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Page 25 SEPTEMBER 2015 • VOLUME 20 • ISSUE 5
Are you networking effectively? Take our quiz By Riki Markowitz
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f you were forced to evaluate your professional networking abilities, would you give yourself a good grade? Ask yourself if you know the best time to trade business cards, or how soon after schmoozing you should call a potential client. Just because someone gave you his or her email address, does that it mean it’s OK to send a message once a week? What about twice a week? Networking “rules” are always changing and shifting as different generations become more dominant. No matter your age or how much time you’ve been in the workforce, it’s almost
guaranteed that you’re stumped about some basic networking principles. Realty Line spoke with a couple local agents about schmoozing do’s and don’t’s. Take our quiz right now and find out if you’re an effective networker. 1. Paid networking events are better for your career than free events. False. “I’ve made great contacts at informal events,” says Jason Crouch, CRS, broker/ owner at Austin Texas Homes. “There may be an exception, however, if the bar to attend is set at a higher level.” Chloe Chiang, REALTOR at Twelve Rivers Realty, agrees that free events have always been beneficial for her career, but adds that events sponsored by paid membership organizations, like Young Women’s Alliance or Young Men’s Business League, have regular and more focused attendees, which is important for a young agent just starting out looking to create professional alliances. 2. Never organize your own networking events – leave it to a professional. False. It’s a great opportunity to showcase your leadership skills to the community. Chiang, who is a relocation expert and avid exerciser and, once organized an event for other exercise enthusiasts and also a wine and cheese class for recruiters – a core
group that consistently sends her quality leads. Crouch, who likes smaller crowds, has hosted lunch and happy hour events with a few select clients. 3. Don’t swap business cards the moment you start chatting with someone. True. Waiting less than a few beats before asking to trade cards can seem like you’re collecting potential leads instead of building relationships. Crouch makes it a habit to ask for a card at the end of a chat. But Chiang says swapping cards mid-conversation works better for her. Having something to talk about that’s unrelated to work can help you stand out, like a nicely designed business card, for example. And for those who are bad at remembering names, you now have a cheat sheet in-hand. 4. A “busy” business card is too hectic. True. No one expert has a convincing argument for what information should absolutely go on a business card. A general guideline to follow is to lead with your strengths: list certifications, professional affiliations, or recent awards. Chiang believes a photo (with a big smile) is crucial because it helps people remember your face, but is adamant about leaving off social media URLs since they’re easy to find online.
5. Take notes after meeting someone. True. If you don’t take notes, says Crouch, “a few weeks later you will find yourself with a pile of cards from people you barely remember.” Chiang writes down everything from pet names to a favorite restaurant and whether the person likes concerts. These details are great conversation and e-mail starters. 6. Networking is serious. If you’re having too much fun, it can make you look bad. False. “While there are probably some people who want a “serious” agent, most of us like to work with people we like and trust,” says Crouch. “Having fun together can be a bonding experience.” Remember, though, the real estate business is fueled on reputation. “Getting drunk and acting like a fool will jeopardize that,” says Chiang. 7. Always put your phone away. True. Few people ever say it’s a good idea to check texts or messages while networking, yet, at these events, it’s not uncommon to see a sea of professionals engaging their phone in some way. Some people will feel you’re being rude by simply holding your phone while others have no problem with some phone activity, like glancing at the
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