Networking at Non-Real Estate Events

[Robert Shedden]

Hey everyone, I am posting a new forum to talk about your best networking advice. I know this only tangential related to Real Estate, but I have a feeling the RE investors that are more successful, are also excellent at networking...

I received an invite to the Rockford, IL Chamber of Commerce annual dinner from one of my lenders. This event is $125 a plate for non-members like myself. I just realized what an excellent opportunity this would be to network with local investors and entrepreneurs in my town. However, this will be a lot different than the local REIA meetings I found through BP! Not everyone in the room will be looking to gush for hours about ARV and Cap Rates!

I am looking for any advice folks can provide to network in a room that is more of a "who's who" of the local community, rather than a group of real estate junkies. Tips, strategies, what-not-to-do... all comments welcome!

[Chris Coleman]

@Robert Shedden events and meetings like that can definitely be great places to network.  One benefit, of course, is simply building relationships with other like-minded entrepreneurial professionals. In my experience, I have found that you never know where an great opportunity will come from next...often the unexpected relationships.  So building relationships like this is always a good business (and personal) practice.

From a real estate investor perspective, it helps if you know your goals for the meeting. Are you looking to connect with other people who are also real estate investors and therefore maybe could become a partner on future deals?  Are you looking to connect with brokers, lenders, property managers, insurance agents, contractors, or others who could become part of your investing team?  Maybe all the above?  Either way, set your goals and approach the meeting with that in mind.