Day 3 - Networking
Bob Dillard
Managing Director And CEO At Keller Williams Capital Properties
Founder Of One Harbor Homes (Real Estate)
My first Link Starter in my Network Chain™ (Learn more about the Network Chain™ here)
For several years, I worked as the Marketing Director for a real estate company that was part of the Keller Williams Family. The way KW is set up is that each little sector of agents has a team leader that in charge of running the section and inspiring the agents to succeed. The team leader while my office was in Fairfax was Bob Dillard, owner of One Harbor Homes.
I wanted to meet with Bob for 2 reasons. First, he is friendly, positive and has a great deal of business experience on the leadership level. Second, he works as a leader for lots of great real estate agents, so he knows one of my company’s (Fire Toga LLC) key target markets inside and out.
I came into the meeting with certain expectations, and then Bob brought up an idea that I never even considered. Education.
I have created hundreds of videos, and I have 7 years of experience specific to real estate. I could be a great resource to Realtors looking to improve their video marketing efforts. And if they can’t do it themselves, then they can hire me.
As teaching is one of my passions (I’m also on the way to becoming a high school business teacher), this idea excited me a lot. It would also be a great way to continue the Network Chain and meet more people.
Bob also seemed excited, and he invited me to join him for his group’s next team meeting. So next week, I will have the opportunity to get in front of 20-50 realtors and teach them the basics of shooting a great real estate video. What a great opportunity to show my expertise to a large group of potential clients. And what a great result from my first networking connection!
Our conversation also yeilded a few takeaways:
Takeaway #1: Stop Thinking So Narrowly
I entered the meeting with a lot of questions about my photography services. I wanted to know how I could best serve local realtors, and what photo services I should provide. I was actually thinking I’d come out of the meeting with an upcoming $6,000 bill for new equipment.
However, a few minutes into my conversation with Bob, he showed me that video may be more important to my target market than I originally thought, and that my unique video skills will probably stand out from the competition…more than photographs of a bathroom. That plus the education idea, really opened up my mind to keeping my mind open…if that makes sense.
Action Items:
Create a list of different services or markets I could attack by thinking outside the box.
Takeaway #2: Education Could Be A Key To New Business
Bob is giving me the opportunity to get up in front of Realtors and try to earn their business. Opportunities like this won’t happen often. So I want to make this a big learning experience, and see if I can bring my presentation to other groups, or possibly even online.
Action Items:
Prepare “How To Create A ‘Real’ Real Estate Video Presentation.
Key Takeaway #3: Never Underestimate The Power Of A Simple Message
I sent Bob a Facebook message updating him about some of the changes in my life. That message led to a one on one meeting, which led to the opportunity to be touted an expert in front of a large group of potential clients. Do MORE OF THIS!
Send Messages To 5 Other People This Week
NETWORK CHAIN QUESTIONS
Who is the NEXT person I should meet: A Group Of KW Agents (find one specific person at the meeting)
What is the NEXT book I should read: Awaken The Giant Within By Tony Robbins
What is the NEXT action I should take: Prepare A Presentation Outline For Tuesday
How Can I Help Bob?: By Possibly Working On Videos For One Harbor Homes