A conference is an investment in your life and in your business. You want to get as much out of the experience as possible and it is with that in mind, that I’ve put together a few tips on how you can make the most of your real estate conference experience. Whether you’re attending RRI’s Master’s Academy or another real estate conference this season, here are 4 important things to keep in mind:
1) Come with a question you want answered
You attract into your life that which you think about most. What are you looking to attract at the event? Spend some time reflecting before the conference and decide what your biggest business challenge is at the moment.
Are looking for help in your negotiations?
Maybe you’d like some advice on time management.
Perhaps you’d like to systematize your lead streams.
Whatever your goals are, keep them in mind both while you’re listening to speakers and while you’re networking with other agents. Don’t be afraid to ask other agents if this is a problem they too face and what they’re doing to work through it. Asking questions is a great way to supercharge your networking.
2) Make meaningful connections
Networking is not an exchange of business cards; it’s mastering the art of building rapport and forging new relationships with potential agents for referral sources. Follow the tips below to help keep your networking connections meaningful:
a) Be interested, not interesting
In general, people are much more likely to remember those who took an interest in them.
b) Ask questions and avoid rambling on about yourself only
Whoever is asking the questions is in control of the conversation.
c) Think quality over quantity
Spend more time talking to less people and focus on building rapport to create lasting relationships.
d) Follow up after the event
Write down interesting points about the people you enjoyed meeting on their business cards and be sure to follow up with those you developed a connection with when you get home. Qualify your connection by sending them a follow up card, email or text.
e) Foster relationships you already have
Conferences are not just about making new connections; they’re about fostering those networking relationships you already have. Decide who you want to reach out to before the event and make plans to get together during the week.
3) Be present
A conference is a chance to work on your business, not in your business. Whether you’re traveling to the conference or not, think of the event as you would a vacation and try to take care of as much business as possible beforehand. Maybe have another agent in your office field your calls and only check in with him at the beginning and end of the day.
Avoid the conference phone rush so that your breaks can be used to build rapport and foster relationships with other agents. Besides, isn’t the old adage that the best way to get new business in real estate is to take a vacation?
4) Pick one or two ideas to bring home with you
RRI is all about building your business, your way. We know that not every idea is going to work for every business and trying everything at once is a sure fire way to fail. Instead, write down one or two ideas you think will work best for you right now and incorporate those into your business when you get home.
Until next time, make it count!
Rich