STRATEGY
MEETUPS
send out invites to their own networks to connect more folks to this awesome group. We have monthly goals and big yearly goals, and we aren’t shy about them. NO. 3 OFFER REAL VALUE AT AN EXTREMELY ACCESSIBLE COST. This group is not a big money-maker for my company. In fact, once you factor in the time, staff, and hard costs of operating this Meetup, we often actually lose money each month. This is a passion project about giving back what I’ve been so privileged to learn throughout my time as a real estate investor. My plan to keep this momentum go- ing is no different from what
Make Time to Meet HOW MEETUPS CAN INCREASE YOUR COI — AND YOUR ROI.
it was at the beginning. Keep giving. Keep providing massive value. Keep helping others. I founded Bridge Real Estate Investing Meetup with the hope of providing extreme value to real estate investors all over the world and mak- ing a massive impact on our industry at large. In just a few short months, we’re already on our way. I give all the credit to the people who make up this group. It’s the heart, passion, and commitment to our founding princi- ples that makes this Meetup thrive. If you’re looking for a group to join or thinking to start your own, think about what value you bring and what you can share with others. It will come back to you ten-fold! •
by Nathan Brooks | photos by Chuck Maples
I
have been asked this question more than any other over the
all over the country through my own real estate investing and my company. I want to give that back. And I want to give that back to peo- ple who are there to give as well. Our Meetup was built on four foun- dational principles: HELP: We believe in the GO GIVER spirit. Give and help one another fearlessly. It always comes back. CONNECT: Join the group and con- nect with other like-minded people! LEARN: There is always a time to be the student and a time to be the teacher. Come prepared to be both. TAKE ACTION: It's not just having an idea, or a dream. You must take those ideas and run with them. Do something with them. This is a place to make your dreams and ideas come alive.
of them showing up consistently to our monthly in-person meet- ings. We’ve outgrown three event spaces, we see 800+ posts in our online group every month, and last month had over 15,000 interactions between members — that’s 92 per- cent of our members interacting regularly inside our group. It’s been a wild ride, and the momentum just keeps building. So, what’s the secret sauce? How did we build this group, and how do we plan to keep the momentum going? Here are three main factors that can help ensure a successful Meetup: NO. 1 BE VERY CLEAR ABOUT WHO YOU ARE AND WHO YOU ARE NOT. I started the Bridge Real Estate Investing Meetup out of a go-giver mindset — you start by giving back. Over the years, I’ve gained invalu- able experience and connections
last five months. In my travels, at home in Kansas City, or interacting online, it’s always the same question: “HOW did you build such a successful meetup in so little time?” I’m the CEO of Bridge Turnkey Investments, a Kansas City-based turnkey company doing more than 100 deals per year. At the end of 2018, I decided to start a Meetup group to support real estate investors. In less than three months we were the largest real estate meetup in Kansas City and growing rapidly. Since our launch in December 2018, the group has gained national attention for its massive growth, consistent engage- ment, and incredible impact. As I write this article just five months from our humble begin- nings, the group has more than 4,000 members, all interacting reg- ularly online, and the local subset
NO. 2 SET CONSISTENT GOALS FOR THE GROUP AND COMMUNI- CATE THEM REGULARLY. Since the very beginning, we’ve been setting goals for Bridge Real Estate Investing Meetup, and the community has responded to those goals with enthusiasm. There’s a sense of camaraderie about work- ing together to achieve our mem- ber-goals, as people step up and
We recognize these principals mean some folks get weeded out. We’ve had to be a part of that on a few occasions. But, it’s worth it because the growing community of members have bought into these principles and are operating within them. It’s why we get so much engagement and impact. The members are actively offering their own advice, expertise, and con- nections. It’s truly a community.
Nathan Brooks is CEO of Bridge Turn Key Investments, a Kansas City-based company renovating and selling more than 100 turnkey properties every
year. The company has gained global notoriety for their industry-setting construction standards and added millions of dollars in value to investors’ portfolios since launching in 2015. Learn more at BridgeTurnkey.com.
46 | think realty magazine :: july / august 2019
thinkrealty . com | 47
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter