Networking for the Introvert

I am a self-admitted introvert (You too? Read THIS). Maybe I'm not completely introverted, but I  am not the life of the party, find small talk somewhat boring, process emotions, thoughts and observations internally and tend to think before I respond. If you are not a "Type-A" personality and are anything like me, you might find it difficult at times self-promoting yourself and connecting with others about real estate, like we are led to believe is a "must" for successful real estate agents. While a lot of successful people are very outgoing and aggressive, I think that there are lot of excellent agents who are quite the opposite. So what are we to do? Below are a few tips that I have found to be helpful for myself when I have opportunities to network with other people and share with them my love for real estate.

1. Be INTENTIONAL! I don't always go out of my way to talk to people and I don't always talk to them about real estate, so when I do I want to make it count. When I sense opportunities to network and talk to people about  real estate, I try to have the right mindset and be purposeful in my conversation. I am purposeful in that I try to shape or turn the conversation so we can talk about my passion for real estate. The right mindset focuses me on making sure the conversation is a meaningful one and I either come away with a contact or the other person comes away with knowing who I am and how I can help them and the people they know. Are you intentional about your networking and what is your mindset in doing so?
2. Be EXCITED! When you have an opportunity to talk with other people about real estate, be excited and passionate about what you do! I love to work as a real estate agent, to work for the company that I do and to be able to help other people and I try to make sure that whoever I talk to about real estate definitely comes away from our conversation with that impression. Most conversations I have about real estate are with people I am meeting for the first time...I want to leave them with a great first impression! Are you excited about what you do? What first-impression are you giving people about yourself? 
3. Be YOURSELF! While networking and making sure your sphere of influence knows what you do and how you can help them, do not try to be something you are not. If you don't have a bubbly personality, don't try to act that way. Do not sacrifice your personality by trying to be everything to everybody. It will not last and eventually others will likely see you for who you really are. Even worse, they might see you as shallow or fake. Sincerity and integrity are vital in this business - you CANNOT give that up! Most people will accept you and like you for who you are! 

I hope that these few tips can help those of you who are like me and and at times struggle with being outgoing. Be comfortable with who you are and know what you must do to be successful! 

Kyle Pfaffe, REALTOR®

Keller Williams Realty

m: 512-636-9707

w: AustinHomes4You.com

Image: renjith krishnan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net