You're navigating the world of Commercial Real Estate. How can networking elevate your career?

The best way to build a relationship is to be extremely knowledgeable in your business. Perfect your craft. Professionals prefer partnering with others that can add value to their business model. It does not matter if it is a sponsor, a developer, property manager, lender, etc., Be intelligent and find solutions to problems. Today commercial real estate has been a very tumultuous business. Meaning opportunities are wide open. It is much easier to network when you have something to offer that improves their business.

People don’t invest with the best sponsors, sell to the best buyers, or hire the best brokers. They work with the best available people that come to mind when the need arises. Being top of the right minds at the right time is the single most important thing you can do to get ahead in the deal business.

Building connections with industry professionals can open doors to off-market deals, partnerships, or job opportunities that aren’t widely advertised Networking with experienced brokers, developers, and investors helps you gain insights into market trends, best practices, and potential pitfalls, accelerating your professional growth By attending industry events, joining professional organizations, engaging in local business communities, you increase your visibility and attract potential clients or investors By attending industry events, joining professional organizations, engaging in local business communities, you increase your visibility and attract potential clients or investors Strong relationships can lead to valuable referrals

In the world of Commercial Real Estate, networking is more than just an optional skill, it’s a strategic necessity. By building a diverse network of brokers, investors, developers, and other professionals, you gain access to exclusive insights, off-market opportunities, and resources that are otherwise inaccessible. Effective networking doesn’t just help you stay informed about market trends it opens doors to partnerships that accelerate your career. Regular engagement, sharing knowledge, and cultivating relationships can position you as a trusted expert in the field, allowing you to seize opportunities early and create a competitive advantage. Ultimately, a strong network is the foundation for sustained growth and success in CRE.

Networking is essential across industries like CRE, providing real-time market insights, competitive intelligence, and benchmarking opportunities. It helps professionals make informed decisions on planning, execution, sales, and leasing. Through connections with peers, brokers, and market analysts, networking ensures alignment with industry trends and fosters risk mitigation by sharing best practices, especially in safety and compliance. It also opens doors to financing, partnerships, and innovative solutions such as PropTech, offering a competitive edge. Ultimately, networking is a key tool for success, driving efficiency and informed strategy in today’s market.

I had a client who was initially hesitant to work with me until we were introduced through a mutual connection in my network. The recommendation carried weight, and over time, I built trust by consistently delivering results. This trust not only secured repeat business but also led to referrals that expanded my client base significantly. Networking, when done right, fosters trust that opens doors in unexpected ways.

Twenty years ago at an ICSC conference, one of my clients recommended the "Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters". Tough read! But I am a dad of girls and so was my client. He cared enough to share this book and now I often reference this book to young fathers of girls that I meet at conferences. Years later, that same client was now working for a different guy who was also a close friend. He asked me to put in a good word for him and I did! Relationships are built on trust. Trust is built through self disclosure.

In commercial real estate, your reputation is everything. Focus on cultivating genuine relationships, not just exchanging business cards. Be reliable - follow through on your promises and show up when you say you will. Share your knowledge freely, even if there's no immediate benefit to you. Listen more than you speak, and always be honest, even when it's tough. Over time, these actions will establish you as a trustworthy figure in the industry. Remember, the deal you don't get today might lead to a bigger opportunity tomorrow, all because someone trusts you.

Para construir uma rede de confian?a no networking, é importante ser genuíno, oferecer valor e estar disposto a ajudar os outros. As conversas em contexto informal podem proporcionar insights valiosos.

Your word is everything. The best way to build trust is to do what you say you'll do. Telling someone you will bring "X" amount to a deal but backing out at the last minute will diminish your trust levels amongst your peers. Keeping your word by delivering on what you said you'll do is always the best way to build trust. People respect actions more than words in business and life.

Expanding your reach shouldn't just be limited to buyers and sellers, it should extend to brokers, consultants, contractors, fit-out professionals, security guards, maintenance companies, landscaping companies, and many more industries connected directly/indirectly to Real Estate.

Utilize plataformas online como o LinkedIn para se conectar com profissionais, ingressar em grupos do setor e participar de discuss?es. Acompanhe seus contatos regularmente para manter relacionamentos. Mantenha contato com eles por e-mail, telefonemas ou reuni?es presenciais.

