Are Meetups a Good Strategy for Networking or am I Just going to get "pitched"?

Question

Hi,

I see BP doesn't sponsor any meetups but I've heard they are a good way to network.  Can anyone recommend a reputable networking group in the Washington, DC metro area?

Also, what is the best way to network with other out of state investors/potential partners?  I'm considering out of state investing, since DC is a fairly pricey market.  Thanks!

Mohammed Rahman · Answer

Hey @Anne Christensen - Having been on both sides of real estate meetups (attending and hosting), I can tell you they're absolutely worth your time if you pick the right ones.

Yes, you'll probably get some pitches - it comes with the territory - but legitimate meetups focus on providing value first, with networking happening naturally.

For out-of-state networking, I'd focus on engaging regularly in BP forums (like you're doing now), joining virtual meetups in your target markets, and connecting with active BP members who consistently provide value here.

Quick tip: When you find a meetup that interests you, check the organizer's post history and engagement in the community - it's usually a good indicator of their true intentions.

Joe Villeneuve · Answer

Yes, you'll get pitched...but that isn't a bad thing.  You'll also learn a lot from networking.

Drew Sygit · Answer

@Anne Christensen recoomend you connect here with @Russell Brazil who's in your area!

Becca F. · Answer

It depends on the meet up. I've gone to local meet ups and I haven't been pitched. A few of them have been real estate agents and one was very helpful in helping me with negotiating with the buyer in the Midwest (selling off a property). That really spoke to her integrity - she could have suggested I sell off my California single family rental and made a lot of commission off me. Many of them have given me advice on navigating landlord-tenant laws and things that are specific to different areas (e.g. investing in San Francisco is different from San Jose).

It's been more about sharing our experiences and giving and asking for advice, especially helping out new investors. In the DMV area, there may be differences with how you would approach investing in different cities so maybe attending different meet ups in different areas, e.g investing in DC would be different from cities in Virginia, Maryland etc. (sorry I don't know the geography in that area on anything about investing there).

Jonathan Greene · Answer

Yes to meetups one hundred percent and no, you won't get pitched if you go to the right one. I have been running meetups for years and we always make sure everyone knows they are no-pitch meetups, networking only. You can usually tell the difference by how long they have been around.

Also, if you go to one and you get pitched, you don't have to accept. If there are things set up in the back to sell, that's a bad sign. If there are just people hanging out, that's a better sign. Either way, when you are new, you will learn. You don't have to take a pitch if you don't want to. You need to meet other investors and go consistently.

Jordan D'Silva · Answer

If I were you, I’d check out local Real Estate Investment Associations or groups like DMV REIA, which may host regular meetups. Local real estate Facebook or LinkedIn groups are also worth joining to stay updated on events in the area.

For out-of-state networking, this is a pretty good platform for connecting, but you have to be intentional about it. I also like using LinkedIn to connect. I’m always looking to expand my network, so feel free to reach out.

Caleb Brown · Answer

They are 100% worth it. Some meet ups have speakers, those can be iffy. Being able to network before and after the event is where you make the connections. Get around and put yourself out there to start talking with people. Never know who you will run into

Richard Loniewski · Answer

I've made so many great connections through Meetup events over the years, this is a network driven business, more than half my deals came from networking connections.

John Mason · Answer

Anne as with meetups and Facebook Groups you have to do a  bit of vetting but it is good to meet in real life with investors and realtors and flippers and get the vibe as to whether you want to work with them on deals.

Are Meetups a Good Strategy for Networking or am I Just going to get "pitched"?

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