Seek Out Other Fellow Professionals
It’s important to dig your well before you’re thirsty. There is nothing harder than braving a new industry alone. You will want to reach out to those who have done the work and know the area so you can become the absolute best you can. Signing up for certain professional organizations or joining networking groups through social platforms is a great way to start. Some popular places to get started are the National Association of Mortgage Brokers, Mortgage Bankers Association, LinkedIn Networking Groups. Toastmasters International is also a great tool if you struggle with anxiety when it comes to public speaking.
Get Involved in Your Community
You might have heard the term, “your network is your net worth”. This is completely true but be warned not to confuse this with having to fulfill a specific number requirement. Having a close circle is okay as long as those connections are high quality.
It might seem a little odd trying to connect with your community during a time when everyone is being encouraged to avoid others. But there are ways you can volunteer and show up for others without contributing to the problem. If you have a hobby, see if there is a page for what you like to do in your area. Usually Facebook groups take care of that for you. You could also host a Covid-19 friendly drive-by drop-off of canned goods or clothing for those less fortunate and advertise it across your social channels. Not only will you show a great side to you, but others will recognize your efforts even if they don’t attend. Building solid relationships is about what you do when you think no one is looking.
Be Helpful
Have you ever been involved in a conversation and realize you’ve just walked into a sales pitch? You can always tell when someone is not interested in what you’re saying. You do not want to be the one sending people into a state of mental drool.
If you begin with the intention of bringing value to your conversations with people, you will automatically position yourself as a quality connection. Aim to help a handful of people each month to continue growing your network. Not only will the bar be raised for who you reach out to and the value you bring to the table, but the quality of the interactions you have will be significantly greater.
Follow Up
If you want to make an impact, you need to make a habit of following up. It’s much easier to make an impression when you remember specific things the other has mentioned, so try jotting down a few notes after your initial conversation. This will make following up not only easier but more personable and therefore effective. Show your new connections that you value their time and opinion. Reach out to them and set up a plan to continue your conversation. If you want to benefit from anything, you need to invest in developing it. The more you expand your network (whether within the industry or outside of it), the more you open up future opportunities for success.
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