7 Anybody-Can-Do-It Strategies for Networking Your Way to Wealth
In today’s post, Shae Bynes of Good Faith Investing shares some tips with us on networking your way to wealth …
Have you ever heard the saying “Your network is greater than your net worth”? I’m a firm believer in this statement. It’s been frequently noted by top success and goal experts that working collaboratively with others and establishing strong relationships is absolutely vital to achieve your goals in a faster and smarter way.
I recognize that some of you may be groaning right now and saying to yourself “I’m too shy and reserved”, “I’m a new investor and don’t want to say something stupid”, or “Networking is for schmoozers and salespeople.” You’re wrong.
The truth is that you develop relationships naturally with people all of the time (whether you consider it networking or not) and with a little forethought you can learn to intentionally build key relationships that will take your business to the next level and help others reach their goals at the same time!
7 Anybody-Can-Do-It Strategies to Network Your Way to Wealth
1) Create weekly networking goals.
Hopefully you are already clear on what your real estate investing and other business goals are (if not, start working on them!). As a part of these goals, be sure to include relationship building and make it a point to develop a new (or build on an existing) relationship on weekly basis.
2) Remember the key to successful networking is to give first – give, give, and give selflessly!
The seeds that you sow in your giving will definitely reap a harvest for you, so figure out how you can help others first. Don’t for a minute believe you have nothing to offer to others. Your “give” can be pretty simple and still mean a lot to someone.
3) Leverage the internet to build relationships!
Social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) and sites such as Bigger Pockets and Meetup make it easy to find people with similar business interests in your local area or nationwide and develop relationships in person and online.
Because the internet can be so impersonal and “noisy”, its important to introduce yourself (no sales pitches!) when friending someone to make the most of your online connections and consider phone calls or meeting for coffee rather than corresponding on the internet for weeks.
4) Attend your local Real Estate Investors Association (REIA) and/or Landlord’s Association meetings – and make a goal to make just 2 or 3 connections with the investors in attendance.
There’s nothing more annoying than shotgun networking and drive-by business card dropping. Focus on the quality of the connection rather than quantity of connections – but if you’re talking to someone who gives bad vibes or is a negative person, feel free to move along quickly and gracefully (“It was a pleasure to meet you, please excuse me – I need to make a quick phone call/go to the restroom/get a drink/etc)
5. Take notes!
Jot some notes down about the conversations you had with people on the back of their business cards (once you’re not with them anymore!) – interesting things about the person or their business. This will help you remember the person and your conversation which is great for follow up.
6. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or help from someone who is more experienced!
Sometimes it can be daunting to ask others for advice, but don’t be afraid to do this. Generally speaking, successful people have an abundance mentality and are more than happy to share – just make sure that you’ve done your own homework and due diligence before asking basic questions.
7. Always follow up!
If you’ve met someone interesting, send them a short email the next day to let them know you enjoyed meeting. If you told someone you’d send them some information, send it! If someone gave you valuable feedback, tell them how you’re going to use that feedback and let them know once you have (and how it turned out!). Make good on your commitments and follow up!
I encourage you to consider these strategies and take action. Just remember…be yourself, be positive, and show integrity – don’t pretend to be something you’re not. Famous writer Oscar Wilde has a great quote worth living by: “Be yourself; everyone else is taken.”
Happy Networking!
Recommended Reading
How to Win Friends and Influence People, a CLASSIC by Dale Carnegie
Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi
Who’s Got Your Back by Keith Ferrazzi
Note: There are hundreds of books on this topic, but these are 3 that I’ve personally read and learned from. Feel free to add other book suggestions in the comments.
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Check out Shae’s real estate investing blog, Good Faith Investing: Adventures in Real Estate, for a candid inside look at a husband and wife’s journey to financial freedom via real estate investing. Learn from it all – obstacles, failures, & successes.
Category: Business Management Systems and Tools, Personal Development, Tips and Tricks
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