The Importance of Building A Women’s Real Estate Network
Imagine having a support group so good that it empowers you and elites you to achieve your dreams and break the glass ceiling. This is why women’s real estate networks are essential for today’s professionals.
In this episode of the Real Estate Woman Podcast, we talked with Laura Keller from the Real Estate Team in Ottawa and the founder of a Women in Real Estate professional networking group to discuss why these are a necessity for our professional success.
Why The Need for Women’s Real Estate Networks?
Did you know that 66% of the real estate industry is made up of women? Despite this significant presence, there’s not enough conversation around the unique challenges we face daily.
That’s where women’s real estate networks come into play. It’s important to express our concerns and share our experiences in the real estate world, but how can we do it without safe spaces to do so?
Women and Real Estate
Many women in real estate encounter systemic challenges that hinder their professional growth and development. Balancing act between professional responsibilities and personal commitments, women frequently juggle multiple roles, managing careers alongside family and caregiving duties.
This dual burden can lead to heightened stress and burnout, making it hard to maintain a steady career progression.
Women’s real estate networks provide a space for us to come together, discuss unique situations, and offer different perspectives. They are like regular networking with a twist. These groups are not just about connecting with others but about launching and elevating our careers in real estate together.
By partaking in or starting a women’s real estate network, you can gain valuable insights, support, and opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.
Building Powerful Real Estate Networking Events
So, how can you start building your own networking group for women? What are the critical aspects you need for success?
An Agenda for your Women’s Real Estate Network
Be intentional in your discussions by establishing a clear agenda that outlines the key topics you want to address. This will ensure that the time spent in meetings is used effectively to advance these goals.
This will also help keep the conversation focused and productive. Aim to discuss strategies and initiatives that support and grow women in the real estate industry, such as mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and professional development.
Listen to The Needs of Women in Real Estate
While an agenda is necessary, having an open mind and ears is equally important. Take the time to understand what women like you in the real estate industry want.
You can even conduct surveys, hold focus groups, or have one-on-one conversations to gather insights on their aspirations, challenges, and areas of interest happening in your real estate sector.
This will allow you to tailor your networking meeting to meet these specific needs. Encourage open dialogue and create a supportive environment where they feel comfortable expressing their ideas and concerns.
By actively listening, you can foster a community that empowers women to reach their high potential and achieve the dreams they didn’t even know they had.
Keep it Organic
Networking shouldn’t be complicated; it should be fun. Whether it’s a wine gathering, a coffee discussion, or a cheese board talk, let the conversation flow and allow questions and discussions to arise naturally.
Get To Know The Woman in Real Estate You Work With
In this field, we often work with a multitude of clients, colleagues, and partners, many of whom we never meet in person. This lack of personal connection can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and a sense of detachment.
Face-to-face interaction is a vital component of building strong, meaningful relationships, especially in the real estate industry.
Taking the time to engage in face-to-face interactions presents a golden opportunity to bridge these gaps. Meeting your female colleagues in person allows for more nuanced communication. Body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions can convey what emails or phone calls cannot.
It demonstrates a commitment to the relationship, showing that you value the other person’s time and input, especially in real estate, where transactions and negotiations require a high level of trust and mutual understanding.
The Hot Topics of Women Real Estate Networking
What do women talk about in these conversations? What is the common paint point for real estate professionals? Laura Keller explains that this conversation might vary depending on the area, city, and country, but there is usually the common ground.
From her experience, these are the topics that often arise at these networking events for women in real estate.
Socializing
Socializing helps build a strong network of contacts and potential clients. Building relationships within the industry can lead to referrals, partnerships, and mentorship opportunities, which are key to long-term success.
Safety
Ensuring personal safety is a significant concern for women in real estate, given the nature of the job often involving meeting new clients and visiting properties alone.
Discussing strategies and tools to enhance safety can empower women to work confidently and securely.
Financial Stability and Independence
Understanding financial management, investment opportunities, and how to create sustainable income streams are recurrent topics of conversation for building a successful and independent career.
Marketing, Client Care, and Service
Excellence in marketing, client care, and service is vital in real estate to differentiate oneself in a competitive market.
We should focus on developing strong marketing plans, providing exceptional client service, and building a loyal client base to enhance their reputation and business growth.
The Power of Real Estate Social Network Through Facebook
All this being said, a common question remains: how does one create or find this kind of women’s real estate network?
Facebook groups have emerged as a powerful tool for networking in the real estate industry. With their familiar interface and user-friendly features, these groups offer a comfortable and accessible platform.
One of the key advantages of using Facebook groups is the ease of participation. Most professionals are already on Facebook for personal use, making it a seamless extension to join and engage in real estate-focused groups.
Launching Networking Opportunities for Women in Real Estate
At its core, building a women’s real estate network is about understanding the interests and needs of you and your colleagues in your specific area, as these can vary greatly depending on the region.
The goal is to create a supportive and safe community where women in real estate can come together to share experiences, insights, and opportunities.
Start empowering those around you and growing your leadership capabilities. If you want additional guidance on how to break your glass ceiling, at Monter Coaching, we are ready to give you the tools you need.
The journey to reach the next level starts today. Elevate your leadership. Transform your career. Make the glass ceiling your new floor.
Book your strategy session today and take the first step toward peak leadership.
The Real Estate Woman podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.