Networking Ideas That’ll Enhance Your Web Value

Ashley:
That is Actual Property Rookie, episode 188. My identify is Ashley Kehr and I’m right here with my co-host Tony Robinson.
I do know, however truthfully, I really feel like we by no means even obtained to see one another that a lot, although we have been, yeah, confined right into a lodge resort for 3 days and barely obtained to see one another, however we simply attended the primary ever Actual Property Rookie boot camp weekend in Denver, Colorado. And we obtained to satisfy over 300 rookie buyers that perhaps had one or two offers.
Some folks truly had fairly just a few offers beneath their belt already, however a ton of newbies, rookie buyers that haven’t achieved a deal but. We have been actually excited that they took that step, took that motion to come back and be taught and get that motivation to get that first deal achieved.

Tony:
Yeah. Lots of you understand BiggerPockets not too long ago began launching these boot camps, that are basically on-line programs. And I ran the short-term rental boot camp. Ashley ran the rookie bootcamp. And what Ashley did was she took the idea of her bootcamp and turned it into an in-person occasion. Like she stated, it was actually catered in direction of people that have been at first of their journey and man, what a tremendous occasion it was.
And as we have been going via that, Ashley and I stated, “Effectively, it is likely to be cool to essentially discuss concerning the energy of networking and coming to a few of these occasions and what profit you get as a brand new investor.” Ashley, I do know you discuss this so much and also you shared this story a bit of bit over the weekend, however I assume you discuss concerning the affect that networking has had on you since you got here. You’re an investor in New York, close to Buffalo, you felt there weren’t loads of buyers round you. Simply give that story that you simply shared from the bootcamp weekend.

Ashley:
Yeah, I used to be lonely. Once I began investing, it was solely as a result of I labored for an investor. And so, I partnered along with his son, who was mainly like, “I don’t have time to do something. You do it.” And I took care of all the pieces and he simply didn’t actually care to have interaction a lot in dialog about actual property, 24/7, like I did.
After which, a pair years later I discovered my subsequent associate. It was me and him speaking about actual property. And I lastly discovered BiggerPockets. And from there, simply diving into the boards. After which, BiggerPockets had their first convention. Effectively, truly it was technically their second convention. I believe they’d one an extended, very long time in the past after which didn’t have one other one till 2019. And it was that convention the place I met a ton of individuals.
And since then, they’ve turn into my greatest mates. My greatest mates are littered throughout the nation. And it appears like we see one another each single month as a result of we’re attending an occasion or simply getting collectively for one thing particular for somebody in our group. However I don’t assume that I might be the place I’m at present with out this community of individuals. I might lose motivation. I might lose inspiration. I wouldn’t have the instruments and assets if I didn’t have the community of my mates to assist me and information me, give me recommendation.
And likewise, I’ve been in a position to get alternatives due to my mates and hopefully, I’ve supplied them alternatives in return. Once I was in 2019, I attended that first BiggerPockets convention. After which in 2021, I attended a Maui mastermind occasion. And since then, simply assembly these group of individuals has actually made an affect on my life and much more enthusiastic about actual property.

Tony:
And I believe the networking piece, Ashley, is so essential, particularly at first phases of your journey, as a result of loads of instances you stumble into actual property and also you stumble into it by your self. And it’s not essentially as a result of your greatest good friend is or as a result of your siblings or your mother and father or whoever. It’s since you learn some article, you had some concept and also you begin taking place this rabbit gap.
And earlier than you understand it, you’ve consumed all these books and also you’ve listened to those podcasts. And also you’re all juiced up about turning into an actual property investor, however you haven’t any one to speak to about it with. Your folks are pushed loopy already. In the event you’re married, your partner is overhearing you discuss actual property investing and also you sort of want somebody to attach with.
I believe early in your journey, going to, whether or not occasions just like the Rookie Bootcamp weekend, greater occasions like BPCON, and even smaller occasions like in your native space, going to native meetups or REIA Conferences or no matter it’s, simply discover a option to get with different folks which can be doing what it’s you wish to do, since you get a lot worth from having these sorts of conversations.
And I’ve shared this on the podcast earlier than, however a very pivotal change in my life occurred at a meetup. I’ve talked about him earlier than, however his identify is Alex Sabio. And Alex and I met at a neighborhood meetup right here in SoCal. And he was the individual that finally satisfied me to purchase my first short-term rental. And I believe, man, had I not met Alex at that meetup, how completely different would my life be at present? You by no means know the place one relationship, one connection can take you.

Ashley:
Yeah. I utterly agree with that. And I took my enterprise associate, Darrell, with me to this rookie weekend. And it was his first ever convention of any type, any sort. And he’s so pumped up, so jazzed up. Simply within the airport on the way in which dwelling, he’s trying up all these items he realized or folks he talked to. And so, he’s like, “Man, I actually did get so motivated by that.” And he’s like, “When’s the following one? The place can we go to the following one?”

Tony:
Completely.

