Beyond the Business Card: 5 Tips for Building Connections at Real Estate Conferences

Real estate conferences provide an excellent opportunity to network and build connections within the industry. With summer in the rearview, the next few months will provide a variety of opportunities to attend events, conferences, workshops and more. We all know the importance of having a strong network behind us in this business, and conferences are a great way to meet new people and expand your sphere. But what can you do when at a conference to ensure you are getting the most value from attending? And yes, it’s great to hand out business cards and shake a few hands while there, but the real value lies in establishing genuine relationships with fellow professionals. Here are five tips to help you connect with others beyond the business card at real estate conferences.

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1. Be Approachable and Open: Approachability is key when it comes to making real connections. Smile, make eye contact, and maintain an open and welcoming body language. Attendees are more likely to engage with you if they feel comfortable doing so. Avoid appearing overly busy or engrossed in your smartphone; instead, be present and attentive to those around you.

2. Start Conversations with Common Interests: Instead of jumping directly into business-related discussions, find common ground with others. Go prepared with some questions that you can work into your conversations. Ask them what their favorite sessions at the conference, or what markets they focus on. Go beyond just work and perhaps ask about their hobbies or interests. Remember that everyone at the conference has a life beyond real estate, and exploring these aspects can lead to deeper connections.

3. Attend Networking Events: Most conferences offers various networking opportunities at their events such as cocktail parties, dinners, or breakout sessions. These are perfect opportunities to mingle with fellow attendees in a more relaxed atmosphere. Participate in these events, strike up conversations, and use the informality to build rapport. Personally, I have always found that I arrive early to most events. I find this a great opportunity to scope out the room and find someone to new to sit with and possibly strike up a conversation. There are plenty of people who might be attending their very first conference or may not know any one else coming, and would appreciate the company. Don't forget to follow up with the connections you make during these gatherings.

4. Be a Good Listener: Seems obvious, but too often we get excited and want to share our thoughts or ideas with the world. Effective communication is a two-way street, and being a good listener is just as important as expressing your thoughts. When engaging in conversations, actively listen to what others are saying, and show genuine interest in their perspectives. Ask open-ended questions that encourage them to share more about themselves and their experiences. This not only makes the other person feel valued but also helps you understand them better. Learning about what makes them get up every morning or what challenges they may be facing with aid in connecting on deeper level.

5. Follow Up with Personalized Messages: After the conference, don't let the connections you've made fade away. Take the time to send personalized follow-up messages to express your appreciation for the conversation and your interest in staying connected. Mention specific details from your conversation to demonstrate that you were genuinely engaged. Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram are excellent tools for keeping in touch and continuing to build your professional network. While LinkedIn focuses more a professional level, Instagram is great for connecting on a personal level.

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Real estate conferences offer a wonderful opportunity to build authentic connections beyond merely exchanging business cards. There are a good number of conferences coming up, so make sure you make a list to determine which ones are the right fit for you. Book the time to attend and be present! Have a personal goal to meet 5 new people by the end of a conference, who you then commit to following up with after the conference is done. Remember that the true value of networking lies in the connections you make and the relationships you nurture over time.

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