NUTS & BOLTS
NETWORKING
Networking for Success
TAKE CARE TO ENSURE THERE ARE NO WEAK LINKS IN YOUR CHAIN OF CONNECTIONS.
by Jessica Conflitti
he scenario: You're seriously considering investing in real estate this year. You have the money, perhaps in a 401(k) or IRA, or you will after selling an existing proper- ty. You’ve done your research and have even attended a few seminars put on by real estate legends. You’ve learned the best cities in which to invest in real estate in 2016. And after crunching the numbers, your ROI potential looks amazing. On the surface, it seems like buying property is a no-brainer. THE PROBLEM You just can’t shake the feeling that the “experts” with whom you’ve been speaking might not be telling you the full story. REFLECT FOR A MOMENT When was the last time you recom- mended a product or service that you didn’t also buy or use yourself? If you’re like most people, you haven't. You wouldn't feel comfortable giving this type of baseless advice. Unfortunately, not everyone lives by those same principles. T
So how can you tell whether someone is genuinely trying to help you, or if they’re just using you to push their own agenda? You may not be able to know beyond the shadow of a doubt, but you can take steps to protect yourself. Real Wealth Network co-founders Rich and Kathy Fettke, along with real estate professionals Ben Erik Smith and Aristotle Kumpis, offer the following advice on how to network for success, and why it’s so important. NETWORKWITH LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE Experience-based learning is one of the most effective ways to learn how to invest in real estate successfully. A great network is like a team that challenges and supports one another, which can open the door for new opportunities. But not all networks are created equal, because not every- one wants to help you succeed. According to California Realtor Ben Erik Smith, “The best
128 | think realty magazine | may :: june 2016
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