Ashley:
I believe that’s actually superior is in case you get that chance to go to a networking occasion. Even whether it is only a native meetup, then that’s even higher since you’re assembly folks which can be immediately in your market and get that market data from them too, and share concepts.
Going to a networking occasion, just a few suggestions I’ve. Together with assembly folks is, if there’s any individual you wish to discuss to, so perhaps it’s one of many audio system, one thing like that, have your questions ready forward of time. What do you wish to get out of that dialog with that individual? As a result of it’s very straightforward to go up and simply be like, “Hey, how are you? I really like your podcast or I listened to you on YouTube,” properly, one thing like that. After which, “Okay, yep. Good to satisfy you.” After which stroll away. Or consider one thing, however put together your self, in order that whenever you do go into that dialog and simply be like, “No, I’ve a fast query for you, a pair fast questions.”
After which have them ready so that you simply’re not simply stumbling or frantic, as a result of that’s one thing I at all times struggled with. Even Brandon Turner, the primary couple instances I met him. I’m like, “I don’t even know what to ask him. I really feel like I can’t waste my dialog with him. What do I say to get worth out of that dialog and benefit from that chance?”
Steve Rosenberg had met with this individual that does loads of motivational talking and a giant coach and really profitable individual. And he was informed, “You get 5 minutes with them.” He sat down with them and the man’s like, “5 minutes, go ask me your questions, no small discuss.” And Steve’s similar to, “Blah, blah, blah.” And the man on the finish was like, “I say that to you as a result of your time is simply as invaluable as mine. And I do know you solely obtained 5 minutes with me, in order that’s why I needed to chop proper into the chase.”
I believe having questions ready and figuring out what you wish to get out of the networking too, and the conversations and even what are you on the lookout for? Who do you wish to discuss to too? Planning that forward of time too.

Tony:
That’s simply such level, Ashley, as a result of somebody actually got here as much as me on the bootcamp weekend and stated that, “Hey, Tony, huge fan. Actually get pleasure from all the pieces you do on the podcast.” After which I used to be like, “Oh, thanks a lot. After which he was simply sort of smiling.” And I used to be like, “Can I reply something for you?” He’s like, I don’t actually know what to say. I simply needed to come back discuss to you.” After which 10 minutes later, he ended up coming again to me and stated, “Hey, I truly do have a query for you.” I really like the thought of are available ready to maximise that point.
I believe the opposite factor that I’d encourage people to do whenever you’re going to a few of these networking occasions, two huge issues. First is attempt to get out of your consolation zone. It’s very easy to go to those occasions. And particularly in case you’re going with somebody that you understand, to simply stick along with your click on of individuals.
And it occurs in most conferences, if it’s a a number of day convention, wherever you sit on day one, you’re in all probability going to finish up sitting there on day two once more. And also you’re going to be sitting across the identical folks. Actually attempt to combine up the place you’re sitting or who you’re speaking to as a result of the aim of those occasions are to satisfy different folks. In the event you’re going with a good friend, attempt to separate each every now and then, attempt to sit in several elements of the room all through completely different elements of the day. That approach, you’re exposing your self to extra folks. That’s the very first thing, is attempt to get outdoors of your consolation zone.
The second factor is, I do know not everybody is absolutely good at doing that. Simply the thought of going to those networking occasions is frightening sufficient, however having to really discuss to somebody is likely to be too terrifying. For me, each time I am going to a few of these occasions and I don’t actually know anybody within the room, if I’m strolling in to a meetup and there’s already a bunch of individuals speaking, I’ll simply stroll up and say, “Hey, do you thoughts if I be a part of you guys?”
Not as soon as has somebody informed me, “No.” I’ve by no means been informed, “No, you possibly can’t be a part of us.” Everybody’s often like, “Yeah, after all. Come on in.” After which I’ll simply ask, “Hey, so the place are you at in your investing journey?” And it’s a straightforward option to break the ice. And also you guys can begin speaking, attending to know one another, however it’s that straightforward. “Hey, thoughts if I be a part of you. The place are you at in your investing journey?” These two questions are a good way to interrupt the ice.

Ashley:
That’s an awesome level as to, okay, attending to someplace. And, okay, the place do I stand? The place do I am going? Who do I discuss to? However one factor that I used to do once I was going to native meetups or I used to be attending a convention, I might discover any individual on-line that was going to that very same occasion. And I might simply message them, begin a bit of dialog. Identical to, “Oh, I noticed you have been going to this.” After which I had a face. I had any individual once I obtained there to search for and that I already sort of knew. And that was my technique, I assume, in order that I didn’t find yourself simply awkwardly standing there.
I bear in mind the worst was when a meetup was held at a bar within the metropolis. And so I stroll in. I’m like, I don’t know which group of individuals that is. I requested the hostess, I believe. And she or he’s like, “Oh, I believe that’s the true property like meetup factor is upstairs.” I am going upstairs and there’s all these folks and wearing company garments, a swimsuit and tie and women in attire and heels.
And I’m like, “There’s no approach that is actual property buyers.” And so, I go searching and I spotted the restaurant truly had two places and I used to be on the unsuitable location. And so, I ended up going to their different location. However yeah, that was so uncomfortable for me that second, not figuring out who to go. If yow will discover any individual on-line who’s attending.
BiggerPockets, you possibly can add… Meetups are marketed on there on a regular basis and you may truly see who’s going. Individuals click on the attend button. All I’ve to do is message a few these folks and be, “Hey, I noticed you have been attending this meetup. I’m going to be there too.” And perhaps give them a bit of bit about your self. And simply say, “I needed to introduce myself earlier than assembly and I stay up for seeing you on the occasion.”

