You’re a real estate developer looking to build your network. How can you make the most of your time? (2024)

Before you start reaching out to people, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from your networking. Do you want to find new clients, investors, or suppliers? Do you want to learn new skills, trends, or insights? Do you want to explore new markets, niches, or segments? Having specific and realistic goals will help you focus your efforts and target the right people.

Once you have your goals in mind, you need to do some homework on who you want to connect with and how. You can use online platforms like LinkedIn, Meetup, or Eventbrite to find relevant events, groups, or organizations in your field. You can also ask for referrals from your existing contacts, or use tools like Google Alerts or HARO to monitor media opportunities. Make sure you know enough about your prospects to tailor your approach and show genuine interest.

One of the most important rules of networking is to offer value before asking for anything. You want to build trust and rapport with your contacts, not just pitch them your services or products. You can offer value by sharing useful information, resources, or feedback, by introducing them to other relevant contacts, or by supporting their projects or causes. You can also offer value by being respectful, courteous, and professional in your communication.

Networking is not a one-time event, but a continuous process. You need to follow up with your contacts regularly to keep the relationship alive and productive. You can follow up by sending a thank-you note after a meeting, by commenting on their posts or articles, by inviting them to another event, or by sending them a relevant update or opportunity. You can also use tools like CRM software or calendar reminders to keep track of your follow-ups and avoid missing any deadlines.

While networking is important, it can also be overwhelming and time-consuming if you try to connect with everyone and attend every event. You need to be selective and strategic about who you network with and how often. You want to focus on quality, not quantity, and prioritize the contacts that are most relevant and beneficial to your goals. You also want to balance your networking time with your other responsibilities and commitments, and avoid burning out or losing focus.

Finally, the best way to network is to be yourself. You want to show your personality, passion, and values, and not pretend to be someone you're not. You want to be authentic, honest, and respectful, and not exaggerate or lie about your achievements or capabilities. You want to be friendly, confident, and curious, and not arrogant, pushy, or boring. By being yourself, you will attract the right people and build lasting and meaningful relationships.

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Real Estate Development

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