friendly and open. 
Few things, he pointed out to me is:
To be different than other investors, and create an image in my community that I invest to. so many ppl doing the same thing that I am doing so be original and stand out.
- Get up go meet with you local banks decision makers.
- Networking is the key : talk to everyone about yourself from grocery stores, chuch, bar etc.... keep your story short and simple. First educate yourself because you dont know you might talk.
-Good deal will always get financing.
-Business plan that is well defined and have a personal resume. specially when you are looking for funding. 
-Learn how to use your friend to create exposure for yourself.

Right now he is only involve in commercial properties, he cant tell me much about the housing but to say the least he would encourage me on buying rentals cheap now and sell later. Create proforlios some that I increase my financing chances.

Mark Anderson · Answer

I agree with the other posters.  Make the meeting about learning from him.  The point is to build a relationship so one of your main goals should be to get a second meeting with this guy.

If he does ask about you or your real estate goals, tell him what you plan on doing but make sure you ask him for his input or feedback, don't try to sell him on your company.

Alice Green · Answer

Just show him about your passion and why you want to be in this business and if you have worked well on some of your deals and you can those to him to impress him then that would be an icing on the cake. Be Confident!:)

James Vermillion · Answer

Let us know how the meeting goes.  I would like to show you confidence and you passion.  If you are really interested in becoming a real estate investor, it needs to show.  He needs to be able to see that you are willing to put in the time and effort.  Other than that, be yourself.  Do not try to act like you are something you arenâ€™t, most people can see right through it!

Dee Xixi · Answer

Thanks quys, all great answers that I can tweak around and make the meet intersting.

How to make first impression on other collegue investor

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