Are you an introverted Networker?
networking.jpg” alt=”" width=”300″ height=”228″ />In Real Estate or indeed in any type of sales role, it’s important to be able to reach out and to make a good first impression on your clients and to be able to network to the powers that be. Importantly, any good first impression has to then turn into a great long lasting impression that grows into a relationship of trust and respect if you wish to do well. But sometimes you might find yourself within your real estate sales role and starting to feel like a square peg in a round hole. You just don’t fit in with the demands of the job.
Okay, you might need to work on several areas of development and improve key skills if you are going to be successful in real estate but if you enjoy certain aspects of the industry and not others, then you may as well capitalise on these strengths and use your time wisely to promote yourself. If you would classify yourself as an introvert, you can feel safe in the knowledge that there are many other introverts out there and most share a reluctance for the limelight but if pushed, can actually perform quite well once certain basic skills are put into place. Building up your confidence is one thing but it can be hard to project your qualities and to network to others.
Whether you are new to real estate, work for yourself or have joined a real estate firm, you can make use of an often over-looked but vital area within the real estate arena and that is networking. Of course the networking term is bandied about these days but it’s often not utilised in the correct way but when incorporated well within any role, it can really escalate the business. At the end of the day, networking should always be seen as an investment and can even be a time saver. Learning the right approach and how to deliver an ultra professional image whilst appearing to be a warm and confident agent isn’t easy.
Being an introvert might make your job as a real estate agent harder but it doesn’t mean that your thought processes are not highly active and that deep down there is a plan of action just waiting to emerge. Introverts can be hugely successful. Just because you may not like giving presentations to a large audience or being in the spotlight for too long, doesn’t mean that you can’t excel at your job. Your main problem may be that you are shy. Your thoughts ‘whirr’ away inside but you have trouble articulating them in front of a crowd. But don’t panic, everyone has extroverted and introverted qualities and by simply brushing up on some skills, you can be as good a salesman as anyone else because providing your integrity is genuine, then this will be the quality that will come across predominantly.
Accept some limitations but work on those others that you feel are a stumbling block to your career. Make the effort to attend some business events and even if you dread the thought of going and networking, having to interact with others and indulge in small talk, just remember that to build up these connections takes time but with the right connections, you can go far.
It might help if you can set up your own networking event or just arrange for small groups to attend. It could be as simple as meeting for a coffee or a business lunch. Persistence is key within networking terms. You may or may not have the gift of the gab when it comes to small talk but the more that you attend events and network with others within the industry, the more known that you will become in certain circles and the easier it will become.
One good thing to being an introvert is that you are likely to have good analytical skills and to
be able to analyse how you are doing in networking terms. Don’t be hard on yourself but you have to discover what is working and what isn’t so that you can progress. Do you have better results when you attend events with a business colleague for example? Do you find yourself veering towards certain types of people and holding back with those who are ultra confident? What limitations are holding you back from chatting with confidence to all and sundry?
Once you have been to a few events, you will get a gist for the type of questions that you are likely to be asked and what likely topics will crop up. If you are nervous, do yourself a favour and prepare typical conversations so that you respond with confidence. Before you know it, you will be feeling much more confident and will be networking like a pro.