Can Introverts be successful in RE?

Question

Andrew Syrios · Answer

Both my brother and I are introverts (although our father is certainly not) and I'd like to think we've been pretty successful. Extroverts certainly have their advantages, but you can learn to be a better networker and negotiator. Perhaps you have a lower ceiling, but the same could be said regarding extroverts and doing analysis, budgeting, organizing, planning and the like. Both introverts and extroverts have natural advantages and disadvantages and so both have obstacles to overcome.

Brian Gibbons · Answer

Account Closed

Many introverts are in re and financial services, 1 on 1 sales

But they would rather be in the back room on their computer!

I trained undergrads at a major University on Principles of Speech, how to give a quick speech in front of a group, and separated the introverts from the extroverts, I used a Myers Briggs personality test, then videotaped them all, it as a valuable experience for all :)

Andy Cross · Answer

FUNNY...

I just created a post on this very topic only 3 minutes ago.

What about those of us that are newbies, no investment portfolio, and need to start prospecting seller leads? My introverted nature refuses to knock on doors and cold call. Of course, as a newbie, I have no marketing budget for mailers and such. So, now the question is, how do introverts prospect seller leads?

David Krulac · Answer

Account Closed

Because I didn't like negotiating or talking to people, I did a lot of deals like sheriff sales and tax sales, where I never had to talk to any sellers.  900 deals later.....

Doug N. · Answer

Account ClosedIntroverts can prospect leads very well (data, design & copy for targeted mailings, etc) imo, up until it comes time to chat with the seller(s). At that point, an extrovert will have a natural advantage in a lot of ways - warming up the sellers, restarting stalled discussions, re-focusing the conversation to more productive tracks, re-framing issues to highlight benefits, drawing out seller needs and a lot more.

I am of the opinion that anyone can become an extrovert given the right incentives, and cash is a powerful behavioral motivator. Once you get that dopamine dump, you will probably look at conversations with strangers in an entirely new light - ie it will be pleasurable for you, and you will pursue it with great enthusiasm. This does not mean you will be awesome right out of the gate, though - there may (will) be some structural issues with your interactions that need polishing (interaction ebb and flow, timing, eye contact, phrasing, intonation, color and more). This can be fixed (over time) with practice, and I can't stress this enough. Get out there and practice on the unsuspecting masses - baristas, RE agents at open houses, sales folks of all kinds, and even your friendly neighborhood tweakers - they love to talk to anyone!

PM me if you'd like. PS: I like your profile - it sounds like you are pretty self-aware, and could probably nail this in a few months. Best of luck and keep us posted!

Steve Kordish · Answer

Lots of great advice above. I was told by a previous mentor ( in the mutual funds/insurance/retirement planning field) that...

People prefer an interested introvert than an interesting extrovert. Take it for what it's worth, but I personally believe it. Be a great listener and people will tell you their life story. It's up to you, then, to find the solution to what they;re looking for. In sales, make it all about the guy/women sitting across the table from you.

Jay Hinrichs · Answer

Account Closed  you have a legacy and a pettigree so you don't count :)  once you have the funds to transact you don't need the out going personality and the intro will probably do better in the long run counting the beans   LOL>.. I know which I am ..

Dan Vleck · Answer

I'm an introvert, and I do everything myself, with help from family. I only hired a plumber when needed. I like to work with listing agents and just give them my offer to cut out extra people in the transaction. When I build up a larger portfolio, I'll likely need more help.

Mike Cumbie · Answer

I would think so. There are so many parts and pieces and possible places to shine I tend to think there is a place for everyone who has an interest. Maybe you don't do the property management or you don't do the actual negotiation. There are things you an learn (numbers or taxes or estimating or values of areas, creative financing) and farm out the work you need someone else to do that requires an extrovert (Property management). Save on repairs by painting alone at night or learning how to put carpet in. It's just a numbers game and find where you can shave the numbers and have someone else move the numbers where you do not excel.

Good luck!

Can Introverts be successful in RE?

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