All too many people join an Association or a Chamber of Commerce, attend 3 meetings, drop out and say: "What a waste of time!"

Effective use of Chamber and Association memberships, (like life) starts with giving:

Go up to a stranger, stick out your hand, say: "I don't think we've met before. I'm . . . . " Chances are said stranger will tell you his or her name. You say: "What do you do?" or . . . "Have been in the Chamber long?" or . . . "I find small talk awkward. Do you?"

Honest! Many great conversations start with two people who hate small talk!

TIP 1: Concentrate on the other person, find out who he or she is, what they do, where their business is located, how long they've been doing it. Ask about trends in their industry. People are fascinating. BE FASCINATED! "Stranger" will adore you! If nothing else, he or she will have to admire your good taste & fascination.

Eventually "stranger" will become aware that he or she knows nothing about you, you fascinating person (Translation: good listener) and will ask about you, your business, your history etc. Then you will have not only permission to tell your story but you will also be better positioned to know if the "stranger" is planning a move, or will be bringing new hires to town. Slick, huh?

TIP 2: Get involved in any small groups that have any interest at all for you. That's where your expertise will be apparent. That's where you get to stay after the meetings and make more thorough contacts. That's where you find out who does what and if they have a need for your service.

TIP 3: Get involved as a Chamber committee member so you are part of the home team. It will help you feel like you belong and you will make a contribution. You will have a great excuse to call potential customers and get to know them better so that when they have a real estate need, they will know someone "who does that".

It's all about giving . . . the "getting" just happens as a happy & logical by-product!

Reprinted with permission.
Copyrights 1992-2007 Linda Brakeall, GRI, CRB
Phoenix Seminars, Chicago, Illinois
Speaker, Trainer & Consultant
LindaBrakeall.com 800-662-7248

Larry Morris is a loan Officer with Equipoint Financial Network in Newberg, Oregon. He specializes in relocations and Sherwood, Oregon neighborhoods. He can be reached at larry.morris@equipoint.com. His website is www.PDX-Mortgage.com.