Prior to diving into the world of commission-based salaries, I was a recruiter for about 10 years during the 1990's. As a recruiter I recall a sizable portion of my time focused on networking, networking, networking which of course included countless calls. I used to refer to my phone as an oxygen mask; I needed it to survive. The internet was new and very slow. I remember having to dial-up to access anything, and that in itself took forever. Back then to develop a rapport with clients, joining Networking Groups was essential. Much has not changed in this regard. Networking continues to explode in the after-hours aspect of the day over appetizers, cocktails and the exchanging of business cards. The next day was much like clock-work. Enter the info into your rolodex, send out your "nice to meet you card" and schedule a follow-up meeting. Those were the days.... Or were they?
As I gained more experience as a recruiter, I recall it being a hit-or-miss based on my actions or lack thereof. If I didn't take the time to engage in conversation, if I were robotic in passing out my cards, and if I didn't take the time to make my follow-up calls, all my time was a waste of time. Always the hard way, I learned and understood the value of connecting. Being proactive yet realistic is also key, meaning not to expect a client in each person but to safely assume all new meets could be potential clients. Now that I could do. Like dominoes, each person is a potential connection... the rewards of Networking.
I left the world of recruiting for the life of Home Mortgage Loans and Real Estate. Quite frankly, I do not see any differences-in fact, I see similarities... assisting consumers, customer service, referral, rapport building, and back to networking, networking and networking. My forte I assumed. But I felt that I was missing something during this volatile mortgage and real estate market. I heard about the crave of networking sites, such as LinkedIn, Wanna Network Myspace, Facebook, etc. My former recruiter colleagues would share that this is the new way of recruiting and networking... so I signed up and thought I knew all about it. I got disappointed because I wasn't getting any responses. I thought to myself, "Whats the big deal?" This may work in recruiting/staffing, but not in the Home Mortgage Loan and Real Estate industry.... So I let my nice sites go untapped... Until.
One evening I was relaxing and received a call from my business partner who was raving about this book on Social Networking. He was excited about some of the tips. Well he got me all excited that I went to purchase the book. I'm sure I don't need to tell you that remaining afloat with the latest innovative technology is always a challenge. And then I read this book that left me inspired: The Truth About Profiting From Social Networking by Patrice-Anne Rutledge. The moment I read the synopsis, I knew this is going to be the way we do things in the 21st century and it is applicable to the Home Mortgage Loan and Real Estate industry. Amazingly, it is not that different from networking in the 90's. The added touch is utilizing the network; a simple concept that could open the doors to endless possibilities in networking. Most definitely the way to go.
Has anyone ever felt the same or thought they knew everything about Social Networking?
So true! I was one to dismiss the various networking sites because it seemed impersonal. What I have found is, it is impersonal if you do not engage. I also like that you can still create meaningful connections on my own time. I am still an infant in social networking but realize this is a great business tool utilized correctly.
Exactly! One of the many key components to successful networking is to engage in consistent communication whether it's personal or impersonal. I am too in the infant stage, but am learning everyday. Thanks for your valuable input!