BUSINESS FUNDAMENTALS
NETWORKING
It is important to include a per- sonal picture on both so that new contacts will remember you. Arrive early and save a seat for yourself in the front row. Usually, there is a table in the back, so put your flyers and a pile of business cards there. If you can, distribute a flyer on each chair, also. You want to get the word out about your brand. The reason you sit in the front is to better hear the speaker, but also for the “Haves and Wants” portion of the meetup. When your turn comes, stand and face the entire group from the front, state your business, including phone number, then encourage everyone to pick up your flyer from the back table. CONDUCT It is important how you conduct yourself at a meetup. There are people who can enhance your busi- ness, and those who can harm your business. Primarily, ask questions, listen to the answers, and evaluate. Be reserved with your speech. Be- ware of people bearing propositions that call for YOUR money! (Why don’t THEY have money?) Don’t be fearful. Instead, be careful.
I speak on “Real Estate Nego- tiating,” and “Seller Financing,” which draw good audiences for the organizers. Once you’ve landed speaking gigs, you can start using them as references for additional speaking opportunities. I get three to five leads each time from speak- ing, which is superior to simply networking the event. Want to find a “deal” to fix & flip? Invest in an apartment syndication? Buy a note at a discount? Buy a “turnkey” rental house for cash- flow out-of-state? Partner with, or lend to, a rehabber? Invest in an assisted-living facility project? How about a resort development in Puerto Rico? Maybe a strip shop- ping center? Invest in a “Qualified Opportunity Zone” syndication? Add an “Accessory Dwelling Unit” (ADU) to your existing single-family house? Pick up some foreclosures? Oh, yes, buy into a mobile home park (MHP)? Perhaps a self-stor- age facility? I have encountered all of these, and you can, too. Learn at your local meetups while market- ing yourself at the same time! • BENEFITS – CONTACTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Mastering Meetups
about networking and marketing oneself, so know why you’re going before you go. Some attendees have the mindset of, “I’ll drop by and see what’s happening tonight.” That’s fine for the networking aspect, but what about marketing oneself? More advanced investors even use meetups to build their brand. I know one investor who does exactly that and does up to five deals a month. Deals come to him daily due to his branding! Investors intending to grow their business need to bring business cards and flyers to distribute at meetups. Business cards should be simple and double-sided, with contact information on one side, and the business message on the other. Flyers should be 8 ½” x 11”, in color, with the same information. PREPARATION & PARTICIPATION
HOW TO MEET OTHERS IN THE INDUSTRY WHILE MARKETING YOUR BRAND.
by Bruce Kellogg
M
eetups are one of the most beneficial ways to market your
you might go to several each month based on their agendas.
month due to the popularity of real estate investing this market cycle. I attended a particular meetup and sat next to a certain gentle- man several times. The man was cordial, but reserved. After some time, I engaged him in conver- sation. I learned that he owns a book-keeping business as an IRS Enrolled Agent, and owns over 200 rental houses in Texas that he ac- quired in 1982. He has never sold any! You never know who you will meet at a meetup!
business and to meet like-minded individuals, and there are so many available. From interests like real estate investing to hiking, there are meetups for almost everyone in every city. Organizers post these net- working events on meetup.com. To join, go to the site, enter your infor- mation, and choose your interests. Then, you will be sent invitations to new meetups that fall within your ar- eas of interest. You should also scroll through the established meetups and sign up for those. Since meetups are about networking and learning, sign up for more than one because
SO, WHO GOES? Meetups are announced by
email, and most are held monthly in evening hours in rented meet- ing rooms, restaurant back rooms, coffee houses, or business offices. Sometimes a fee of $10.00 to $20.00 is charged to pay for the facility. Attendees usually consist of private money lenders, contractors, fix & flippers, wholesalers, syndi- cators, real estate licensees, and established investors. Lately, I have noticed a lot of new investors each
SPEAKING AT MEETUPS Advanced investors should
consider speaking at meetups to in- crease their network and build their brand. Get to know the organizers of the various meetups and cultivate them. Most meetups need speakers at times, but organizers want quali- ty of topics and presentation.
Bruce Kellogg has been a Realtor® and investor for 38 years. He has transacted about 800 properties in 12 California counties. These include 1-4 units, 5+ apartments, offices, mixed-use buildings,
THE MEETUP MINDSET Be intentional. Meetups are
land, lots, mobile homes, cabins, and churches. Reach him at brucekellogg10@gmail.com or (408) 489-0131.
46 | think realty magazine :: january / february 2020
thinkrealty . com | 47
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