Tips for a newbie going to a meetup

[Michael Spindler]

Attending my first BP meet up in a month, was hoping for some tips or advice for the networking event.

[Caleb Heimsoth]

@Michael Spindler just be yourself and provide knowledge and good conversation. The rest will take care of itself

[Tom Shallcross]

Agree with @Caleb Heimsoth.  Take a genuine interest in others and be open.  

I'll add it might help to have some specific questions/topics to hone in on.  Much better to come prepared with specific questions of a certain area of town (or whatever specific topic) than just "I'm new and looking to get started."  

I found that knowledgable people want to help, but if you don't tee up something tangible, you don't give them a starting point to begin the convo.  It also shows you're serious and have done some due diligence. 

Good questions tend to lead to great answers that you can act upon.

[Michael Spindler]

@Tom Shallcross

Fantastic stuff, thanks !

[Bjorik Mutize]

@Michael Spindler

Don’t be shy and be genuine in everyone’s story.

[Aaron Poling]

@Michael Spindler if given the opportunity get up and tell everyone who you are and what your doing! Everyone will remember you if you do.

[Frank Wong]

Ask questions and listen. If you are new that's fine there are plenty of new people.  Everyone is there because of real estate we all have that common connection. 

[Rita Medeiros]

Network & introduce yourself to other investors, mention that it is your first Meetup, you may be surprised at how many offer direction, as we were all new at one time. Business cards are a good ice breaker & a way to be remembered. Look for opportunities to add value to another investor or to the group in general. Ask for info & feedback on other meetups in the area. Send a follow up email to anyone who was especially helpful & thank them for their interest & advice. Just keep showing up!

[Michael Spindler]

@Rita Medeiros

Very helpful response, thank you Rita. Any examples on how to add value?

[Lamart Glenn Jr]

Bring a notebook to jot down information in-between conversations. Never go back home empty handed. 

[Joshua Huang]

Some goals of attending meetups are to 1) learn and 2) be memorable (in a good way lol)

1) Like what @Lamart Glenn Jr said, you can bring a notebook to jot down information, take pictures of slides with information, or maybe even record the conversations.

2) As others have mentioned, go and introduce yourself to other members and genuinely listen when they talk about their experiences and advice; people love to talk about themselves. Put in the effort to remember what they say so that when you meet them the next time and ask any followup questions, they leave positive impressions of you as the guy who values what others say and would be more willing to work with you in the future.

[Rita Medeiros]

A typical newbie mistep is to ask “Can I buy you a cup of coffee or lunch & pick your brain” Rather, look at the skills & expertise you bring to the table & offer those. Perhaps you are good with a hammer, or marketing, website design, flyers, bandit signs, summarizing or reviewing books, podcasts, blogging, offering someone a ride to a Meetup, bring snacks, pick up someone’s tab. Look for any opportunity in which you can add value & be a giver rather than a taker. You will stand out as a helpful newbie, & down the road others will be generous with their time & advice to you.