The Chamber Chronicles: Networking & Building Relationships

Good afternoon my friend...

There was a surprising chain of events this week that showed potential benefits of being in the Tulare Kings Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (TKHCC). The chain of events centers around networking which has not been my strong suit in years past.

I searched the Chamber's web site and found information for real estate agents that are able and willing to help me find motivated sellers. I could not have picked any businesses at last week's Chamber luncheon out of a police line up: I couldn't take in all the names during the around-the-room introductions, let alone associate a person's name with his or her company.

My first call yielded a meeting with an agent. I shared my goals and plans with him over the phone. However, I failed to mentioned that I am a member of TKHCC. He mentioned that he and his staff have recently shifted to real estate investment activities as opposed to strictly pursuing commission.

I met with the agent and one of his staff members. We three got a long very well. The agent mentioned that he and his wife had attended one of Robert Kiyosaki's seminars. He said the seminar changed his perspective on real estate and inspired him to actively pursue investing. He dismissed himself because of a scheduled meeting. The rest of my time was spent with the staff member.

We talked about the particulars of the first deal I want to close: a four plex for me and my wife to house hack. He admitted that such a property will be a challenge because of my needs and wants, and how hot the market is today. Candidly, I believe I may need to patiently wait for things to get worse before the deals start to surface. However, we talked about the various approaches the agency will use to find and attract motivated sellers. It sounded to me that the agency has access to the desired lists that reveal prospective motivated sellers. I left the meeting feeling optimistic about everything.

I attended a Chamber after hours mixer at a local paint and body shop the following afternoon. The Chamber has at least one every week which means there are more than enough opportunities to network. I showed up a little late because of drum and guitar lessons. Remember... I am new to the Chamber so no one really knows me at all. While walking toward the counter to grab some snacks, I make eye contact with the agent I met with the day before.

We were equally surprised and glad to see each other. He admitted he could not place my face when he watched me enter his office the previous day. It all made sense when I walked into the mixer. We talked a lot more, kicking around different ideas. Candidly, I may have talked more about real estate in 36 hour than I have in a month prior to joining the Chamber. I also crossed paths with the lender I mentioned in the previous letter. Now, this is where it gets good...

She recalled talking about a guy who is pretty good at finding motivated sellers that works for one of the real estate agencies. She mentioned him by name. It was the staff member I spoke with the day before!!! Small world, right?

I understand that I have not landed a deal yet. However... for me, an introverted drummer, these past two weeks have been hugely successful because I am achieving things needed in order to land deals and be successful: meeting people and building relationship. I know I must tie up properties, analyze deals, do my due diligence, and finally close on my first deal. Such things may come along quicker than expected because I am finally meeting people that are in the game instead of mere spectators.

Two weeks into my membership with the Tulare Kings Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has yielded better-than-expected results. Week three begins today. It is time to meet up with insurance agents in the Chamber; and share my goals, learn the insurance industry's perspectives, and find more people I'd like to have on my team of success!

That's my rumor, and I'm sticking to it