Keys to Networking

[Account Closed]

This will be a little long and maybe even turn into a blog post, but wanted to share it with everyone that is STARTING out especially those new to BP and REI combined.

You are asking for advice of people that have been there and done that. People that have maybe for years done deals, and are where you want to be. They have sacrificed, done deals, some good, some bad. You want to be where they are.

Just as in any business, there are trade secrets. Tools, connections, ideas etc that they have developed and worked to build over the years. Do not just come on to Bigger Pockets or any place for that matter, and ask them to just share it with you.

Take the advice they are willing to share, you need it. The fact that so many people here that have made a living (not all have so weed out the ones that haven't), in this industry. They are willing to give you some advice.

To ask someone "Hey who are your private lenders you use where you invest at because I want to do the same". Then get mad if a person doesn't tell you is ridiculous. That is their business, you want to compete with them. It takes a while for someone to build a relationship of trust to get lenders. Put in the time.

If anything, the key here isn't to ask, but to offer. What can you offer to make life easier on the experience person you are asking advice of? You need to build trust from them. Show them you won't steal deals from them. If I invest in an area, and you snag a deal on me, isn't that the same as stealing a client? Taking food off of our table? Not just me, but my crews that do the rehab? My property managers? Maintenance people?

So when you are starting out, and need a guide, mentor or just advice, do not bite the hands that feed you. Do not expect someone to just share the systems they have worked hard to develop over the years with someone that is going to use it to compete with them. Instead, work to build relationships. Build trust, Trust is EARNED not given.

SO be it in Chicago, New York, Denver wherever, know that you need to have patience. While Bigger Pockets is a great tool, don't think for once that someone will just give you what you want immediately. If they do, they probably did not work hard for that bit of information and it doesn't mean much to them. So you should question it.

Why do I know? I have been investing for over 2 decades. Full time! I have had people attempt to steal from me, conn me, use me, slander my name, etc.

Think about any successful person, and you can think of times when they have been attacked, questioned, etc. Donald Trump is always being attacked. What does he say "If someone screws you, screw them 10 times harder, not for revenge, but so that others know you can't be messed with".

I take advice from everyone, but I give more weight to people that are were I want to go, than those in the same position or even "lower" on the investing totem pole than myself.

This is business in the end. Business secrets are tightly guarded. Bush's never shares the recipes for the baked beans. Coca-Cola's recipe is a closely guarded secret. We all find that to be acceptable. So why if a person doesn't share their Investing secrets with someone that joins a free website, should you get mad at them for it?

Re-evaluate your business and know, life is about relationships. BUILD THEM!! Earn respect and trust.

Good luck to you, and stay the course!