As I begin my series on conferences, networking and getting involved in the real estate conversation I realize that my dad never attended conferences. The only NAR conference that he attended was the one about 20 years ago, in Hawaii, and the reason he attended that one was to support me. Mom and Dad came along as I was asked to be on my first NAR panel ever. I must admit that my first speaking opportunity to speak in front of such an important group made me nervous, but having my folks there made it easier. If I wasn’t presenting, they probably wouldn’t have gone to this conference either.  Well, maybe Hawaii had something to do with it too hmm…

You see, dad didn’t go to conferences, but he was a networking master and he “was” the local real estate conversation. Dad was on top of what was going on with the competitors in our marketplace. Real estate was different then. Although fundamentally the same, the advent of technology has sped up the rate at which the industry is evolving. It is in the changing of best practices that the early adaptors shall gain market share, and deliver a better quality service to the consumer.

Dad would send me to the conferences, and I must say, that it is through these conferences, that the company has grown to become what it is today.  Our reputation as an industry leader was gained through the ideas,  discussions and friendships that were made and developed over the years at these conferences.  I would say that I am truly blessed to be able to go to the many industry events throughout the year, because of the friends that I’ve made along the way.

When you’re a real estate broker, trying to keep your business going, it’s difficult to get stimulus within the company boundaries, or even in the marketplace that you may be in.  I find it invigorating to have healthy discussions about ways to grow business and to explore ideas and concepts with other brokers and consultants.  Instead of making all of the mistakes yourself, you can learn from other broker’s experiences.  I have made my share of poor decisions over the years, but I’ll tell you…If I didn’t go to conferences and go through the process of discussing concepts with others that have been there and done that, I would have made a lot more.

Future posts will discuss the various things I’ve learned along the way.

Stay Tuned…