Here's how you can stand out from competitors as a self-employed professional in Commercial Real Estate.

Having a niche or specialty to showcase is of the utmost importance because it should be the way you are remembered by potential clients. Being "the guy that does land for multi-family development in the north suburbs" should be as good as them knowing your name. Having consistent branding is also crucial. Your content should always focus on your specialty and/or the area(s) you are working. Because there are so many more specialties in commercial (compared with residential), you have a better chance of being remembered for what you do.

Network: Trash or Treasure? A network can be both, depending on how you build, organize, and maintain it. You can’t personally manage more than 250 good contacts. A network must be well-organized and reliable when needed. It should be diverse and interdisciplinary to avoid weaknesses that could trip you up. While you can have a larger network on LinkedIn, fed with information and not part of your core network, it also needs to be maintained with valuable posts. Regularly share relevant information and updates. By staying relevant and engaged, your network will support you in tough times, offering advice, opportunities, and resources when you need them most. Remember, a strong network is an invaluable asset in any professional journey.

Networking is the lifeblood of any self-employed professional in commercial real estate. One of my first real experiences in this field taught me the importance of meaningful connections. I had a client referral that stemmed from a casual conversation at a real estate luncheon. By attending industry events, joining associations, and actively participating in online forums, I demonstrated my knowledge and commitment to the field. This approach has consistently led to valuable referrals and partnerships.

Explore networking mastery. How can mastering networking elevate your CRE business? ? Meaningful relationships: How does cultivating deep connections lead to valuable referrals? ? Industry events: How can attending events enhance your industry visibility and expertise? ? Value proposition: How does always being prepared to pitch solidify your professional reputation? What if every interaction was a stepping stone to your next big opportunity?

Reflect on digital presence. How can a robust online presence set you apart in CRE? ? Professional website: How does showcasing your expertise online attract more clients? ? Social media engagement: How can sharing relevant content build your brand authority? ? Visibility boost: How does a strong digital presence increase your reach and credibility? What if your online presence was the key to unlocking new business opportunities?

The best way to "show off" your local market knowledge is to constantly research and track properties and transactions within your working area. If you haven't already, develop a method of keeping and updating your research on a weekly or monthly basis. What you track depends upon your specialty, but having unique data only you can provide makes a big difference with attracting clients along with negotiations. For example, being able to show that "ABC office building" was only 67% leased during all of 2023 because you tracked it tells all involved that you have done your homework. Such info, in this case, would help a potential tenant get a 'better' deal.

In CRE, LinkedIn is the only truly relevant social media portal for me. Here are 5 ways to stay in touch with your network or clients on LinkedIn: 1. Regular Updates: Share industry news, project updates, and insights regularly to keep your network informed. 2. Engage with Content: Like, comment, and share posts from your connections to show your interest and support. 3. Personal Messages: Reach out with personalized messages to maintain strong relationships. 4. Join Groups: Participate in LinkedIn groups relevant to your industry to expand your reach and engage in discussions. 5. Share Success Stories: Highlight your achievements and milestones to showcase your expertise and build credibility.

In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is non-negotiable. Early in my career, I realized the power of a professional website. I created one that showcased my listings, client testimonials, and industry insights. Using social media platforms, I shared relevant content and engaged with my audience regularly. This not only increased my visibility but also reinforced my brand and expertise, attracting potential clients who were searching online for credible real estate professionals.

Reflect on digital presence. How can a robust online presence set you apart in CRE? ? Professional website: How does showcasing your expertise online attract more clients? ? Social media engagement: How can sharing relevant content build your brand authority? ? Visibility boost: How does a strong digital presence increase your reach and credibility? What if your online presence was the key to unlocking new business opportunities?

Contemplate innovative solutions. How can offering innovative solutions distinguish you in CRE? ? Cutting-edge tech: How can utilizing advanced tech for virtual tours impress clients? ? Creative financing: How does developing unique financing strategies meet diverse client needs? ? Trendsetting: How can setting trends rather than following them position you as a market leader? What if innovation was the secret ingredient to your competitive advantage? #CRE #SelfEmployed #ProfessionalGrowth

The key is to know more about your client than what they have told or shown you. Before meeting with a current or potential client, have your research expert look into their transaction history along with their social media and digital presence. Being able to say "This is similar to the units you owned in Springfield 10 years ago!" is a great way to show them that you did your homework AND that they are not just another name in your database. Remember to present your opportunities as a solution and not just a bunch of numbers to crunch. "This property gives you enough space to......" instead of "It is $244 per square foot" shows that you value their needs.

A client-focused approach is paramount in commercial real estate. I once had a client who was particularly concerned about finding a property that met very specific needs. By understanding those needs and tailoring my services accordingly, I was able to exceed their expectations. I was responsive, transparent, and went above and beyond to ensure their satisfaction. This client not only returned for future business but also referred several others to me, highlighting the importance of genuinely caring about clients' success.