How would I bring value to other investors when just starting?

Question

Hey all!

For context I have read and seen on YouTube that providing value to others is a great way to start building a network and growing with people along the way.

Being told to provide value is all well and good but I could never find anything about the how to provide value only people saying “provide value”.

As an experienced investor I can see providing value being easy through knowledge, experience, do’s and don’ts but how could I provide anything of value to realtors, project managers, etc without any real knowledge and experience?

Any help on the subject would be appreciated!

Nathan Gesner · Answer

I think you're approaching the problem backwards. You should determine the needs first, then figure out how to fulfill them. Attend meetings, network with like-minded people, find out what they need, figure out how to meet their need.

Go to NETWORK at the top of your screen and you can search for other investors and investment groups in your area. You can also check meetup.com or search facebook for real estate investment groups, clubs, or meetings in your area.

Travis Timmons · Answer

I second a lot of the thoughts here. I don't need some newbie to bring me value. I'd rather just hire someone that has experience. Otherwise, I either take advantage of you by accepting free labor or pay you to do something that you've never done. Both of those are bad ideas.

The "you can't steer a parked car" is helpful here too. Work your a$$ off in the context or proximity of successful people. Someone with success will notice. There's nothing more rewarding than helping out a young man or woman that is giving it all he/she has. There's also nothing more frustrating than trying to help a young man or woman that is lazy.

I've got nothing to sell and would love to help in any way that you think I could. I had some older fellas mentor the mess out of me when I was in my 20s and don't mind paying that forward if I can. Send me a DM if you think it'd be worthwhile.

Anna Washburn · Answer

@Malcolm James

I struggle with the same thing.  I am a new agent pitching deals to investors, who have years in the game, all while trying to grasp the concept of everything (I mean everything, I worked in Supply Chain before). I have had investors laugh at me after they asked about my experience and leave meetings. On the other hand, I have had investors sit down with me and explain deals.  I think some forgot that they were once new to this game as well.

What helps me is, I ask a lot of questions ( even if they are found on google) because every investor looks at the same deal differently. Just asking one question can start a conversation, which could grow into relationship/mentorship. I have walked into Networking meetups saying, "I'm new, how did you get started? How did you overcome said obstacle? How do you find deals?"  If the investor blows me off because I'm new then that's not someone I want to work with.

The biggest thing is just get out there, get comfortable with being uncomfortable.  Your value is you!

Also, I have learned a lot from the posts on bigger pockets.  The men and women on here have a lot of knowledge.

Eliott Elias · Answer

Taking the time to truly learn. Don't come asking questions you can easily look up on google.

Offer to manage projects and bird dog for deals

John Williams · Answer

The best way to "provide value" is play to your strengths and passions. First, do a self-assessment. What are you really good at? What are you really passionate about? Once you've determined that, it will be a bit more clear to you. Depending on where you want to take your investing career, your next step will be to align yourself and connect with the folks in that space. Try to determine their needs. Then, knowing your strengths and passions, you can offer to serve them in the most effective and efficient way possible.

Tyler Mutch · Answer

Hi Malcom,

What are you currently doing for a W-2. does that in any way help someone in the real estate space? Are you good at marketing, can you sell? Providing value for many of the bigger investors comes with helping them enhance their business, and you'll many times come in as essentially an apprentice!

Hope this helps!

Paul De Luca · Answer

@Malcolm James

@Scott E. hit the nail on the head. You need to continue to self-educate, grow your network, and learn a skill within real estate (lending, deals, trade, property management, etc) so you can truly provide value to others. When you're a newbie the only thing you can really offer is sweat equity or work as an employee in a real estate profession to cultivate your skill. That would be a good way to get started.

Scott E. · Answer

The whole "provide value" language is thrown around a lot but it's bad advice for the exact reason you've described. As a brand new aspiring investor, there is no value you can offer to more experienced investors.

In the real world, most experienced investors don't need a newbies "value" because no matter what "value" you think you can bring, you'll just be getting in the way more than you'll be helping them and their business.

If you're brand new, don't get hung up on latching onto a more experienced investor right now. Focus on building your network, building a team, establishing some goals, and getting educated.

Once you get a base foundation of education, the best way to provide value to another investor is by bringing them deals, or bringing them capital to fund their deals.

Drew Sygit · Answer

@Malcolm James check for local RE Meetups and attend.

You'll be trading your time for access to their expertise:)

Malcolm James · Answer

@Tyler Mutch

Reading your reply and others my value that I can really provide to start would be sweat equity like being an apprentice to an experienced investor.

Thanks for the help!

How would I bring value to other investors when just starting?

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