Tips for newbie attending local RE group meeting?

Question

I am brand new to real estate investing.  I am interested in flipping houses.  Tomorrow night I am attending my local REIA meeting where they are having a presentation that is all about flipping houses.  It says the registration is at 6:30 but the meeting starts at 7:00.  I am assuming that leaves 30 minutes for networking.  That is a lot of time for someone like me who has no experience and is walking into a room where I won't know anybody.  Any tips for networking, breaking the ice or who would be good to talk to and what questions I should ask?

Julie Marquez · Answer

First of all, most REI love talking about their deals and business. I have found that these people love to share, and you won't have any problem making conversation. Just ask open ended questions about what type of real estate they are into, and what their latest deal was, and what they are looking for for their next investment. Or ask about their involvement with the REIA group, what they have gotten out of it, how they network within the group, and just what their favorite part of the group is. My favorite is meeting the oldest, sweetest couples in the group and just listening to their story, those people have some great wisdom. Have a great time and let us know how it goes!

Randy Abernathy · Answer

Kenneth

Frist I would like to congratulate you on taking the frist step in your career . As a hypnotist I can answer 1 of your questions with some type of authority.  When you are in the room , remember one thing above all others . At some point each and every person in that room was new at one time . Here is a conversaional tip when in a small crowd of powerful peeople . Remember the pack mentality , devour the weak. Act as if this is not your frist rodeo. Dont spend to much time talking to one person. Bad mistake . Work the room.  And as a new investor. What I would say is -1. Ask each and every person there what type of investing do? And in what area they do it in. Ask if you find a house in that area what are the requirements they are looking for? 2. Ask for a business cards ? 3. And the biggest tip of them all is remember these people are there first and for most to make money . So let them know that you can bring something to the table .

Joe Villeneuve · Answer

Read above.  I wanted to vote more than once for this post...but you can't.  Oh, and 30 minutes for networking isn't a very long time at all.  We have 60 minutes...and we have members show up 90 minutes before the meeting starts.

Susan Posluszny · Answer

I felt the same way when I went to my first one but people are so friendly.  They started talking to me and introducing me to others.  Also, I was not the only new one there.  They began with everyone introducing themselves and telling what they do.  You should feel right at home in no time.

Matthew Edwards · Answer

Ditto to Account Closed

Account Closed · Answer

good question @Kenneth Lowry because I am a newbie also and looking forward to attending my first meet in the near future and with the feedback that everybody on here gave you helped me out as well, thanks.

Mike Hill · Answer

Hey Kenneth, wish I caught you earlier, but glad you're going - this can be the hardest part for some people. Here are a few pieces of advice I'd suggest for the future (or for future readers):

1. Go early. Ideally you want to be the first person there. Not only will you get more face time with the head of the group, but as a newbie, the networking will be much easier. It may seem counter-intuitive, but think about it. If you are the first person there, when the second person arrives, you will naturally start speaking with them. The third arrival will naturally join in. Contrast this with showing up 20 min after networking begins. By this time, folks have naturally clustered up into groups of 2 to 5 people. It can be more difficult or awkward to infiltrate and you can often become "that guy" awkwardly standing on the outskirts, nodding in agreement (ask me how I know that :) ). Next, when you are first, you automatically assume the leadership role in your cluster, making it easy to introduce other folks and be a liaison between other clusters and or individuals.

2. Be genuinely interested in other people. People like to talk about themselves and I genuinely enjoy listening and getting to know people. If applicable, introduce people who might benefit from each other. Many people approach networking seeking to gain, but think about giving value first. Always ask if there is any way you can help the folks you're speaking with (whether via referral or otherwise). It's a good thing to do just to do it, but I also believe very strongly in Karma. People take notice and these things come back to you.

3. Remember names. "I'm not good with names" is not an excuse. Get good, period! There are a lot of youtube videos and/or "brain hacks" to make you good

4. Introduce yourself to the host

5. While I agree with Brian that "who you know" is crucial to your success, I disagree with the notion of the mass business card swap. In my experience, many of your cards will end up in the trash. While I try to make my way around the room, I always think to myself that it's better to make a deep and meaningful connection with one or two people than to exchange pleasantries with as many people as possible. I suppose it's a balancing act, but just food for thought. Oh and I also rarely offer my card first. I always ask for a card and reciprocate when asked.

6. Hold onto those business cards and follow up! A simple email saying - nice to meet you, mention something from your convo and say hope to see you again soon is a great way to go about it - doesn't need to be long.

7. For other first timers - especially if you're more introverted, I recommend making "The Golden Phone Call" - a call to a close family member or friend to chat with in order to get you in a talkative mood just before going into your event. Once your inside, talk to someone immediately. If you're naturally shy and stand to the side or sit down, you'll get inside your head, overthink, and miss out on some great people and connections.

8. Have fun and smile often. The hard part is over. Especially in the beginning, networking was like when I first started going to the gym. I never wanted to go and loathed the idea. But I'd force myself to go and by the time I'd worked out and left, I never regretted going. Now I look forward to my regular workouts.

Hope some of that helps. Good Luck and tell us how it went!

Ken Frausto · Answer

@Kenneth Lowry Thanks for posting. I'm also a newbie attending my first REIA meeting soon. Thanks everyone for all the great info and comments

Jean-francois Ndomb · Answer

Good Luck to you @Kenneth Lowry. Don't hold back.

Tips for newbie attending local RE group meeting?

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