How can your network help you find new commercial real estate opportunities?

1 Identify your network

Your network is not just your existing clients, colleagues, and contacts. It also includes anyone who can provide you with relevant insights, leads, or connections in the commercial real estate industry. Think of your former employers, mentors, classmates, friends, family, neighbors, vendors, service providers, industry associations, and social media contacts. Make a list of your network and categorize them by their level of influence, expertise, and relationship with you.

2 Nurture your network

Once you have identified your network, you need to nurture it. This means staying in touch, providing value, and building trust. You can do this by sending regular updates, sharing useful content, offering assistance, asking for feedback, and expressing appreciation. You can also invite your network to events, webinars, podcasts, or newsletters that showcase your commercial real estate knowledge and skills. The goal is to establish yourself as a credible, reliable, and helpful professional.

3 Ask your network

The next step is to seek assistance from your network. You should be clear about your goals, needs, and interests when it comes to finding new commercial real estate opportunities. Additionally, you can ask specific questions such as if anyone knows of anyone looking to buy, sell, or lease commercial property in the area; if they have any insights or tips on the current market trends, challenges, or opportunities; or if they have any recommendations or referrals for commercial real estate brokers, lenders, investors, or developers. It's important to be polite, respectful, and grateful when asking for help. Avoid being pushy, demanding, or expectant and always follow up and follow through on any leads or introductions you receive.

4 Expand your network

Finally, you should always look for ways to expand your network. You can do this by attending industry events, joining online forums and groups, participating in webinars and podcasts, writing articles and blogs, and volunteering for causes or organizations related to commercial real estate. You can also ask your existing network to introduce you to their contacts who might be relevant or beneficial for your commercial real estate career. The more people you know and connect with, the more opportunities you can find and create.

Your network is one of your most powerful assets in finding new commercial real estate opportunities. By identifying, nurturing, asking, and expanding your network, you can increase your chances of success and growth in the commercial real estate industry.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?