Networking 101: The Top Networking Tips Towards a Successful Future

In real estate, more than any other business, networking is vital to success. So when I had the opportunity to attend a panel on networking with the associate director of career management here at NYU, a partner at executive search firm Rhodes Associates, and a few NYU professors, I made sure not to miss it. Much of what was discussed was common sense, but I wanted to pass along a list of networking tips provided by the panel.

• Target your discussions with network meetings regarding what your goals are — don’t let it meander. We know you want a JOB, but meetings should be productive.
• A career is a set of building blocks, not a straight line. It’s evolutional.
• Know what you’re good at and like to do – build a career to your strengths, not weaknesses.
• You should have 3 working lists: Your A list of contacts that can possibly hire you (make sure you are on your A game when you make contact, you’ve got one shot); your B list of friends that can introduce you to someone either within their firm or to another “potential” employer; your C list, a list of companies (20) that you want to work for and that you can pull out of your pocket and ask everyone you meet if they know someone that can get you a meeting at one or more of them. Although the person with whom you’re meeting might not know people at those companies – it will focus their thought process and ability to provide contacts for you to meet at comparable companies.
• Keep your network contact list and companies on a spreadsheet- who/where/how met them.
• Dress appropriately – even if you’re going for an informational meeting – look the part, especially if you don’t know the person well. Their impression of you will dictate the people to whom they refer you.
• Prepare an “elevator speech” that can be used when networking. Pick 3 key points you want to convey to the other person. This may help you stay focused and will enable you to leave the right lasting impression.
• Follow-up with a thank you and a quick email whenever you meet a contact someone offered. Its good manners and keeps you in front of the person, who might have thought of another contact since you last met. Also, blast out an email when you get a job or get promoted to a core network of contacts.
• Be current – have an opinion about the market or a recent landmark deal.
• Be genuine – do not memorize a script. Employers want to talk to someone they can relate to and feel comfortable talking to.
• It is not just about what you are saying, but how interested and strong your body language is saying it. Be aware of your eye contact and be sure to use a strong handshake.
• Do your research! If you know who will be at the event research their background and the company they work for so you can ask targeted questions. This will give you an opportunity to start a conversation and ask specific questions.
• Display confidence and a positive attitude at alhttp://www.astudentoftherealestategame.com/wp-admin/post-new.phpl times, even if you are an introvert. During networking sessions you will need to “pretend” that you are an extrovert and meet people.
• Remember – this is a small industry and memories/life is long!
• Everyone should own Kennedy’s Guide to Executive Recruiting.
• I also recommend you check out the website GlassDoor.com for salary information on specific company’s.

What other tips would you add to this list?

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