Episode 37
Networking is an essential part of the property management industry. It can directly impact your personal career path. Judy Bellack joins us to talk about how your approach to networking can determine your level of success.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Host(s): Jonathan Saar from Market Me Social and Mark Howell from Howl Creative Concepts
Our Special Guest: Judy Bellack from Judith Lawrence Associates
Judy Bellack is a 30-year veteran of the multifamily industry, holding various executive leadership positions with some of the foremost supplier companies. Judy has served both as Chair of NAA’s National Suppliers’ Council and NMHC’s Supplier-Partner Alliance and was the recipient of NAA’s Outstanding Supplier in 2010. She currently owns her own consulting practice advising start-up technologies in the multifamily space and is also the Industry Principal for the non-profit Michelson Found Animals Foundation, focusing on their Pet Inclusive Housing Initiative.
Show Highlights
Judy has channeled her years of experience into her consulting practice. She joins us to talk about just one of the many topics that she has a wealth of knowledge in: networking. There are many different approaches one can choose when it comes to networking, but how can we do it in a positive and fulfilling way?
Key Questions/Topics Covered
The DOs and DON’Ts of property management networking
There are a lot of misconceptions about what “good” networking looks like in our industry. Most approach it with a tunnel focus of what they are trying to accomplish and become overly aggressive. Their driving thought is that they need to meet people solely to sell whatever they are selling. This can be very short-sighted and close more doors than it opens. A better approach is to take the pressure off and focus on the people. Look at how to have meaningful interactions to create long-term, win-win relationships.
Be personable
To network effectively, we need to avoid being the typical salesperson as we all know that persona can be very off-putting. Instead, be yourself. Give others a chance to get to know and understand who you are and where you are coming from. Remember that people you are engaging with have challenges and needs, so be sincere. People want to do business with people they like. And chances are, if they like you, they will refer you to other industry partners.
Networking – It needs to be a culture
Again there is a common industry misconception that you only need to network when you need something. Perhaps you are thinking of a job change, and it’s like: “Oh okay, time to network!” This is not a good practice. Networking needs to be part of your career culture, not an afterthought. We all need to be continually working on developing new relationships while preserving our current ones. Think of it as an investment in yourself, your career, and your company.
Getting to the heart of networking
Metrics. Yes, they are important. But are they the be-all and end-all? If your company’s culture focuses on metrics alone, break yourself mentally out of that thought process. If you have met your monthly quota, great! Get back out there and keep going. Think beyond the metrics. When you continue to network consistently, you will quickly find that you no longer have to try so hard, and your networking base will begin to grow organically.
These are just a few key tips on how to be a person while networking. By changing your focus and being yourself, you will see not only your network grow but your career as well.
What one actionable tip could you share that has served you well as an educator?
When you are thinking about networking, remember the golden rule: Treat people the way you want to be treated.
Judy Bellack
If you enjoyed this episode be sure to check out :