In businessāand especially in real estateānetworking isnāt just a good idea, itās essential. But like most things, doing it wisely makes all the difference. Here are three proven ways to network effectively without wasting time or burning out.
1ļøā£ Networking Through Social Media
Today, having a presence on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok is a must. But hereās the trick: less is often more.
Do you want five million followers who never engage, or 500 quality contacts who actually have what you needāand need what you have? Be intentional. Keep your network manageable, and focus on building relationships that matter.
š” Pro tip:
- Reach out to your trusted network first when you have questions or need recommendations.
- Avoid overwhelming people with constant messages or pings. Too much noise can cause important contacts to slip away.
2ļøā£ Email Networking
Email is perfect for a personalized, professional approachāmore formal than a quick DM.
If you donāt have someoneās email, start with a social media connection and politely request it.
Once youāve made contact:
- Keep in touch with regular, but not excessive, updates.
- We use tools like Constant Contact to send weekly or monthly updates, and itās been a game-changer.
š« Avoid the spam trap:
Donāt flood inboxes. Use proper etiquette and the right email platforms to keep your messages out of āspam jail.ā
3ļøā£ Live Networking Events & Educational Meetings
Should you attend? Absolutelyābut with a plan.
There are endless eventsāmonthly, weekly, even daily. Some are deeply educational, others are simply a place to connect with movers and shakers.
Before attending, ask yourself:
- Is someone just trying to sell me something I donāt need?
- Who here can help grow my business?
- How can I help their business in return?
Select events that truly align with your goals. Time is limited, and balancing work and life is critical for long-term success.
ā Final Thoughts
Networking is the lifeblood of business growth, but itās not about collecting contactsāitās about building meaningful connections. Be smart, be selective, and be balanced in how you network, and youāll create opportunities that lead to real results.