To grow your network in RE, try these strategies: Leverage Social Media: Use LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook to connect and share insights. Attend Diverse Events: Go to various local business meetings, community events, and workshops. Join Professional Organizations: Become a member of industry groups for resources and networking. Seek Out Mentors: Find experienced professionals who can guide you and introduce you to their networks. Volunteer: Offer your skills at events or within organizations to make connections and showcase your expertise. Using these strategies will help you expand your reach and enhance your presence!

Your personal reach in the CRE market can extend significantly through networking. Each connection you make has the potential to link you to dozens of other contacts, amplifying your presence in the industry. This can be particularly beneficial when looking for buyers, sellers, or partners in different geographical markets or sectors within CRE. With a diverse network, you're not limited to your immediate circle; instead, you can tap into a vast resource pool that spans the breadth of the industry.

Building strong relationships in the commercial real estate industry is all about giving before receiving. The more value you add and the more knowledge you share, the more you'll benefit in return. By staying up-to-date on industry trends and sharing your insights, you not only help others but also establish yourself as a trusted authority. Even if you're just getting started, you always have something you can share: a unique perspective or a skill that can help someone. Real estate is a collaborative space, it's about building a community where everyone can learn and grow together.

Through networking at industry events, I learned about a new property tech platform that streamlined operations. I quickly adopted it, and when I shared this knowledge with clients, it positioned me as a forward-thinking advisor. Being part of a network where information flows freely has kept me ahead of trends and allowed me to provide more value, reinforcing the importance of staying engaged in the CRE community.

Building a strong network connects you with industry veterans, peers, and potential partners who offer valuable insights into market trends, best practices, and innovative strategies. Engaging with others allows you to exchange ideas, gain diverse perspectives, and stay informed about shifts in the market. Networking events, industry forums, and online platforms provide opportunities to discuss challenges, share experiences, and learn from the successes and setbacks of others. By positioning yourself as both a learner and a contributor, you cultivate relationships that foster trust and collaboration.

Sharing knowledge is a great way to strengthen your network. Here’s how to do it: Host Workshops: Organize events to share your expertise and invite others to present. Write Articles or Blogs: Share your experiences on platforms like LinkedIn or your website. Participate in Panels: Join discussions at industry events to connect with other experts. Engage Online: Answer questions and share information in forums and social media groups. Create a Resource Library: Compile useful guides or tools and share them with your network. By sharing your knowledge, you help others succeed and position yourself as a valuable resource in the community!

Es fundamental crear una red relaciones. Es importante tener las normas claras para poder trabajar en equipo y sacar un rendimiento equitativo de todos los involucrados

Mentorship can greatly impact your journey in RE. Here’s how to find and create these opportunities: Identify Potential Mentors: Look for experienced professionals who align with your goals. Reach Out: Send a message expressing your admiration and desire to learn. Join Mentorship Programs: Many industry organizations offer formal programs to connect mentors and mentees. Offer Value: Think about how you can provide value to a mentor, like sharing your skills or assisting with projects. Consider Peer Mentorship: Learn from peers with different experiences and perspectives. By seeking and creating mentorship opportunities, you can boost your growth and strengthen connections!

? Trying to figure everything out yourself is not just exhausting, but also unnecessary. You'd be surprised at how many people are willing to help and share their wisdom of you just ASK. Seek a mentor and you'll find one.

Being a mentor is very fulfilling and it is always an awesome feeling to help someone grow and succeed. I think of all of the people I have reached out to over the last 30+ years and how nice it was when they gave advice or recommendations. It is important that CRE veteran’s be willing to help people learn because the new practitioners are the future of CRE.

Where would any of us be without a good mentor helping us to avoid the many land mines we encounter on a daily basis? I am very grateful for the mentoring I have received in my life and I always try to keep that in mind when paying it forward.

I once collaborated with another broker I met at a real estate conference on a large-scale retail development. By combining our networks and expertise, we were able to secure funding, streamline the approval process, and deliver the project successfully. Strategic partnerships like this have been crucial in helping me scale my business and tackle larger, more complex projects.

Most of the best commercial properties in a city, often go for a ¨Silent Sale¨. That means that the listing usually won′t go on traditional real estate portals. Building partnerships can always put you on the spot for this transactions. Get involved with construction companies, know business owners, and expand your international visibility. You are going to be amazed with how many transactions are done just by knowing someone.