Full disclosure right from the start - I run Property Developer Network, which holds meetups in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, and have been doing it for well over 10 years. And networking is a big part of our meetups.
Having attended a heck of a lot of these meeetups over the years, I honestly feel they're a crucial component of success. These meetups offer invaluable opportunities to connect with industry peers, potential partners, investors, and mentors.
However, making the most of these gatherings requires strategy, preparation, and effective communication. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting out, here are some tips to help you maximize your experience at property developer networking meetings.
Give Before You Take
I could have put this last, but I think it's one of the most important elements of networking. Networking should never just be about you. Look for ways to offer value to the people you meet, whether it's sharing industry insights, making introductions, or drawing on your own experiences to offer assistance with the challenges they're facing on their projects.
By being generous with your knowledge and resources, you'll build goodwill and foster long-term relationships. And the more you give to others, the more willing they will be to give back to you, and you can all progress together. As John F. Kennedy said, a rising tide lifts all boats.
Actively Participate
Given there's always going to be some extroverts in the crowd, it's very easy to fade into the wallpaper and let the networking go on around you. Don't get me wrong - listening actively and taking in all the ideas and advice been shared is a great way to grow and expand your own understanding.
But you'll gain a lot more from the meetup if listening leads to talking. Be genuinely interested in what others have to say, then ask open-ended questions to learn about their experiences and insights. This helps you build rapport and also provides valuable information you can refer back to in future interactions.
I've also seen too many people hold back from asking a question because they think their questions are stupid, or too basic. No! What you need to do is ask the stupid questions, so you can move on to better questions based on your new knowledge. And remember - chances are there's other people in the group who want to know the same thing, so you help them too.
It's also a good idea to prepare your elevator pitch before you attend. This is a concise summary of who you are, what you do, and what you're looking for. Craft a compelling pitch that highlights your experience, achievements, and unique selling points. Practice delivering it confidently, as it will be your introduction to potential collaborators and investors.
Set Goals
Before attending any networking event, work out what you hope to achieve. Are you looking for new project opportunities? Seeking potential investors? Wanting to learn from seasoned professionals? Clarifying your objectives will guide your interactions and make your time more productive.
So your goal could be something like "today I'm going to meet five people who can help solve my current problem". Most of us like to tick things off our to-do list, so this will motivate you to step up when there's a chance to meet someone new, instead of holding back.
Take Action
Over the years I've seen plenty of people show up to meetings and every time they have the same problem. You may even have heard me say "if you show up every month with the same problem, then you're the problem". That may seem a bit harsh, but if people are giving you good ideas and you're not taking action on them, then it's true.
No amount of thinking and talking about a problem is ever going to make a difference if you don't then take the necessary steps to implement those ideas. Even if it's a huge problem that can't be solved quickly or easily, at the very least you need to start taking the first few steps towards the solution. And next time around you'll be able to ask new, better questions about what the next steps should be. Taking action is the only way to make things happen.
Share The Love
When the networking session is over, you'll have met a lot of new people, and hopefully some of them are people you can interact with moving forward to progress your journey. So it's VITAL that you make plans to stay in touch with them.
While digital connectivity is essential, there's still value in exchanging physical business cards. However you approach this, make sure you've shared essential contact information. Now you have a way to follow up and continue the conversation after the event.
And all the shy people out there aren't going to like this bit - follow up promptly! The real networking begins after the event. Within a day or two, reach out to the individuals you connected with. I always say call them, but hey, I'm not going to know if you send a text or ping them on LinkedIn! But call them.
Reference something specific from your conversation to jog their memory and express your interest in staying in touch. Personalized follow-ups demonstrate professionalism and strengthen your connections.
The same rules apply if you received promising leads or referrals during the event - don't let them slip through the cracks. Follow up promptly with the individuals involved, share how you received their details and explore next steps. Timely follow-up demonstrates your commitment and increases the likelihood of turning leads into meaningful collaborations.
After each networking event, take time to reflect on what went well and areas for improvement. Did you achieve your goals? Which connections were most valuable? Use these insights to refine your approach for future events, continuously learning and evolving as a networker.
By implementing these tips, you'll be better equipped to navigate property developer networking meetings with confidence and purpose. Remember, networking is not just about transactions — it's about building genuine relationships, fostering collaboration, and contributing to the collective growth of the property development industry. Seize every opportunity to connect, learn, and inspire others on your journey to success.
