Make the most of local social events
Are you new to the multifamily industry or looking to get more connected? Are you anxious about the social “clique” of the apartment industry? I have personally used these 4 tips to get well connected, become a resource and make some friends. If you are in the business as a vendor, on-site team, or in a corporate capacity, you will benefit from being well connected to your local association.
1. Attend Social Events-
You can’t win if you don’t play. Many of the events held by an apartment association are formal dinners, trainings, or conferences/trade shows. These are a great place to learn about vendors and gather training that can help you in your current role or if you are seeking promotion. The social events, however, are a time of connection, discovery, and visibility. Many of our clients have come to know us simply by the constant attendance of EVEY social event. Being a recognized face in the crowd is an easy way to gain credibility and begin to connect with the right people.
2. Find your Ambassador –
Who knows everyone? That’s the person to act as your ambassador. This can be tricky because we tend to look for the “life of the party”. That may not be the best ambassador for you because they are busy entertaining, not connecting. There is always someone in the group who has deep connections with all the key players that is quiet and reserved. Look for those who are greeting everyone walking in, seem to know people’s names and engages many people with more than simple greetings. A “hey you!” is far less of a connection than “Hey John. How’s things in your world?”. It is a subtle difference, but it makes all the difference.
3. Quality over Quantity –
Passing out 100 business cards rarely produces any results. Use the network of your ambassador to find the 1 or 2 people you want to build a relationship with. Then, ask for introductions. Don’t worry about spending time with just a few people. Make it quality time. You can research some titles or specific people to connect with before the event. If you are looking for a specific type of vendor, ask around at the event or ask your ambassador. “Who do you know that does __X__?”. If you are a vendor, look for people who are not talking with other vendors. Ask for intros from existing clients or use the network of your ambassador to start a conversation. People in the industry love helping each other. People making valuable connections is a highly coveted position within every association.
4. Follow Up –
Business cards are great to have and to exchange if the conversation warrants one. I may talk with 5-8 people and give out only 2 business cards. If you treat them like they are valuable, that your conversation partner earned it, it will have value to them. Passing out cards in mass is not only transparent sales behavior, but also a real turn off in a community that values real connection. Trade shows are a great place to pass out cards and literature, not social events.
Once you have a connection, a conversation and exchange information (business cards, LinkedIn, emails etc.), make sure that you actually follow up! Send email or an inbox “thank you” the next business day with a recap of the conversation and a personalized greeting. If you are a vendor, resist the urge to pitch the person! Unless they ask you for a quote, service outline or other specific information, just simply say that it was nice to meet them and thank them for the conversation.
That’s it! Just practice these 4 steps and you will become integrated and well connected within the apartment association through social events.
If you are in the Atlanta, GA market, you can find me at all the social events on the Atlanta Apartment Association calendar. I’m happy to help you connect and be an ambassador for you. Our company is represented in 5 associations around the country and growing, so you will see us in your local chapters soon!
About the Author:
Chris Skalicky is a VP of Sales and Marketing for 1st Valet Trash. With many years of experience in both the multifamily and single-family real estate industries, Chris has built a network of over 5,000 followers, countless referrals, and several industry accolades.
Based in Atlanta, GA, 1st Valet Trash is a premier provider of valet trash service to thousands of residents across the United States. Stretching from Dallas/Fort Worth to Raleigh to Tampa, 1st Valet Trash is changing the industry with an innovative mission. “By combining opportunity with integrity, caring and hard work, we have the potential to be the catalyst to transform not just an individual’s life but generations to come.” If you are interested in in being part of that mission, visit us at 1stvalettrash.com.