Jason Kapit is a Realtor with EWM Realty International/Christie’s International Real Estate.
Every week, we ask a real estate professional for their Short List, a collection of tips and recommendations on an essential topic in real estate. This week, we spoke with Jason Kapit, Realtor with EWM Realty International/Christie’s International Real Estate.
5. Engage in meaningful, well-thought-out forms of networking. Aspiring to ‘follow’ everyone on Twitter, ‘like’ every status on Facebook and ‘connect’ with everyone on LinkedIn is often futile. Forge relationships with people you have a synergy with and individuals who might ultimately be a force within your business. On my LinkedIn page, I recommend that people only connect with me if they believe there is a value-added benefit. This is not a competition to see how many connections one can garner. Social media is a great tool, but it needs to be used effectively.
4. If you are getting involved in charitable endeavors, do so because you are passionate about the cause. Committing yourself to a charity for the purpose of making an “appearance” at a $1,000-a-plate gala might be a nice night out for a worthy cause, but a lack of involvement outside the event will resonate with mainstream organizers and potentially cast your intentions in a negative light. When you are heartfelt about an initiative, people will recognize your involvement and may ultimately choose to work with you as a result of your steadfast participation and contributions.
3. Become a referrer. I can’t tell you how many mortgage brokers and title agents call me, email me, try and connect with me, etc. and talk about their low rates, fast turnaround service, attention to detail, etc., etc. And while I appreciate that information, and I’m sure that many of these real estate professionals can deliver, their proposals are unilateral at best. You want a referral? Become a referrer. It is by far the best way to capture someone’s attention and create an obligatory response in the future. Believe me, if you called or emailed and said, “J, I have a seller who needs to list immediately,” you’re now on my radar.
2. Make meaningful introductions. One of the best ways to network effectively is to concentrate on connecting people together – which is what a lot of my business is based on. For example, I might have a client with an estate issue, or an insurance issue, etc. Matching that person with the right professional is a way to help two people, and it keeps you top-of-mind with all involved. Use your time effectively to cultivate relationships between people in your network.
1. Continue to reinforce existing powerful relationships. Nothing is worse than forgetting where your business comes from. Yes, we get busy. Everyone has his or her own life, family, next deal, etc. – and it can sometimes become a blur – but stay focused and continuously keep perspective. If you have a core group of professionals that is vital to your business, maintain those relationships, even if they have not been involved in your most recent deals. You have most likely spent a great deal of time building a foundation for your business around like-minded, hardworking professionals. Always be mindful of who helped you attain your success.
Jason Kapit (@JasonKapitFTL) focuses exclusively on selling residential properties priced at $1 million and above, and is the exclusive broker for Landmark Ranch Estates in Southwest Ranches. Contact him at (954) 650-4443, kapit.j@ewm.com or visit his website at www.FortLauderdaled.com.