Realtors, when you hear the word “networking,” what images pop into your mind? We’re certain most real estate professionals would think about connecting with other top agents, brokers, or real estate brokerage in Mississauga. After all, only expert real estate professionals can help you stay on top of the housing market, and give you access to exclusive listings.
But what if we told you that networking with professionals from other industries could benefit you as well? Yes, that’s absolutely right! Building connections with professionals from other industries means more new collaborations, fresh perspectives, and unique partnerships that can set you apart in the real estate game. This form of real estate networking is better known as “cross-industry networking” and we will explore this topic in-depth below.
Which Professionals Outside the Real Estate Industry Should Realtors Network With?
Cross-industry networking is when Realtors build connections with professionals from other fields. There is a range of professionals outside the real estate industry that Realtors can network with and benefit from.
Here’s a look at the key professionals that Realtors of a real estate brokerage can network with –
- Financial Planners and Accountants
When you establish a relationship with financial planners and accountants, you can get access to their client base and offer your services to those considering buying or selling property. These professionals can also help your clients with the financial aspects of their home-buying or selling process, helping you offer greater value to clients.
- Lawyers
Lawyers can refer clients to you who are looking for an expert real estate brokerage or a Realtor in Mississauga. Conversely, you can refer your clients to them for legal advice on property transactions, contract disputes, or estate planning.
- Home Inspectors
Home inspectors provide detailed reports on the condition of properties that a homebuyer is willing to make theirs. By having these expert home inspectors in your network, you can easily refer your clients to inspectors, saving them valuable time. Inspectors can also refer clients to you if they find that a buyer is looking for a new home or is in need of a real estate professional.
- Mortgage Brokers and Lenders
Mortgage brokers and lenders help homebuyers secure financing and their services often overlap with your role within the real estate brokerage. Hence, by building strong connections with mortgage brokers, you can cross-refer clients and ensure that your clients can seamlessly complete their loan application process. Additionally, mortgage brokers can also provide you with valuable insights on housing market trends and changes in mortgage rules.
- Interior Designers and Home Stagers
Interior designers and home stagers can amp up the way your listings are presented to potential buyers. This can help you and your home-selling client enhance the appeal of properties and sell them for top dollar.
- Contractors and Builders
Contractors and builders have firsthand knowledge of home construction and renovation. These professionals can provide your real estate brokerage team with insights into what renovations and improvements can increase your listing’s value. You can then share this knowledge with your home-selling clients and also connect them with the contractors for further assistance.
- Insurance Agents
Insurance agents provide coverage for homeowners including property insurance and mortgage protection. Networking with insurance agents allows you to offer your clients comprehensive services including guidance on selecting the right insurance policies.
- Community Leaders and Local Business Owners
Community leaders and local business owners will have deep knowledge of the neighbourhood you work in and can provide you with lesser-known insights about the area. They can also introduce you to potential home-buying and selling clients within the neighbourhood.
Ways Realtors Can Grow Their Network Beyond Real Estate
Here are some tips that can help you and your real estate brokerage in Mississauga expand your network beyond the real estate industry –
- Attend Industry Events
You and your brokerage team must make it a point to attend at least one event related to industries outside real estate once a month. For example, you can visit business conferences, trade shows, and local community events to meet people from other industries. These events often attract professionals from various fields, providing a platform to introduce yourself and your real estate services.
- Join Professional Associations
Many professions or industries in Mississauga have their own associations or groups and joining these groups can provide you amazing networking opportunities. For instance, if you’re interested in connecting with financial advisors, you can consider joining finance-related associations.
- Participate in Community Events
When your real estate brokerage volunteers for local charities or participates in community boards, you get the chance to meet people outside the real estate industry. This involvement also demonstrates your commitment to the community and establishes you as a local real estate expert.
- Leverage Social Media
LinkedIn is the top platform Realtors use to network with professionals outside the real estate industry. You can join industry-related groups on these platforms, participate in discussions, and connect with individuals who might be interested in your real estate services.
- Host Networking Events
Together with your brokerage, you can organize gatherings, workshops, or seminars on topics of interest to professionals from various fields. This strategy will help you to showcase your real estate expertise while providing a platform for others to network and share ideas.
- Offer to Speak at Industry Events
Another strategy that you might try is offering to speak at events or workshops related to industries outside of real estate. By sharing your knowledge on topics such as home buying or housing market trends, you can position yourself as an expert in your field and attract professionals who may become referral sources.
- Create Informative Content
Next, post content on your real estate brokerage website that appeals to professionals from other industries in Mississauga. You can write blog posts, articles, or guides that address topics of interest to these professionals.
- Engage in Cross-Promotion
For cross-industry networking, you can also try cross-promotions. For instance – you can feature the services of a mortgage lender in your brokerage’s monthly newsletter and they can do the same for you.
- Utilize Referrals
The last strategy that you can try is to ask for referrals from your existing real estate network. So, if you have a good relationship with a Realtor or Broker from another real estate brokerage in Mississauga, ask them if they can introduce you to professionals in other fields.
Build Your Network, Build Your Real Estate Business
By forming a strong network with potential clients, industry professionals and other stakeholders, Realtors can expand their reach, generate leads, and ultimately grow their business. Remember, the more people you know, the more opportunities you’ll have to thrive in your real estate business. So, invest in building your network to invest in the growth and success of your real estate business.
