Building a strong network is essential for success in property investment. This guide gives you a direct and practical approach to networking. It focuses on simple tips and techniques you can start using right away. Forget about vague advice; this is your blueprint for effective networking. It’s all about creating genuine connections that lead to real opportunities.
Before the Event: The Preparation Phase
Preparation is a crucial step to a successful networking experience. These techniques ensure you arrive with a clear purpose, a confident mindset, and all the tools you need to make powerful connections.
1. Define Your Goals with Precision
Before you even leave your home, know exactly what you want to achieve. Are you seeking a new joint venture partner for a specific project? Do you need a reliable tradesperson in a new city? Perhaps you’re seeking a mentor with experience in HMOs or commercial property.
Having a precise goal will help you focus your time and energy on the right people and the right conversations. It turns a general activity into a focused mission. Take a few minutes to write your top three goals for the event. This small action can dramatically increase your success.
2. Research Key Attendees and Speakers
Make the most of your time by doing your homework. Utilise platforms like LinkedIn to identify who is speaking or attending the event. Check their professional backgrounds, property portfolios, and areas of expertise. Look for people whose goals align with yours.
Don’t just use LinkedIn. Additionally, consider exploring other resources, such as a special event app, a Facebook group, or the event’s official website. Go in with a list of a few people you’d like to meet and one or two well-thought-out questions to ask each of them. This shows you’re serious and well-prepared.
3. Prepare a Concise Elevator Pitch
Your elevator pitch is not a long speech. It’s a quick, interesting summary of who you are and what you do. The key is to make it a conversation starter, not a monologue.
Practice it until it feels natural. A simple structure is:
“My name is [Your Name], and I invest in [Your Area of Focus]. I’m currently looking to connect with [Type of Person or Opportunity].”
This makes your intent clear and invites a response.
4. Get Involved and Volunteer
Consider offering to volunteer or assist the event organisers. This is a powerful tactic that people don’t use enough. As a volunteer, you’ll be one of the first people others see. This gives you a natural reason to talk with a lot of people. It also shows that you’re a helpful and active part of the community.
5. Pack Your Essential Toolkit
Ensure you have everything you need before heading out. This includes a good supply of business cards, a small notepad and pen, and a portable phone charger. Use a notepad to write key details from your conversations. It’s much more reliable than trying to remember everything.
At the Event: The Connection Phase
This is where your preparation pays off. The goal here is to build genuine rapport and provide value, rather than just collecting business cards.
6. Master Your Body Language
Your body language speaks volumes before you even say a word. Stand with an open posture (arms uncrossed, facing outward), make consistent eye contact, and wear a genuine smile. Avoid huddling with the people you already know.
Instead, position yourself in high-traffic areas, like near the refreshments or at the entrance. This makes it easy for others to approach you and shows you’re ready to connect.
7. Listen More, Talk Less
Remember, networking is about conversation, not just a pitch. The best networkers are great listeners. Ask open-ended questions about the other person’s work, their challenges, and their goals.
People will remember how you made them feel, not just what you said. To start a conversation, try asking, ‘What brought you to this event today?’ or ‘What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing in your property business?’
8. Exchange Information and Take Notes
Bring a good supply of business cards and collect the ones you receive. Right after you talk to someone, jot a quick note on their business card. Write their name, where you met them, and what you talked about. This small act will be invaluable for the follow-up, helping you personalise your message later on.
After the Event: The Follow-Up Phase
The follow-up is where you find the real value of networking. This is where you turn a casual meeting into a lasting professional relationship. A strong follow-up is what separates a great networker from a good one.
9. Follow Up Quickly and Personally
Aim to follow up within 24 hours while the conversation is still fresh in your mind and theirs. Send a personalised email or LinkedIn message.
Remind them where you met and reference a specific point from your conversation. For example, “It was great meeting you at the Progressive Property Network event. I really enjoyed our conversation about your challenges with your HMO portfolio.” This makes your message stand out.
10. Offer Value Before You Ask for It
Initially, your focus should be on how you can assist others. This builds trust and positions you as a valuable connection. You could share an article on a topic they mentioned.
You might also recommend a podcast or introduce them to someone else in your network who could provide further assistance. This shows you are a giver, not just a taker.
11. Stay Connected on Social Media
Keep the conversation going on social media. Stay connected on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook, and engage with their content to stay informed. Post helpful information, comment on what others share, and discuss your own successes and lessons. This keeps you visible and top-of-mind. Join relevant online property forums and groups to continue expanding your circle and providing value.
Common Networking Mistakes to Avoid
Effective networking is about making the right moves and avoiding the wrong ones. Be aware of these common mistakes that can hinder your progress.
Only Pitching, Never Listening:
Don’t treat a networking event as a sales pitch. If you only talk about yourself and your deals, people will quickly lose interest. Focus on listening and discover how you can assist others first.
Failing to Follow Up:
The most valuable connections are often lost due to a lack of follow-up. A great conversation means nothing if you don’t build on it. Always send a personalised message within 24 hours to keep the momentum going.
Neglecting Online Networking:
In today’s world, networking isn’t just about in-person events. Not engaging with online property forums, social media groups, and platforms like LinkedIn means you’re missing out on a huge number of potential connections and deals.
Not Having a Clear Goal:
Going to an event to “see what happens” is a waste of time. Without a specific goal, you’ll likely wander aimlessly and fail to connect with the right people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are quick answers to some of the most common questions about networking for property investors.
Q: I’m naturally shy. How can I start conversations?
A: Focus on asking open-ended questions to put the spotlight on the other person. People often enjoy discussing themselves and their work. Prepare a few simple questions beforehand to have a starting point.
Q: How often should I follow up with a new contact?
A: After your initial, personalised message, you can follow up again in a few weeks or months. The key is to find a reason to connect again, like sharing a relevant article or asking about a project they mentioned.
Q: Do I need to bring my business cards?
A: Yes. Even if you use a digital contact method, a physical business card is still a professional way to exchange information quickly. Make sure it’s clear and includes your contact details, as well as a brief summary of your services.
Q: What if I don’t have a deal to talk about?
A: Don’t worry. Networking isn’t just about closing a deal. Focus on building relationships. Talk about your learning journey, your goals, or the challenges you’re trying to solve. You are there to connect, not to prove yourself.
Gain Insights from the UK’s Top Property Professionals at Progressive Property Network Events
Find your local PPN event using the links below. Meet your local Host, meet the next professional speaker, find your local venue and the time the action starts. Everything you need to know about your local event is just one click away.
