Hi all,

One thing I am focusing on now is trying to network with other professionals in the following fields:

- Business owners and entrepreneurs
- Financial advisors
- Mortgage brokers
- Wealth management specialists
- Home stagers
- Building inspectors
- Construction companies
- Etc.

This allows me to get my name and face in the public, hand out business cards, meet with others, build a team and of course get referrals and give referrals!

Discuss!

Your best source for this is social networking.

Linked In and Facebook are the most used. You can search for groups by keyword search.

I agree, and I do that!

But I also feel that you have to and must get your name and face ''out there'' in order to build your business, you have to socialize and meet with business owners, network with professionals in the finance industry and know individuals in the real estate business.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE TO KNOW YOU WHEN THEY SEE YOU!

Doing lots of Transactions with these people will be your best form of Networking. I find that people always seem to remember those who put money in their pockets.

Vermont is right on. The more business transactions, the more they will remember you. But obviously you have to start somewhere, so I would suggest social media, unless you are only interested in local businesses, in which case local chapters would be best.

Going to meet the local business owners in their own realm is the best, as far as I'm concerned. Just take a day or two each month to make the rounds. Introduce yourself with something like, "I thought it would be beneficial for us to become acquainted" and keep it under five minutes. If they have a small staff, make an impression by bringing the favorite local donut or something similar.

Be consistent in stopping by to see how their business is going, what's new, etc. and they will know who you are very quickly. If you have a new listing, or know of some zoning or governmental issues that will affect them, drop that information off with them. Send it to them in a note. Multiple touches through different medium will create a more long-lasting impression.

Most business owners I know would prefer that to going to some BS networking group where people just want to exchange cards. If you show interest in them, they'll show an interest in you.

I actually went into my Insurance Agents office the other day for something and we got to talking about my being an agent. He asked me for some cards and said that he gets approached from time to time if he knows any good realtors. He said he'd be glad to forward any of that business along to me.

It was unexpected but definitely a huge contact made.