Networking Tips That’ll Increase Your Net Worth

Ashley:
That is Actual Property Rookie, episode 188. My identify is Ashley Kehr and I’m right here with my co-host Tony Robinson.
I do know, however actually, I really feel like we by no means even obtained to see one another that a lot, although we have been, yeah, confined right into a resort resort for 3 days and barely obtained to see one another, however we simply attended the primary ever Actual Property Rookie boot camp weekend in Denver, Colorado. And we obtained to fulfill over 300 rookie buyers that possibly had one or two offers.
Some folks really had fairly a number of offers below their belt already, however a ton of newbies, rookie buyers that haven’t finished a deal but. We have been actually excited that they took that step, took that motion to return and be taught and get that motivation to get that first deal finished.

Tony:
Yeah. A lot of you already know BiggerPockets lately began launching these boot camps, that are primarily on-line programs. And I ran the short-term rental boot camp. Ashley ran the rookie bootcamp. And what Ashley did was she took the idea of her bootcamp and turned it into an in-person occasion. Like she mentioned, it was actually catered in the direction of people that have been initially of their journey and man, what a tremendous occasion it was.
And as we have been going via that, Ashley and I mentioned, “Properly, it could be cool to actually discuss concerning the energy of networking and coming to a few of these occasions and what profit you get as a brand new investor.” Ashley, I do know you speak about this quite a bit and also you shared this story somewhat bit over the weekend, however I suppose you discuss concerning the impression that networking has had on you since you got here. You’re an investor in New York, close to Buffalo, you felt there weren’t plenty of buyers round you. Simply give that story that you simply shared from the bootcamp weekend.

Ashley:
Yeah, I used to be lonely. After I began investing, it was solely as a result of I labored for an investor. And so, I partnered along with his son, who was principally like, “I don’t have time to do something. You do it.” And I took care of the whole lot and he simply didn’t actually care to have interaction a lot in dialog about actual property, 24/7, like I did.
After which, a pair years later I discovered my subsequent accomplice. It was me and him speaking about actual property. And I lastly discovered BiggerPockets. And from there, simply diving into the boards. After which, BiggerPockets had their first convention. Properly, really it was technically their second convention. I believe they’d one an extended, very long time in the past after which didn’t have one other one till 2019. And it was that convention the place I met a ton of individuals.
And since then, they’ve develop into my finest associates. My finest associates are littered throughout the nation. And it appears like we see one another each single month as a result of we’re attending an occasion or simply getting collectively for one thing particular for somebody in our group. However I don’t suppose that I might be the place I’m immediately with out this community of individuals. I might lose motivation. I might lose inspiration. I wouldn’t have the instruments and sources if I didn’t have the community of my associates to assist me and information me, give me recommendation.
And likewise, I’ve been in a position to get alternatives due to my associates and hopefully, I’ve supplied them alternatives in return. After I was in 2019, I attended that first BiggerPockets convention. After which in 2021, I attended a Maui mastermind occasion. And since then, simply assembly these group of individuals has actually made an impression on my life and much more enthusiastic about actual property.

Tony:
And I believe the networking piece, Ashley, is so vital, particularly initially phases of your journey, as a result of plenty of occasions you stumble into actual property and also you stumble into it by your self. And it’s not essentially as a result of your finest pal is or as a result of your siblings or your mother and father or whoever. It’s since you learn some article, you had some thought and also you begin taking place this rabbit gap.
And earlier than you already know it, you’ve consumed all these books and also you’ve listened to those podcasts. And also you’re all juiced up about changing into an actual property investor, however you don’t have any one to speak to about it with. Your mates are pushed loopy already. When you’re married, your partner is overhearing you speak about actual property investing and also you type of want somebody to attach with.
I believe early in your journey, going to, whether or not occasions just like the Rookie Bootcamp weekend, larger occasions like BPCON, and even smaller occasions like in your native space, going to native meetups or REIA Conferences or no matter it’s, simply discover a technique to get with different folks which can be doing what it’s you wish to do, since you get a lot worth from having these sorts of conversations.
And I’ve shared this on the podcast earlier than, however a extremely pivotal change in my life occurred at a meetup. I’ve talked about him earlier than, however his identify is Alex Sabio. And Alex and I met at an area meetup right here in SoCal. And he was the person who ultimately satisfied me to purchase my first short-term rental. And I believe, man, had I not met Alex at that meetup, how completely different would my life be immediately? You by no means know the place one relationship, one connection can take you.

Ashley:
Yeah. I utterly agree with that. And I took my enterprise accomplice, Darrell, with me to this rookie weekend. And it was his first ever convention of any variety, any kind. And he’s so pumped up, so jazzed up. Simply within the airport on the best way house, he’s trying up all these things he discovered or folks he talked to. And so, he’s like, “Man, I actually did get so motivated by that.” And he’s like, “When’s the subsequent one? The place will we go to the subsequent one?”

Tony:
Completely.

Ashley:
I believe that’s actually superior is in the event you get that chance to go to a networking occasion. Even whether it is only a native meetup, then that’s even higher since you’re assembly folks which can be straight in your market and get that market data from them too, and share concepts.
Going to a networking occasion, just a few suggestions I’ve. Together with assembly folks is, if there’s someone you wish to discuss to, so possibly it’s one of many audio system, one thing like that, have your questions ready forward of time. What do you wish to get out of that dialog with that particular person? As a result of it’s very simple to go up and simply be like, “Hey, how are you? I like your podcast or I listened to you on YouTube,” properly, one thing like that. After which, “Okay, yep. Good to fulfill you.” After which stroll away. Or consider one thing, however put together your self, in order that if you do go into that dialog and simply be like, “No, I’ve a fast query for you, a pair fast questions.”
After which have them ready so that you simply’re not simply stumbling or frantic, as a result of that’s one thing I at all times struggled with. Even Brandon Turner, the primary couple occasions I met him. I’m like, “I don’t even know what to ask him. I really feel like I can’t waste my dialog with him. What do I say to get worth out of that dialog and make the most of that chance?”
Steve Rosenberg had met with this person who does plenty of motivational talking and a giant coach and really profitable particular person. And he was informed, “You get 5 minutes with them.” He sat down with them and the man’s like, “5 minutes, go ask me your questions, no small discuss.” And Steve’s similar to, “Blah, blah, blah.” And the man on the finish was like, “I say that to you as a result of your time is simply as useful as mine. And I do know you solely obtained 5 minutes with me, in order that’s why I wished to chop proper into the chase.”
I believe having questions ready and understanding what you wish to get out of the networking too, and the conversations and even what are you on the lookout for? Who do you wish to discuss to too? Planning that forward of time too.

Tony:
That’s simply such a very good level, Ashley, as a result of somebody actually got here as much as me on the bootcamp weekend and mentioned that, “Hey, Tony, large fan. Actually take pleasure in the whole lot you do on the podcast.” After which I used to be like, “Oh, thanks a lot. After which he was simply type of smiling.” And I used to be like, “Can I reply something for you?” He’s like, I don’t actually know what to say. I simply wished to return discuss to you.” After which 10 minutes later, he ended up coming again to me and mentioned, “Hey, I really do have a query for you.” I like the thought of are available ready to maximise that point.
I believe the opposite factor that I’d encourage people to do if you’re going to a few of these networking occasions, two large issues. First is try to get out of your consolation zone. It’s very easy to go to those occasions. And particularly in the event you’re going with somebody that you already know, to simply stick together with your click on of individuals.
And it occurs in most conferences, if it’s a a number of day convention, wherever you sit on day one, you’re in all probability going to finish up sitting there on day two once more. And also you’re going to be sitting across the identical folks. Actually try to combine up the place you’re sitting or who you’re speaking to as a result of the objective of those occasions are to fulfill different folks. When you’re going with a pal, try to separate each on occasion, try to sit in numerous elements of the room all through completely different elements of the day. That manner, you’re exposing your self to extra folks. That’s the very first thing, is try to get exterior of your consolation zone.
The second factor is, I do know not everybody is basically good at doing that. Simply the thought of going to those networking occasions is frightening sufficient, however having to truly discuss to somebody could be too terrifying. For me, each time I am going to a few of these occasions and I don’t actually know anybody within the room, if I’m strolling in to a meetup and there’s already a gaggle of individuals speaking, I’ll simply stroll up and say, “Hey, do you thoughts if I be a part of you guys?”
Not as soon as has somebody informed me, “No.” I’ve by no means been informed, “No, you’ll be able to’t be a part of us.” Everybody’s often like, “Yeah, in fact. Come on in.” After which I’ll simply ask, “Hey, so the place are you at in your investing journey?” And it’s a straightforward technique to break the ice. And also you guys can begin speaking, attending to know one another, however it’s that simple. “Hey, thoughts if I be a part of you. The place are you at in your investing journey?” These two questions are an effective way to interrupt the ice.

Ashley:
That’s an amazing level as to, okay, attending to someplace. And, okay, the place do I stand? The place do I am going? Who do I discuss to? However one factor that I used to do once I was going to native meetups or I used to be attending a convention, I might discover someone on-line that was going to that very same occasion. And I might simply message them, begin somewhat dialog. Similar to, “Oh, I noticed you have been going to this.” After which I had a face. I had someone once I obtained there to search for and that I already type of knew. And that was my technique, I suppose, in order that I didn’t find yourself simply awkwardly standing there.
I keep in mind the worst was when a meetup was held at a bar within the metropolis. And so I stroll in. I’m like, I don’t know which group of individuals that is. I requested the hostess, I believe. And she or he’s like, “Oh, I believe that’s the actual property like meetup factor is upstairs.” I am going upstairs and there’s all these folks and wearing company garments, a swimsuit and tie and ladies in attire and heels.
And I’m like, “There’s no manner that is actual property buyers.” And so, I go searching and I spotted the restaurant really had two areas and I used to be on the improper location. And so, I ended up going to their different location. However yeah, that was so uncomfortable for me that second, not understanding who to go. If you will discover someone on-line who’s attending.
BiggerPockets, you’ll be able to add… Meetups are marketed on there on a regular basis and you’ll really see who’s going. Folks click on the attend button. All I’ve to do is message a few these folks and be, “Hey, I noticed you have been attending this meetup. I’m going to be there too.” And possibly give them somewhat bit about your self. And simply say, “I wished to introduce myself earlier than assembly and I look ahead to seeing you on the occasion.”

Tony:
Yeah. Our pal Tyler Madden talked about that too, about making relationships on-line earlier than getting there in particular person. And what a straightforward manner, a low threat technique to break the ice beforehand, say. I like, love, love that recommendation. However on the finish of the day, for all of the rookies which can be listening, what’s most vital is that you simply begin constructing that community, whether or not on-line, whether or not in-person. Or nevertheless you wish to do it, however simply begin surrounding your self with individuals who have the identical goals, ambitions, and aspirations as you.

Ashley:
Yeah. Okay. Some other takeaway? Oh, one factor that I do wish to add to that is when going to a reside occasion is very, if it’s like a pair day convention, or even when it’s only one meetup, take a break in the course of the convention. Or even when it’s simply each evening. And write down the folks you met, how they’d an impression on you, what you discovered, what you wish to implement, what you wish to take motion on. As a result of the convention is such a whirlwind that, by the point you get house, it’s like, “Oh wait, what did I be taught? What was I going to do? How do I implement this stuff?”

Tony:
Certain.

Ashley:
I believe going again and recapping, as a result of it’s going to be somebody needed to clarify this to me. And so me remembering folks’s names as a fireplace hose, simply capturing at my face all day with folks’s names. That’s the actual property contents that’s coming at you. And even in the event you’re simply going to an area meetup, if you get into your automobile, write down, “Okay, these are the folks I met. That is what they do. Listed here are my connections I made. And that is what I discovered. That is what I wish to analysis extra,” or one thing like that to, taking these notes.

Tony:
Yeah. One factor, yeah, what I might do. And I haven’t been to a extremely large convention shortly the place I didn’t know plenty of people there. However one of many issues that I might do once I go to a few of these large meetups is once I would meet somebody and I get their telephone quantity, I take a selfie with him. That manner… As a result of even in the event you save the identify, generally you overlook the faces of who’s who, however in case you have a selfie with you and that particular person, subsequent time you see him like, “Oh shoot. Yeah, I keep in mind that face.” And so, it’s somewhat bit simpler to make that connection on who’s who.

Ashley:
Yeah. There was additionally a man that attended the occasion this weekend, who was a particularly profitable actual property investor from the Denver space. And he simply wished to return and be round all of the rookies and get inspiration and motivation from all the thrill.
And so, he mentioned that one factor he observed was that no one has enterprise playing cards. And he mentioned, “I utterly perceive that as a result of they don’t actually have a enterprise but. They don’t have their first deal. They don’t have an funding property, they don’t have a enterprise.”
And he mentioned, however he’s like, “I might suggest that go and get them printed in any case. It doesn’t need to be a enterprise card. It will possibly simply be your contact data.” And he mentioned, “That might be so good for them to offer out if you attend these occasions.” And I believed that was an amazing tip is with the ability to give the playing cards out. And I do know lots of people immediately use the QR codes too. So that you simply simply present somebody your QR code after which it robotically imports into their telephone, which is fairly handy too.

Tony:
Yeah. Yeah. I like. I’m not a lot of a enterprise card man. Even folks hand them to me, plenty of occasions, I find yourself simply dropping them. I like the thought of the QR code.

Ashley:
The QR code.

Tony:
So I can scan and it’s in there immediately. Yeah.

Ashley:
Yeah. Okay. Properly, thanks, guys, a lot for listening. And for these of you that attended the rookie weekend, I hope you had a good time. I do know, I certain did. And I obtained to speak to so many individuals and it actually was inspirational and motivational to me.
One little train that we did do on the finish was have everybody write a letter to themselves in three months, giving themselves encouragement assist and likewise, speaking about what they’ve achieved within the subsequent three months. These letters are going to be despatched again out to the folks that attended the rookie convention.
I introduced an additional suitcase, simply to carry all of them house with me, after which I’m going to mail them again to them on the finish of August. If you wish to take part on this train, simply go forward and write your self a letter. We did it dated for August 1st. And write your self a letter, giving your self some encouragement and say, “Wow, up to now three months, to procure your first rental property. You paid off some debt.” Or no matter it’s that you simply wish to accomplish within the subsequent three months, write your self a letter such as you did accomplish it. After which, you’ll be able to simply stick it in a drawer, set your self somewhat calendar reminder to drag it again out and open it up in three months.
Okay. Properly, thanks guys for listening. I’m Ashley at Wealth from Leases and he’s Tony at Tony J. Robinson. Don’t overlook to love and subscribe to our YouTube channel, Actual Property Rookie. And please go away us a 5 star evaluate in your favourite podcast platform. We’ll see you guys subsequent time.