Networking for the Real Estate Mom – Four Tips to Turn Mom Functions into Valuable Leads

by | Sep 30, 2014 | Real Estate Moms


Life is hectic, isn’t it? As a real estate mom, you know this better than anyone. One of the mainstays of your career is generating leads. You can do this through past clients, word of mouth, referrals, and advertising, to name a few. But, have you ever given any thought to the plethora of possible business opportunities existing at your son’s soccer game or at your daughter’s Girl Scout meeting?
There are many possibilities for a real estate professional to generate leads from school functions, after-school activities, and school sporting events. It’s important to understand timing, however, because your end goal is to tackle each of these functions with panache. Finding the proper balance is vital. You want to be remembered as that “very nice mom who works in real estate,” as opposed to that “pushy mom who works in real estate.” So how do you go about doing this? While tricky, it can be done, and when done well, can increase your business in ways you never expected.
Here are four tips to turn you mom time into lead time:

1. Be smart when you speak.
 You need to be aware of the right times and the wrong times to network. If you’re in the midst of a parent-teacher conference and the conversation is serious, save the networking for another meeting. On the other hand, if you’re at a mom’s breakfast or other school social gathering, network to your heart’s content. Basically, use your common sense – if your instinct tells you the time isn’t right, it probably isn’t.
2. Know what to say. Become an expert at finding the appropriate conversation openers to discuss your business. When meeting another mom, for instance, mention that houses in their neighborhood have been selling quickly. Of course, if you hear another parent discussing the possibility of selling their own house, or of possibly buying a house, make yourself known.
3. Know how to listen. At any event, in any conversation you have, listen for natural breaks when you can discuss your real estate business. When people talk, what they do for a living is often one of the ice breakers. Use this natural inclination to generate leads for your business.

4. Use your business card.
 Before any school function, grab a handful of your business cards and jot your home phone number on the back. Then, when Johnny’s mom wants to arrange an overnight, give her your card. If you’re going to volunteer for a school program, use your business card for contact information. The more people who have it, the better, so be ready to hand them out at any event you attend.
The most important advice in networking at mom functions is to take it in stride. Not only are you a mom, but you’re also a real estate professional. Combining these two facets of your life to generate leads is an excellent way to build your business. Just remember to be smart when you talk, to listen for clues, and to have that business card ready to hand out. In no time, you’ll be receiving phone calls that start with, “I met you at my son’s soccer game. I want to buy a house and came across your business card. Can you help me?”
To which you’ll answer, “Of course I can!” 
Real Estate and Life Coach Cheri Alguire has partnered with hundreds of Real Estate Professionals to help them become more successful in business and in life. Coach Cheri offers Group Coaching for Moms, Working Mothers and Pregnant Women in Real Estate, on how to balance careers with family responsibility. Learn more at http://www.realestatemoms.com, and visit Coach Cheri’s Real Estate Moms blog atReal Estate Moms.