The Pedicure Approach and Round 2 of Mentorship
A conversation came up our last mentorship meeting about marketing your time to build your network.
Networking is a tricky subject. Everyone knows that they need to do it, but the very word is enough to make some people break out in a cold sweat. Visions of stick on name tags, awkward conversations and random card passing are enough to make anyone want to take a pass.
For most people, I believe that this is the wrong way to network.
In fact, here is your get out of jail free card: If you don’t want to be there it isn’t going to work. So don’t bother.
Making connections is only the first step to networking. Building relationships is the part that most people miss. And the part that makes it work.
It’s unrealistic to think you can show up, hand out your card to 50 people and then expect all of them to call you with business.
People do business with those they have relationships with.
Here’s a better way to go about it:
If you end up at a typical networking event, make it your goal to connect with 3 interesting people. Schedule a time for lunch or coffee to find out more about them and how you can help their business. If you have read the The Go Giver, this philosophy should sound familiar. Truly the more you help others, the more they will, in turn, help you.
Doing this will make your time much more effective even though you are talking to fewer people.
Or you can go with the pedicure approach.
The pedicure approach is about doing what genuinely interests you and building relationships that way.
Maybe you are into golf, skiing, art museums, music, working on cars, knitting… Find a group of people who like to do the same things as you and spend time with them. Ideally the group should be one that meets on a regular basis so that you have a chance to see the same people multiple times.
Taking clients to get pedicures can be just as effective as a networking event.
Coaching little league is networking as you get to know the parents, joining a running club is networking, all of it counts. Oddly enough, the less it feels like business, the more effective it is likely to be.
The trick is to make sure that you are doing these things consistently.
Go with the mindset that you are there to build relationships and be of service in all things that you do.
To your success!
Nicole
Signup to receive Nicole's blog posts via email weekly:
Other Posts
What Happens When You Don’t Take Action On Your Goals
Hint: Nothing is not the correct answer. Actual answer: The Universe takes over and decides to help. I’ve been meaning to ask for and hire more support in my business for a while now. I have a million reasons why I haven’t done it. Apparently the Universe got tired of it being on my to…
Read More
It’s Okay To Take Time Off
Tomorrow is the 4th. This is your reminder – it’s okay to take time off. Just because technology allows us to work anytime, anywhere doesn’t mean you should. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do, is to do nothing productive at all. Enjoy the day and be present. To your success! Nicole
Read More
Warning! Comparison Monster Coming Your Way
July 1st is next Tuesday, and you know what that means… Your in box is about to be flooded with emails about being 1/2 way through the year asking if you’re on track with your goals. And right about the same time, you’ll see agents posting on social media about how they just closed another…
Read More
Breathe – It’s a Contact Sport
Summer officially starts today! I live for the long days, spur of the moment dinners on the deck with friends, the warm weather, and relaxed vibe. Summer also brings its own special juggling act of navigating a shifting market, and clients that are not as focused on real estate. Side note – the market ALWAYS…
Read More
What If Everything is An Experiment?
I’ll admit it, I’m not great at asking for help. Even when I know I need it. There are a variety of reason I struggle with asking: I’m busy and taking a step back to asses what I can outsource feels like one more task I don’t have time for. The task is something I’m…
Read More
Don’t Believe The Hype
Does the market make you want to hide out? I’ve had SEVERAL calls from agents recently with clients that are putting them through the wringer. Whether it’s sellers not accepting offers, buyers taking forever to make decisions, or clients doing the exact opposite of what you thought they were going to do – managing your…
Read More
The #1 Reason Clients Don’t Choose You
Don Miguel Ruiz said it best in his book – The 4 Agreements: Don’t Make Assumptions Find the courage to ask questions Communicate with others as clearly as you can This one agreement can completely transform your life Beautifully said. Assumptions are the #1 reason your clients don’t choose you. As agents we assume many…
Read More
Letter to My Younger Self
Today is my birthday. For me, birthdays are a beautiful mix of celebration, anticipation and reflection. This post is dedicated to reflections. Things I wish I could tell my younger self. Imposter syndrome is normal! You’ve spent so much time doubting yourself. Feeling like everyone else knows what they are doing while you’re still trying…
Read More
Managing the Adrenaline / Emotional Roller Coaster of Real Estate
Closings, getting mutual on a contract, receiving a referral – there are lots of wins in real estate. Each one brings a shot of adrenaline that feels amazing. However, those moments are often short lived, with a lot of space in between. If you aren’t careful that space can fill with self doubt, insecurity or…
Read More
Why Proving Yourself Is A Bad Idea
I competed on a listing this week that I didn’t get. It was a great one too – awesome house, great clients. It was one I really wanted. When I got done pouting I took a few minutes to ask myself, ‘where did it go wrong’? Our first appointment was amazing! The second one, not…
Read More