Liberty Inspection - December 2017

Successful networking benefits all business owners, whether they’re just getting started or trying to grow their business. These face-to-face meetings with other entrepreneurs, however, can be awkward and difficult for some people. Interfacing with industry leaders, experts, and like-minded CEOs doesn’t have to be anxiety-inducing, even if you’re naturally shy. Here are some tips to help you network more effectively at your next industry seminar or small- business conference. 1. Prepare Beforehand There are a few great ways to get yourself into the networking mindset before an event. You should have a few talking points ready. It shouldn’t sound like a formal presentation with bullet points. A few words about who you are, what you do, and why you do it will suffice. And you don’t want every word drilled down. Remember, networking is not the same thing as a sales pitch. 2. Don’t Forget to Listen Networking works best when it’s a two-way street. You can’t expect somebody to listen to you for five minutes, only for you to head to the snack table as soon as they start telling you about their company in return. The mutually beneficial nature of networking allows for a conversation about business to become a platform for building a relationship. Odds are everyone at your conference is trying to network just as much as you are. 5 NETWORKING TIPS FOR SMALL- BUSINESS OWNERS

3. Have a Card, Seriously Imagine this scenario: You’re at a conference and you just finish up a fruitful, engaging conversation. The person you’re talking to hands over their business card, and you realize you don’t have one to provide in return. Nobody wants to end up scribbling their contact information on a napkin. 4. Network From Home LinkedIn isn’t just for finding a job or screening employees. It can be a powerful networking tool for business owners. Because you can see the connections of your connections, it’s not hard to reach out to people in similar roles or industries. 5. Be Yourself Your personality and values should be an integral part of your business, and networking should be an honest conversation, even when the end goal is developing a business relationship. Be confident in who you are, and you’ll find that people will believe in your vision.

ARE YOU GETTING THE MOST BANG FOR YOUR HOME INSPECTION BUCK?

Before checking out a home, agents, buyers, and sellers often ask how they can get the most out of the upcoming inspection. Nobody wants to be stuck with a lemon — least of all the person who’s setting up the buyer with the house. Here are a few tips to maximize the value of your home inspection fee.

Attend the Home Inspection This one may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many buyers don’t attend the inspection, even though they’re about to make one of the largest purchases of their lives. It’s also important that the real estate agent tag along in order to minimize their liability and represent the client’s interests if any questions arise. Ask Questions When representing a buyer or seller, it’s important to speak openly and honestly about potential concerns with the property prior to the inspection. After it’s over, ensure that any questions you may have are answered clearly, for both your sake and your clients’. Read the Report Too many agents match up their clients with a potentially problematic property without ever reading the inspection report. We’re not in the business of shooting holes in a perfectly good piece of property, but it’s important for an agent to know whether the property really is the best match for their client. This way, any potential issues can be addressed long before any liability falls in the agent’s lap. Negotiate Following the inspection, it’s in the interest of both the agent and the buyer to negotiate repairs. A home inspection report can be a valuable tool to reach an equitable solution, make sure everybody’s happy, and keep your reputation as an agent intact. And, if worst comes to worst, you can always use the home inspection to back out of a shaky deal.

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