Meeting new people- activity that makes one nervous

[Jill Johns]

Hi BP group! I've been here for a little while, mostly reading & trying to take it all in, after quickly introducing myself. Slowly I've come around to posting a response now & then, asking a question when one makes its way to the top of my head.

But the biggest question I have (right now, anyway) is this... when a person gets incredibly nervous when it comes to meeting new people (online, on the phone, in person, doesn't really matter how/where), what is the best way to overcome that fear & turn it into something good?

This raises another question... if a person is really that nervous when meeting new folks, can he or she ever really invest in real estate successfully?

I would be really interested in hearing from folks who were nervous in this respect when starting out, but have overcome that fear somehow. Advice? Suggestions? (Tricks to try)?

[Jay Orlauski]

@JIll - that was going to be my suggestion - get yourself to a local REAI group and start talking to people. I organize an REAI group here in Fresno and just last week I did a discussion on this very topic - one the #1 reason people don't network more is because of anxiety about meeting new people. Just like with everything else - the key is PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE - in other words do exactly what you did - go to an REAI meetup and just put yourself out there. Then go again. The more meetups you attend - the more confident you become. Also - like you said - being around positive people makes a difference and most people who attend these meetups are very friendly , very approachable , and usually always willing to hep you out when they can. 

When you show up - look for someone not speaking with anyone - then go introduce yourself. Give them a firm handshake and look them in the eye - tell them your first and last name and then ask them theirs. Keep things light  - ask about them -ask them what drives their passion for real estate - you will alot about others ans soon the conversation will naturally turn towards yourself and your involvement in real estate. 

Try to focus more on getting to know people and building rapport - over time, you will become more familiar with the group members and other local investors in your area and before you know it - you will have wide network , lots of friends in the industry , and have no problem walking up to new people to introduce yourself. 

best of luck to you -