Tony:
Yeah. Our good friend Tyler Madden talked about that too, about making relationships on-line earlier than getting there in individual. And what a straightforward approach, a low danger option to break the ice beforehand, say. I really like, love, love that recommendation. However on the finish of the day, for all of the rookies which can be listening, what’s most essential is that you simply begin constructing that community, whether or not on-line, whether or not in-person. Or nonetheless you wish to do it, however simply begin surrounding your self with individuals who have the identical desires, ambitions, and aspirations as you.

Ashley:
Yeah. Okay. Another takeaway? Oh, one factor that I do wish to add to that is when going to a dwell occasion is particularly, if it’s like a pair day convention, or even when it’s only one meetup, take a break through the convention. Or even when it’s simply each evening. And write down the folks you met, how they’d an affect on you, what you realized, what you wish to implement, what you wish to take motion on. As a result of the convention is such a whirlwind that, by the point you get dwelling, it’s like, “Oh wait, what did I be taught? What was I going to do? How do I implement these items?”

Tony:
Certain.

Ashley:
I believe going again and recapping, as a result of it’s going to be somebody needed to clarify this to me. And so me remembering folks’s names as a fireplace hose, simply capturing at my face all day with folks’s names. That’s the true property contents that’s coming at you. And even in case you’re simply going to a neighborhood meetup, whenever you get into your automobile, write down, “Okay, these are the folks I met. That is what they do. Listed here are my connections I made. And that is what I realized. That is what I wish to analysis extra,” or one thing like that to, taking these notes.

Tony:
Yeah. One factor, yeah, what I might do. And I haven’t been to a very huge convention shortly the place I didn’t know loads of people there. However one of many issues that I might do once I go to a few of these huge meetups is once I would meet somebody and I get their telephone quantity, I take a selfie with him. That approach… As a result of even in case you save the identify, generally you neglect the faces of who’s who, however in case you have a selfie with you and that individual, subsequent time you see him like, “Oh shoot. Yeah, I do not forget that face.” And so, it’s a bit of bit simpler to make that connection on who’s who.

Ashley:
Yeah. There was additionally a man that attended the occasion this weekend, who was a particularly profitable actual property investor from the Denver space. And he simply needed to come back and be round all of the rookies and get inspiration and motivation from all the joy.
And so, he stated that one factor he seen was that no person has enterprise playing cards. And he stated, “I utterly perceive that as a result of they don’t actually have a enterprise but. They don’t have their first deal. They don’t have an funding property, they don’t have a enterprise.”
And he stated, however he’s like, “I might suggest that go and get them printed in any case. It doesn’t should be a enterprise card. It could actually simply be your contact info.” And he stated, “That will be so good for them to present out whenever you attend these occasions.” And I believed that was an awesome tip is having the ability to give the playing cards out. And I do know lots of people at present use the QR codes too. So that you simply simply present somebody your QR code after which it routinely imports into their telephone, which is fairly handy too.

Tony:
Yeah. Yeah. I really like. I’m not a lot of a enterprise card man. Even folks hand them to me, loads of instances, I find yourself simply shedding them. I like the thought of the QR code.

Ashley:
The QR code.

Tony:
So I can scan and it’s in there straight away. Yeah.

Ashley:
Yeah. Okay. Effectively, thanks, guys, a lot for listening. And for these of you that attended the rookie weekend, I hope you had a good time. I do know, I positive did. And I obtained to speak to so many individuals and it actually was inspirational and motivational to me.
One little train that we did do on the finish was have everybody write a letter to themselves in three months, giving themselves encouragement help and likewise, speaking about what they’ve achieved within the subsequent three months. These letters are going to be despatched again out to the people who attended the rookie convention.
I introduced an additional suitcase, simply to convey all of them dwelling with me, after which I’m going to mail them again to them on the finish of August. If you wish to take part on this train, simply go forward and write your self a letter. We did it dated for August 1st. And write your self a letter, giving your self some encouragement and say, “Wow, up to now three months, you purchased your first rental property. You paid off some debt.” Or no matter it’s that you simply wish to accomplish within the subsequent three months, write your self a letter such as you did accomplish it. After which, you possibly can simply stick it in a drawer, set your self a bit of calendar reminder to drag it again out and open it up in three months.
Okay. Effectively, thanks guys for listening. I’m Ashley at Wealth from Leases and he’s Tony at Tony J. Robinson. Don’t neglect to love and subscribe to our YouTube channel, Actual Property Rookie. And please go away us a 5 star assessment in your favourite podcast platform. We’ll see you guys subsequent time.