Scott Richardson

If you are looking to join a Business Networking Group, there are tips and techniques that can enhance your networking experience. In the real estate industry, we can greatly benefit by participating in a networking group. For many agents and mortgage professionals - business networking is essential for the growth of your career. In the current economy, networking also serves as a support group for those looking to ride out the current market. If you have trouble finding the perfect networking group- you can always create you own via Meetup.com, but be prepared to dedicate the time and energy necessary to keep a group going strong.

The below 6 Networking tips will benefit your next event.

1. Attend all scheduled meetings, on a consistent basis. It may seem obvious, but as with many things in business, its about "suiting up and showing up" consistently. It may be difficult in these times to stay optimistic, however an important aspect of outlasting a major crisis is simply the ability to "Shift" along with it. Attend scheduled events frequently to gain the most benefit from the group.

2. Be Memorable. First impressions are important, but at a networking event where you are exchanging many business cards- its easy to forget conversations and contacts shortly after. If you have specific branding for your niche, try to incorporate it into your attire or marketing materials. Wear interesting apparel or bright tie. Your appearance is a reflection of your business and profession.

3. Load Your Pockets with Business Cards. This is pretty self explanatory, but there are many times that I have met other professionals who fail to carry business cards. This is a "MUST" for effective networking. You should also bring a notepad and pen in the event that a referral comes your way. You will show the referral source that you are eager and prepared. When given the option to give your information, or to obtain the leads information, always opt for obtaining a leads information so that you are in control of calling them, and not waiting for them to call you.

4. Follow Up. If you have attended a networking event before- then you know you will bring home many business cards. The key is to follow up with those referral sources who are most relevant to your industry. Once you follow up with them, brief them and educate them on how they can help and talk up/sell your business. Once you obtain a lead, follow up with them immediately, preferably in a few hours or the same day. You don't want to risk losing business by not acting in a timely fashion.

5. Treat the Referrer like Gold. Of course you should give 100% to any lead source that comes your way, as you would with every client. However, its important to realize the importance of a good referral source. Send them a small "thank you" gift each time they send a referral your way. Thank them in person and over email/phone when you can. Once you close business, send them yet another small "thank you" gift, card or email. It will keep the relationship on good standing and remind them that you haven't forgotten them.

6. Share Leads. Many professionals are guilty of attending networking events with the intention of generating more business for themselves, and its easy to forget about others expectations. When you join a group, depending on how it is structured, members are attending to build their businesses, just as you are looking to build yours. Remember that "An open hand is ready to receive abundant blessing in return". You need to reach out and give sometimes in order to receive.

Are you located in the Westchester, NY or Fairfield, CT area and looking to join a great networking group? Check out my group "The Westchester Professionals Networking Group".

Become a Millionaire Real Estate Agent!

Join us to start your journey towards a successful career in real estate with Keller Williams, and learn about earning passive income - even in this market!

Who should join us?

Have you been thinking about a career in Real Estate? Are you looking to work in Westchester, Putnam or Fairfield CT real estate? (Our office is licensed in all of those counties- located in the hub of it all ~ White Plains! With more offices opening soon in Bedford area). Perhaps you've been laid off, and are looking for some supplemental income or a new career? Or maybe your an existing agent, who's heard about Keller Williams, but have always been interested in learning more about their famous business model, wonderful training, generous commission splits and profit sharing!

Your opportunity has arrived!

Not only will you learn about the company, but you will get to learn from and meet the "man" himself- Dave Jenks! Dave has trained and consulted with thousands of top real estate agents during the past 25 years. He is co-author of the best-selling books The Millionaire Real Estate Agent, The Millionaire Real Estate Investor, FLIP: How to Find, Fix, and Sell Houses for Profit, and SHIFT: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times. Until December 2008, Dave served as vice president of research and development with Keller Williams Realty International, where he helped run top agent mastermind groups and delivered mega agent training. Dave is currently a Keller Williams market center owner in Canada, Las Vegas and Utah, and is partnering to expand ownerships in New York and Connecticut. (read more about Dave here)

Join us for this FREE, educational, inspirational event that might change your career and your life! Refreshments will be provided. Talk to friendly top producing agents who are currently enjoying the benefits of Keller Williams, and learn about Profit Sharing; a way to build your down-line and passive income opportunities! Learn about the new Commercial division that is coming to our office soon! You Must RSVP if you plan on attending, as seating is very limited and you will not be admitted without a confirmed RSVP due to the nature of this meetup.

Thank you and we hope you see you there for a life-changing evening. CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR THIS EVENT! SEE YOU THERE!

Visit our Westchester Real Estate Blog here.

Pre-register for Anthony Robbins National Trainer Workshop in Westchester/White Plains, NY

We have a really exciting meetup to announce!

Wed January 7th, 7pm -

We are going to have a really special guest speaker- Anthony Robbins top national trainer/coach Doug McGuirk! He speaks for many Fortune 500 companies and is a great presenter. The workshop/seminar is about 50 minutes long and will cover The Principles for Success. For anyone that might not know, Anthony Robbins is a very well known motivational speaker. I think we could always use some motivation.

To read more click here

To RSVP visit our Meetup Page

Serious times = Time to be blunt....

After learning some important market updates today, we feel it is important for Westchester home sellers to know that unless they are prepared to stay living in their home for several years, or take further losses, listing your home for sale this winter can be the smartest move you will make. Read more here.