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12 networking tips for introverts in the real estate industry

Written on June 12, 2011 by Rose Ryrie

12 networking tips for introverts in the real estate industry


Preparing to step out of your comfort zone

Lets face it, getting out of the office and meeting people face to face is a huge part of prospecting in the real estate industry. If theres a networking event in your city, there are Realtors there. If there is a mixer, there are Realtors there. Shaking hands and going belly to belly is still the best way to garner business, despite the rise in technology and our frequent focus on that part of your toolbox.

But many Realtors are introverted. Some are shy, some are not, and there are varying degrees of introversion, but if you get butterflies in your stomach before attending a networking event and you feel apprehension, consider ways to get out of it just before getting in your car, or maybe your heart races as you enter a room full of strangers, you could be introverted.

Rather than stick to the office and hope people will come to you, here are six easy networking tips for introverted personalities via Dumb Little Man, and well add some tips at the end.

Six networking tips for introverts

The full tips can be read at Dumb Little Man, but below are the highlights of their tips with our interpretation found after the bolded tip.

  1. Get to know people beforehand. If an events RSVP list is public before the event, or you find people on Twitter talking about the event, its not creepy to reach out and introduce yourself virtually. Try telling someone youve never been to the event OR even admitting youre nervous around crowds. This admission could help some extroverts to seek you out and help. Youd be amazed at how much easier it is to meet someone when its not stranger to stranger, rather putting a real live face to a name (plus it gives you the opportunity to invite people to come to you rather than vice versa, a real boost for introverts).
  2. Go prepared. If youre panicked about driving directions, whether or not you have your business cards, or where the event is held in a huge conference center, you could be frazzled upon arrival to an event which compounds the effects of introversion. If youre going to a mixer, know where to park before you get in your car and read the invitation closely to know if youre supposed to bring anything. If youre going to a conference, print out a map of the conference center and study where youre going for the first half of the first day before you arrive. These few things could keep you cool under pressure.
  3. Start a conversation right away. Its easiest to get talking right away, otherwise you could become comfortable in the warm embrace of wallflowerdom. Talk to someone in line, ask them if theyve been before or if they have any tips for you (which leads to a natural introduction between you two), or if youre at a mixer, go straight to the bar and while waiting on your drink, ask other attendees if theyve been before. If its your first time, youre looking for tips, if its not, youre looking to meet other new people because you know how nerve wracking it can be.
  4. Look for someone else who seems shy. We dont recommend sticking to this strategy as you may end up in a dark corner with one person for the entire event, but it is good practice to get your feet wet at the event. This tip isnt complicated, rather find someone who you can sense is as introverted as you and strike up idle chat to gain confidence. What are you drinking? Im thinking of switching, this drink is way too strong. Oh you like Belgain Ale too? Im looking for new tastes, what brand do you like? Oh yeah? That sounds cool! I used to work somewhere that happy hour started at three, have you ever worked anywhere like that? Oh you work at IBM? Thats cool, do you know so and so? Me too! And so forth.
  5. Dont talk too quickly. Nerves sometimes gets your mouth motor running and not only can it make people uncomfortable, it could make you unintelligible. This is a biggie and can really be off-putting, especially to extroverts. Accents can become more evident as you speak in a rushed manner, so if youre from out of town, others may not understand you. Dont stunt yourself.
  6. Dont over analyze afterwards. Introverts tend to walk away from an event unsure of their behavior. Did I actually say that? Was I boring? He seemed so bored. Was that joke funny? I cant tell if those laughs were genuine. When I came back from the bathroom, they were gone, what did I do wrong? Chances are people were distracted, busy, drunk or didnt even notice. Unless you said something blatantly offensive, you were fine. Introverts, you should know that extroverts arent analyzing the night like you are, theyre just remembering that they had a good time.

Six bonus networking tips

I confess that I am a strange mix of introvert and extrovert. I am an event organizer in my city, so I am networking with high frequency. Im not nervous beforehand, and I really get excited to see friends and meet new people. But as the engine starts as were on our way, I get butterflies in my stomach not about how the events will go but about being around so many people. I get a little panicked (not that anyone can tell) as people start pouring in and my heart races. Id rather be at home. All that said, I really like people and get energy from being around people. The truth is that after 20 minutes at any event, Im fine and Im having a good time.

Here are my tips for the extrovert/introvert:

  1. Get to the event early. Im naturally an early person, but I find that arriving early allows me to watch people as they come in and that gives me a sense of control rather than walking into a packed room. At conferences, I like to be seated early. The control mechanism is in allowing people to come to you which can be helpful for the beginning of an event.
  2. Practice makes perfect. I remember my first professional mixer and thinking that everyone could see through me. I didnt know what to expect, how to dress, or what was expected of me. But after a few mixers, it got easier. The same goes for conferences you attend year after year- knowing your surroundings and some familiar faces goes miles to squash your introverted fears.
  3. Remember names. The truth is that most people are bad at remembering names, even when nametags are being worn. Its not their or your fault, things happen at a fast pace at events and conferences. But if you can hone in on some names and remember them at the next event, that will go a long way in their mind and help them be comfortable with you. When I began focusing on names, I began hearing, wow, that is amazing that you remember me, and we barely spoke an you remember? Thats impressive. I try to remember names because I would like people to remember mine.
  4. Be yourself. I do not subscribe to the fake it until you make it mantra. If youre not chipper, dont go to an event and act like a cheerleader. It is very disconcerting to me to meet someone at a mixer and get to know them, but at a private coffee later that week, theyre a totally different person. There is an instant distrust there. Push yourself to be interactive, but dont change your personality.
  5. Smile. The only fake that I recommend is a smile. When people are telling jokes or interesting stories, smile even if its not natural. It is a huge compliment to others. When meeting people, smile. I cant tell you how uncomfortable it makes me when someone doesnt smile when they shake hands. People see smiles as a welcome mat and you become more approachable and isnt it really ideal for introverts to be approached rather than have to hunt for people to meet?
  6. Dont get drunk. Some guides for introverts instruct you to have a drink upon arrival to soothe your nerves. Fantastic, theres an open bar, but one drink becomes two and your sipping your nerves away becomes you break dancing to no music and barfing off of a balcony. No bueno. Get your bearings first and sip slowly. If youre around new people, never get drunk. Period.

Now that youve read all twelve tips, dont you feel better prepared and more calm already? Tell us your tips in the comments for overcoming those stomach butterflies.

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