How to start networking...when Im not in my target market

[Alex Johnson]

Networking is constantly being touted as a key component to success.  Its free, it can be fun, you learn a ton... but what if you arent currently living in the area you plan to invest in. Should you still network and be out searching for mentors?

Quick background...My fiance and I call North Carolina home but work 3-6 month contracts in California throughout the year, currently we're in the Bay Area.  I currently own a rental in north carolina and plan to settle around the triangle in the next 3 years to raise a family and begin to build a buy and hold portfolio.  

The situation is that ultimately I'm looking for a mentor, someone I can work through a deal together and create a lasting relationship of bouncing scenarios off of one another, but Im working this transient type of lifestyle for the next 3 years.  As im only in california for 3-6 months at a time, would you feel as if I'd be wasting your time asking to check out your deals?     

[Account Closed]

Alex,

I believe in this saying "When a student is ready, the teacher will appear."  The mutual relationship tends to benefit both as much as you don't think so as a mentee.  I have been on both sides so I am talking from a personal experience.  

Your network = your net worth has some merits to it so I highly recommend networking.  It's really fun to me.  Don't think you don't have anything to offer.  You'd never know when you actually did someone a favor by asking your questions.  Your questions may spark an idea in a mentor's mind so keep asking.

Keep an open mind when you go to these meetups.  Treat everyone the same regardless of their level of knowledge and outside appearance. You don't know who will eventually be your business partner.  I have done over $10MM worth of real estate with people I met on the internet.  Sounds wild isn't it?  They came to me for advice, and we ended up being business partners after about 1 year of getting to know each other.  One guy is already retired in Brazil with his Brazilian wife at the age of 40.  The current partner has been retired since 29.  I'm the only one that still works like a sucker.  :>)

Don't put obstacles in front of you.  It all begins and ends in your mind.  You're not wasting anyone's time.  At most, they will ignore you so be it.  Here are three simple rules

1.  If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it.

2.  If you don't ask, the answer will always be no.

3.  If you don't step forward, you will always be in the same spot.

So go for what you want, ask questions and take that one step forward because you never know where it might lead you.  Isn't that right @David C.?

Good luck.