Click here for information about upcoming Property Developer Network meetups
Having attended a heck of a lot of these meeetups over the years, I honestly feel they're a crucial component of success. These meetups offer invaluable opportunities to connect with industry peers, potential partners, investors, and mentors.
However, making the most of these gatherings requires strategy, preparation, and effective communication. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting out, here are some tips to help you maximize your experience at property developer networking meetings.
Give Before You Take
I could have put this last, but I think it's one of the most important elements of networking. Networking should never just be about you. Look for ways to offer value to the people you meet, whether it's sharing industry insights, making introductions, or drawing on your own experiences to offer assistance with the challenges they're facing on their projects.By being generous with your knowledge and resources, you'll build goodwill and foster long-term relationships. And the more you give to others, the more willing they will be to give back to you, and you can all progress together. As John F. Kennedy said, a rising tide lifts all boats.
Actively Participate
Given there's always going to be some extroverts in the crowd, it's very easy to fade into the wallpaper and let the networking go on around you. Don't get me wrong - listening actively and taking in all the ideas and advice been shared is a great way to grow and expand your own understanding.
But you'll gain a lot more from the meetup if listening leads to talking. Be genuinely interested in what others have to say, then ask open-ended questions to learn about their experiences and insights. This helps you build rapport and also provides valuable information you can refer back to in future interactions.
I've also seen too many people hold back from asking a question because they think their questions are stupid, or too basic. No! What you need to do is ask the stupid questions, so you can move on to better questions based on your new knowledge. And remember - chances are there's other people in the group who want to know the same thing, so you help them too.
It's also a good idea to prepare your elevator pitch before you attend. This is a concise summary of who you are, what you do, and what you're looking for. Craft a compelling pitch that highlights your experience, achievements, and unique selling points. Practice delivering it confidently, as it will be your introduction to potential collaborators and investors.
Set Goals
Before attending any networking event, work out what you hope to achieve. Are you looking for new project opportunities? Seeking potential investors? Wanting to learn from seasoned professionals? Clarifying your objectives will guide your interactions and make your time more productive.
So your goal could be something like "today I'm going to meet five people who can help solve my current problem". Most of us like to tick things off our to-do list, so this will motivate you to step up when there's a chance to meet someone new, instead of holding back.
Take Action
Over the years I've seen plenty of people show up to meetings and every time they have the same problem. You may even have heard me say "if you show up every month with the same problem, then you're the problem". That may seem a bit harsh, but if people are giving you good ideas and you're not taking action on them, then it's true.
No amount of thinking and talking about a problem is ever going to make a difference if you don't then take the necessary steps to implement those ideas. Even if it's a huge problem that can't be solved quickly or easily, at the very least you need to start taking the first few steps towards the solution. And next time around you'll be able to ask new, better questions about what the next steps should be. Taking action is the only way to make things happen.
Share The Love
When the networking session is over, you'll have met a lot of new people, and hopefully some of them are people you can interact with moving forward to progress your journey. So it's VITAL that you make plans to stay in touch with them.
While digital connectivity is essential, there's still value in exchanging physical business cards. However you approach this, make sure you've shared essential contact information. Now you have a way to follow up and continue the conversation after the event.And all the shy people out there aren't going to like this bit - follow up promptly! The real networking begins after the event. Within a day or two, reach out to the individuals you connected with. I always say call them, but hey, I'm not going to know if you send a text or ping them on LinkedIn! But call them.
Reference something specific from your conversation to jog their memory and express your interest in staying in touch. Personalized follow-ups demonstrate professionalism and strengthen your connections.
The same rules apply if you received promising leads or referrals during the event - don't let them slip through the cracks. Follow up promptly with the individuals involved, share how you received their details and explore next steps. Timely follow-up demonstrates your commitment and increases the likelihood of turning leads into meaningful collaborations.
After each networking event, take time to reflect on what went well and areas for improvement. Did you achieve your goals? Which connections were most valuable? Use these insights to refine your approach for future events, continuously learning and evolving as a networker.
By implementing these tips, you'll be better equipped to navigate property developer networking meetings with confidence and purpose. Remember, networking is not just about transactions — it's about building genuine relationships, fostering collaboration, and contributing to the collective growth of the property development industry. Seize every opportunity to connect, learn, and inspire others on your journey to success.
Click here for information about upcoming Property Developer Network meetups
