The Power of Networking in Your Marketing

I thought it was about time we talk about Networking and Marketing. We have gotten endless deals this way and it is key in today’s market as the competition for properties heat up. I've been working on my creativity at this time and doing a little searching from my past.

Here is a video from Dean Graziosi’s Total View Real Estate page of Dean and us talking about Networking. http://www.totalviewrealestate.com/findit.php We’re in Video 1. Yes, that was 10 years ago & Yes, that is Dean in our house – pretty freaking cool!

One of our main tactics have been Telling everyone we know that we are Real Estate Investors. So friends and family are key to potential deals. Even current coworkers may be leads. People may need some help right now and you could be that solution so let people know you're there and what you do.

I always use an elevator speech when I meet new people. For example, "I'm a real estate investor. I buy houses at a discount and sell houses at a discount. If you know any one that's looking to sell or buy, let me know.“ or "We are going to be buying and selling homes at a discount. We are looking for anyone that is needs a home, wants a deal or needs to get out of their current home. We also pay for leads that we close on.“ This gives the person we are talking to a chance to show interest or even get excited by the chance to make money themselves.

As you may or may not know, our very first deal came to us this way. We had only been doing Dean’s training for about a week and we attended a friends barbeque. We were telling everyone about the training and how excited we were about the opportunities in real estate. We didn’t know much yet to talk specifics, but I truly believe our enthusiasm sold us. After the bbq the hosts asked if we could help them. They needed to sell their home, they were moving and couldn’t keep paying their mortgage. They tried a realtor and the news was that they’d have to bring money to the table if it sold – that wouldn’t work for them as they had no cash. So they asked us for help. We had no idea what to do, but decided to use this “opportunity” as a carrot to network with other investors. We found an investor, via CraigsList, that was a Short Sale Expert in the Denver Market. He offered to pay us 10% of his profit. I, who never lost my child like ability to Negotiate, said it was a great deal we were giving him and thought it would only be fair if we got 20%. So not only did I help out our friends and get our first deal done, but I doubled our profit by just asking! How sweet is that!

Additionally, it took some time to get our family on board, regarding our real estate careers. I know several of you know what I’m talking about. Well, my father in law (Chip’s Dad) has enjoyed going out to look at homes with us over time and loves talking to people. He recently got us a lease option by talking to one of his coworkers about his struggles with his home and his new job relocation. So not only do you need to tell everyone. Get your family and friends telling everyone. You never know where your next deal or buyer may come from.

Just a few weeks ago we were at a retirement party and a few people (that we didn’t know) were talking about the Crazy Denver Market so we inserted ourselves into the conversation. We then had dinner with the two families this Saturday. Now we have a new buyer for some wholesale turnkey deals and a new private money lender. How great is that!?!

Now I know a lot of you are not “comfortable” with putting yourself out there. I get it. It didn’t happen overnight for Chip either : ) However, it is really really valuable to your real estate success so take baby steps and start talking to people. Or if you have a friend or family that likes to chat – get them working it for you. The more you put yourself out there the more that will come back.

Best of Success to you and don't forget to check out our latest blog and offers!