Summer is starting to heat up, and networking opportunities abound! Get out in the community to generate more home buyers and sellers and show your face. Let's look at some networking opportunities to set your real estate business on the right path.
Create new connections this summer by taking advantage of social events. Whether hosting a summer party or attending one, challenge yourself to meet people at the event. Consider yourself the social butterfly of all events this summer, and you'll reap the benefits.
If the summer party includes a bartender or two, grab more than one beverage (non-alcoholic if you're driving) and get to know them. As you drop a tip in the tip jar, you might comment on how well they're doing in tips. The conversation might move toward them saving their tips for a down payment--what an opportunity to engage! Work your role as a real estate expert into the conversation and offer a digital business card (or actual). Don't forget to gather the lead's phone number or email address. Follow up later that day or the next morning to stay top of mind. Look for opportunities like this to engage with people at all summer events.
"Hi, Sarah. It was great meeting you at the party yesterday! I enjoyed getting to know you and learning about your down payment goals. I thought you might appreciate this infographic on saving to buy a house. Please let me know if you have any questions. Talk to you soon!"
Total strangers standing alone can be great leads—comment about the great party and who they know at the event. Then, ask them what they do for a living. People like to talk about themselves and will likely share at least a bit about their job. Find ways to prompt them if they don't reciprocate and ask about your career.
"Hi, Les. My name is Brad Misney. Great party, huh?"
"Yeah. I came with my neighbor but don't know many people. I appreciate you stopping to talk."
"What do you do for a living?"
"I run a couple of food trucks."
"I bet I've visited your trucks a few times! I just sold a house to a guy in Boise who runs a mobile charcuterie truck."
He will likely ask who your client was, and he might even know the guy. Ask questions about the food he serves and commit to visiting his truck soon. Gradually steer the conversation back toward the house you sold to learn if he's a homeowner looking to buy or sell a home.
Connect directly with residents in your community by attending community events and fundraisers. For example, does your neighborhood have a social event each summer? If not, take the lead and create an unforgettable neighborhood gathering that becomes an annual tradition.
Reach out through the Nextdoor app or something similar, and invite as many people as possible. Please encourage them to sign up to bring a dish (appetizers, main dish, vegetables, dessert, etc.), so you don't end up with a dessert-only social (unless that's what you want).
If you've organized the event, take advantage of a prime opportunity to introduce yourself to everyone.
"Hi, I'm Michael. What's your name?"
"Ben."
"Ben, when I organized this, I had no idea so many people would turn out. Thank you for coming!"
"What made you decide to host a party like this?"
You're off to a great start! Avoid getting too salesy as your converse. If you can work the topic of real estate into the conversation, so be it, but don't push it. The same holds true whether you're attending a block party, outdoor theater performance, or flea market. The more community events you attend, the more you increase your visibility, and you'll find ways to share your dream to help home buyers and sellers. Keep at it!
Take advantage of human-verified Reazo real estate leads. We save you time and money by generating leads for you and then verifying their information so you can get right to work on converting the leads into transactions.
Create social media videos, especially live videos, if you want to generate leads. Report live from an open house, interview a couple after they've closed on their first house, or create a social media video as you walk through a seller's home just before putting it on the market. At the end of the video, ask your audience for feedback, and you'll get more engagement.
Post social media videos at least once weekly to grow your potential buyers and sellers network.
"Be the first to see this amazing home!"
"What questions do you have about closing on your first home?"
"What do you love about this house?"
A Q & A session on social media is also a great way to go live and engage followers. Promote your Q&A social event a week ahead of time, a couple of days before, and an hour before the big event. You can offer to send reminders to those who are interested, depending on which form of social media you’re using.
"I'll be going live in 1 hour to give you an opportunity to ask questions about buying a home in Gallatin Valley. Please post your questions now to get them answered first. I look forward to chatting with you soon!"
Whether you're attending a social gathering this summer or creating your own, use it as an opportunity to build up your network of home buyers and sellers. Building relationships in your community by attending summer events will engrain your face in the community and your reputation as the go-to agent. Share videos on social media and go live to interact with potential home buyers and sellers. What will you create this summer to meet more people and build your sales funnel?
As you generate real estate leads, take advantage of the tips in our comprehensive lead nurturing guide: