Mastering Real Estate Investor Networking: Have Several Icebreakers

LoneStar REAI offers several opportunities each month for Real Estate Investor Networking. Attend multiple events on our calendar of events and you might end up with several hours of networking time to fill. Make the most of your time by being ready to network and by having some go to icebreakers.

Mastering Real Estate Investor Networking

At every real estate investor event, the crowd will be quite diverse. Offering you the opportunity to connect with a blend of seasoned investors, new investors, and industry professionals. Taking the time to engage with:

Investors at All Stages Seeking Partners: These folks are looking for someone to help them do the deal. Perhaps someone with a deal to sell. A Funding Partner. Or someone who just brings knowledge to the table.

Service Providers with the Tools You Need: They may attend as meeting sponsors, but there are also people with goods and services to offer the real estate investor. So be sure to take note of who might be able to help you.

New Real Estate Investors Seeking Mentors: Many new investors can be found at Greater Houston REIA who are looking for guidance from seasoned investors. They attend with questions seeking answers and direction.

Seek Quality Connections While Networking

While it’s tempting to collect numerous business cards, prioritize quality interactions over racing through the room trading cards as fast as you can. Allocate a few minutes per person for genuine conversations that go beyond surface-level exchanges. But after your allotted time, break away by letting them know you may follow up later in the week. Or perhaps set a date and time if you know you want to have further conversation. This allows you to move on and make between 6 to 10 new connections in about an hour.

Be Prepared with Effective Networking Icebreakers

The key to a successful networking conversation often lies in a well-crafted icebreaker. Consider discussing recent market trends to gauge their insights. Share a success story to showcase your expertise and invite them to do the same. Another effective icebreaker is asking about their go-to real estate strategy, encouraging a detailed and insightful response.

Here are some suggested one-liners to help get you started:

1. The simplest by far is simply, “What brought you out to the REIA today?” This gets to the reason why they are here and gives you an opportunity to help them with their why. That may be answering their question or introducing them to a key person.
2. Keeping in mind that people like to talk about themselves, ask them “What do you do in real estate” to see what their niche or strategy is. Then you can follow up with your experience or knowledge with that strategy.
3. While so many always talk about the weather, at a real estate investor meeting ask them their thoughts on the market.

Remember there are many ways to have an icebreaker. Remember to wear your name tag, simply being a member or a guest on your name tag can give someone something to open with . . .

1. “What do you like about being a member here at LoneStar REIA“
2. “I see you are a guest. Is this your first time here?“
3. And if you get a little creative by writing what you do on your name tag: ” I have deals”, “I lend money”, “I fix houses”, this will give someone an icebreaker to ask you a question and find out more about what you do.

Navigating the Networking Conversation

Once the ice is broken, navigate the conversation strategically. Share your experiences and goals, actively listen to others, and ask open-ended questions that encourage a deeper connection and keep them talking. The more you learn about the other person, the more opportunities to make a connection and to follow up.

The follow-up is where you can navigate your networking into a future meeting or conversation. Be sure to follow up with a quick email, a social media connection, or just say hi at a future meeting. The future conversations are where the opportunity to collaborate will happen. As people get to know you they become more open to joint ventures, partnerships, and the exchange of ideas.

Need an Opportunity to Network with Other Real Estate Investors?