Here's how you can connect with influential individuals in the commercial real estate field.

Networking- *Less is More* 1. Dont gather moss /gather plausible long term or short term lead points. 2.Please present as a vertical expert and not as a generalist and instead of talking about the work you do Speak about *specific cases* - has a lot more impact. 4. Be tech savvy enough for on the spot communication 5. Don't stand singular - stand with your team member 6.Don't send Auto generated messages for 1st communication - personalise it . 7. Stay light and enjoy.

Conferences and other industry gatherings, both formal and informal, are ideal opportunities. Make sure early on that you're a member of important trade associations. Your knowledge of the field is your ultimate calling card, as it can help secure speaking opportunities and places on high-level panels. There are no real shortcuts to this knowledge - you have to read a lot, draw from real-life experiences, and be attentive when key insights are available in any form. Being technology agnostic is not an option. Read about and understand matters currently happening in and to your industry and brainstorm with others to gain a deeper knowledge and alternative viewpoints.

Want to rub shoulders with the big names in commercial real estate? Everyone likes to be a "big fish", right? But how do you get your foot in the door? Here’s the surprising truth: It’s not your pitch that matters. It's the value you offer. Have an amazing pitch? Good for you! Now, show them you can help them make money today. - Share valuable insights - Offer a joint content piece - Make an introduction - Help them learn a new skill Provide value first and you'll believe in yourself, too.

LinkedIn as well as X have grown to be tremendously valuable for networking in commercial real estate. Enhance your profiles with industry-specific keywords and share thoughtful content frequently. Participate and engage in social media posts by other experts through authentic input. Subscribe to commercial real estate groups and be active in them. An direct message to a mentor could also be sent upon shared connections or interests discovery.

Online platforms have revolutionized how we connect within the commercial real estate sector. Platforms like LinkedIn and specialized real estate forums provide a virtual space to network, share insights, and collaborate on projects. They enable real-time communication and the ability to build a personal brand. Engaging in meaningful conversations, sharing industry-related content, and participating in group discussions can enhance your visibility and credibility. Leveraging these platforms effectively can lead to valuable connections and business opportunities that might not be possible through traditional means.

There are several industry associations to network with others and meet those influencers that you are looking for. ? ICSC (Retail) ? NAIOP (Industrial, Office & now retail) ? CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) ? IREM (Property Management) ? CCIM (Investment) All of above offer a wide variety of conferences, networking events, mixers, outings and education opportunities to meet with others and learn more about the industry.

For Europe, I would add the "Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors" ass the go-to professional body in terms of Real Estate.

Mentorship programs are invaluable in the commercial real estate field, offering guidance, support, and industry insights from experienced professionals. These programs can accelerate your career growth by providing personalized advice, helping you navigate complex transactions, and introducing you to influential networks. A mentor can offer perspectives based on years of experience, helping you avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions. Engaging in a mentorship program not only benefits the mentee but also enriches the mentor's experience, creating a symbiotic relationship that drives the industry forward.

I have been a commercial real estate broker for 38 years. I actually got a late start doing a runner ship program with what was then Coldwell Banker, then CB Commercial, then CB Richard Ellis then CBRE. The most important aspect of the runner ship days was the fact that I had the privilege to work with a mentor…a professional that had not only seen it all but was willing to impart his knowledge even in evening phone calls (there were no cell phones). I cannot stress the importance to have a senior agent on your side and in your corner. Realize that whenever the time period of the training program ends you will still have an ally, someone that has a vested interest in watching you succeed. After all, who help train you?!?!

Look out for educational opportunities be that local seminars or online webinars...seize every opportunity to learn and develop

The key is quality networking on a consistent basis do not be a wallflower! everything from CPD events industry events if you are commercial agency for example make sure you join the Office Agents and Industrial Agent societies who hold lots of events through the year. Also develop 1-1 contacts and try to met up regularly on an informal basis as those connections forged at an early stage will bear fruit down the years.

I believe in the motto "it's better to give than to receive." It's all about relationships in the commercial real estate industry, so offering and giving value first is a crucial strategy in building connections and trust. By sharing my knowledge through free market analysis reports or educational workshops, I position myself as a helpful resource and establish credibility. Providing valuable insights and information upfront demonstrates my expertise and willingness to assist others. This proactive approach of giving before receiving helps create a solid foundation for lasting professional relationships in CRE.

Although social medial can act as a big positive multiplier for your brand, the reverse can also be true. In terms of commercial real personal branding, I tend to follow the "less is more" principle and avoid the classical social media platforms. Creating your own blog can be lucrative. Another interesting strategy in defining your personal branding is offering a couple of hours of "pro bono" consulting. Just help out a landlord to "fine-tune" his listing or talk for 30 minutes and guide someone in taking a real estate-related decision.

Influencing people involves a combination of relationship-building, effective communication, and strategic marketing. 1. Build Trust and Credibility 2. Effective Communication 3. Marketing Strategies 4. Networking

(i) Success will come and go, but integrity is forever and will win in the long run. (ii) Talking less and doing more will most likely be the way to go.