Interacting with those you know on a business level will do wonders for your production, whether brick & mortar or home based. As a small business owner here in San Diego, I can personally attest to the benefits of networking.
Does the prospect of attending a meeting with a bunch of people you don’t know seem overwhelming? Break it down and have fun doing it! I have developed my network through participation on various committees both in my professional field as well as within the communities I serve – volunteering is a great way to start! I enjoy serving as Secretary to the Kensington Talmadge Business Association, am a long time member of the Talmadge Block Party Association, and I serve as a Director as well as on three volunteer committees at our local Board of Realtors® (Professional Standards, Global, and Government Affairs). I also attend weekly “pitch” sessions with groups of other Realtors®, loan officers, escrow and title representatives, etc. This well-rounded wheel of groups I am involved in has aided me in my personal and professional growth in more ways than I can count, and has also benefitted my clients in the process.
The value of networking with others in my field is that I have the opportunity to discuss, dissect, and brainstorm market trends. I have also built personal relationships with other agents, which will ultimately benefit my clients. When I am submitting an offer on behalf of a buyer to an agent who knows my ethical values, professional track record, and enjoys my personality, it puts my clients’ offer at an advantage. Similarly, so when I am on the receiving end of an offer on my listing. I always let potential clients know that the more people I know, the better exposure I can get for them – whether a buyer or seller – and that is the plain truth.
I joined the Kensington Talmadge Business Association two years ago and have enjoyed every moment. I love that the KTBA supports businesses within our local community, provides opportunities for home-based business owners to get out of their “office” and mingle with other small business owners, spread the word about their products, and cross refer to one another. I find this networking group to be invaluable….plus I have made some really great friends and learned about companies and products right in our own backyard in the process!