THE POWER OF A NETWORK - Estate Media

WELCOME

Social Animals

When the pandemic hit and we were given that stay-at-home order, so many of us struggled with the isolation. Ultimately, humans are pack animals and we don’t feel right when we’re separated from the rest of the group. Being a lone wolf is uncomfortable because it goes against our evolution, back when we had to rely on each other to survive in the wild. (I mean, yes, your mother’s cousin Roy relished the idea of being left on his own, but he’s always been a little off.)

Our nature is that of being social animals, so today’s theme of the power of a network is right up our collective alley. We are meant to join a network; it’s how we thrive. (Except for Cousin Roy.) There’s no great trick to networking, no secret sauce. Connecting yourself is easy, and it’s as simple as being genuinely interested in getting to know others, asking sincere questions, and listening intently to the answers. Networking is about finding ways to lend a hand. It’s about being open and patient and persistent. It’s about being part of something larger than yourself.

At the end of the day, you’ll get back what you give out, so the next time you’re out there, strive to be more like Glennda and less like Roy.

“For the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack.” –Rudyard Kipling. (Photo by Eva Blue on Unsplash)

THE REALITY OF REAL ESTATE

Be a People Person

I maintain that selling real estate is less about houses and more about knowing people, which is why the most successful agents among us are backed by a powerful network. (I mean, of people and not Verizon, I feel like I should make that clear.)

Why do you need a network? Oh, my stars, there are a million reasons! But the most important one is that having a professional network will help you build relationships and these relationships will generate leads, and aren’t leads the one thing we all want more of?

Of course, the only thing better than a lead is a referral from a satisfied client or trusted professional, because that is an introduction handed to you on a silver platter where your credibility is already baked in.

I have worked long and hard to be the person others turn to when they need something, whether it’s a mason in Marietta or a drywaller in Dunwoody or a plumber in Powers Park. What do you need? Because I promise you that I have a guy or gal, whether it’s a quality appraiser or a tax attorney or mortgage broker. When you need something, I’m the one to call when you don’t know who to call. (Like Batman, only blonder.) Because my network extends across the country, I can even tell you who to talk to in, say, Tacoma if you’re in the market. Having that network and knowing who to refer a homeowner to builds the kind of credibility you just can’t buy.

Y’all, I discovered the power of networking early on in my career, back when I was living in that sad little post-divorce apartment, in the days when I had only $44 in the bank. I’d read a book that discussed developing a farm, and I definitely did not want to farm in my depressing building. So, every day, I parked at the club house in the neighborhood where I did want to sell, and I’d stroll tiny baby Victoria up and down the streets, making my name and face known, working that neighborhood like I was the damn mayor. My plan worked, and when people in the neighborhood wanted to sell, they contacted me because I’d been so ubiquitous. (And then I backed up that name recognition with knowing my stuff, which was key.)

Building your network doesn’t have to be a scary or complicated process. Unless you live under a rock, you’re networking all the time and you might not even realize it! Whether you’re playing pick-up games of pickleball, volunteering for your favorite charity, or attending a school board meeting, you’re meeting people and making impressions, so be cognizant of that. And of course, the more people you know, the better your chances of success. Remember, you can’t be too rich, too thin, or too well-connected.