Maximize Your Conference Experience The Fine Art of Trade Show Networking
(their names, their likes and dislikes), ask questions about their business and interests, and just take the time to learn more about them. Always carry business cards. In this line of business it should go without saying, but many people show up empty handed at conferences. Leave each person you meet with your card so that they remember you after the function. Ask the people you meet for their business cards, and write any details about them on the back when you have a spare moment.
So here it is. You may be a fairly new REALTOR®, new to the convention scene, or just interested in re-evaluating your time spent at industry conferences. You decide to go to a convention not just for a vacation but because you’ve heard that it’s a great way to make connections with suppliers/vendors and with other REALTORS®. Here are some suggestions to help you get the most out of your next event:
Volunteer. Helping at conferences is a great way to meet others. By working with committees you can build strong
Helping at conferences is a great way to meet others. By working with committees you can build strong relationships with the other members.
Book early! Booking flights and a hotel well in advance allows you to save money. Planning ahead will also ensure that you get a room at the host hotel for extended networking, plus it’ll save you travel time and travel costs.
relationships with the other members. You’ll also meet more people at an event if you are identified as a source of information.
Make friends. Getting to know your colleagues is the absolute best way to network because these will be the people who will remember your name, be willing to share their best practices and are most likely to refer clients your way down the road.
Be a good listener. Many people think that to be popular, they have to appear very interesting. Far more important than this, however, is the ability to show that you’re interested in others. Listen carefully to what people say, remember important details about them
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Dare to break away. Once you meet a great new contact, don’t stick with that person for the entire conference. Break away – go to a new speaker session or the trade fair area and venture into new areas with new people. The best conversations happen in the general open areas and in the exhibit hall during breaks, lunches, and receptions.
Connect with the conference presenters. They are often influencers who can help you get better networked into real estate. Take the time to visit their Web site and where they should all have email addresses. But, if they don’t, try to find them on sites like LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook. Keep a positive attitude. You want to be remembered for your positive (but realistic) attitude so this is not the time
