Power Tools | May 2024

May 23, 2024/

5 KEYS TO MORE EFFECTIVE NETWORKING
Networking can certainly help get you more business. But the process is not automatic—you have to take the right approach. Since the goal is to acquire clients and referral partners, you may think you should show up at networking events all primed to sell, sell, sell! That’s actually the wrong approach. Here’s the right way to look at networking.
It’s not about transactions—it’s about relationships. What you want to accomplish at a networking event is to make strong connections with individuals, so they’ll remember who you are when you follow up with them. You want them to be interested in meeting with you again. If you show up at a networking event in sales mode, people won’t want to meet later because they know it’s just going to be a pitch.
Don’t worry about being interesting—be interested instead.
Networking isn’t about you. It’s about being interested in and discovering what other people are doing. This is especially important when networking with someone who is more successful than you. Learning about what other people do is a great way to start a relationship. And remember, if you ask for business before there’s any semblance of a relationship, it’s less likely you’ll get it.
Focus on learning who you can help.
Finding ways you can help someone is the foundation of a good relationship. Learn about the other person’s challenges, explore shared interests, and people will be eager to meet with you after the networking event.
Pay attention to quality, not quantity.
The quality of your network is way more important than its size. Building a powerful network you can draw on doesn’t come from seeing how many business cards you can collect. It comes from finding out about the people you meet, so you can help them, so they can help you.
Become a leader in a group you’re active in.
If you want to really stand out in a networking group, volunteer for a leadership position. When you’re helping to run a group you attend, you automatically get lots more exposure. Of course, once you’ve developed a relationship with someone, do let them know you’d like to do business with them. Also, be sure not to leave the group once you’ve stepped down from your leadership role. That just looks like you took the job for the business opportunity, not because you wanted to give something back to the group. The credibility you gain from your leadership role should remain a secondary benefit.
The Jim Passi Team at Citywide Home Loans proudly serves Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Georgia and Flordia. If you are looking to buy a home or refinance, we have you covered. Apply Now to get started.
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Jim Passi - Citiwide Home Loans

Jim Passi
Regional Manager
NMLS# 158000

1121 E. Main Street, Suite 121
St. Charles, IL 60174
Mobile: 847-899-1813
Email: jim.passi@alamedamortgage.com

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This testimony is from my

This testimony is from my experience being a first-time home buyer going through the process of purchasing a home with Jim Passi from City Wide home loans. Let me just start off by saying how reliable, courteous, genuine, informational and hardworking Jim Passi is. Jim is not like a lot of other loan officers. My house I purchased for under 160 grand, not a huge real estate deal. From experience with other loan officers they don’t want to deal with a smaller purchase or work on a loan that might be difficult. With our credit score being low and work history not at expectations I was almost positive I would have to wait a year or maybe two years before being approved and close on a house. I definitely had doubts that I would be a home owner, Jim worked hard and stayed in contact with us updating us almost every day of the process, even during evening hours and weekends during the stressful underwriting process. Communication is key and I give Jim a 5-star rating with that. I consider myself an average blue-collar hard-working guy that has experienced hardships during life. Jim was never turned away by the hardships, he was understanding of them and I feel like it made him work even harder to make this process a success.

I just successfully closed on a house with my fiancé. Jim did what I thought was impossible. Again, with our credit score being under 600 and spotty work history it was a difficult process that became a success with a lot of hard work. Jim also got me the best interest rate that was available. He was constantly checking the market and keeping me informed on what was available. He wanted me to take my time and make sure what rate was in our best interest. Jim has a cretin genuine care for his clients and speaking with him so much during this process I know he truly cares and wants to help people. Even after we closed Jim called and congratulated us with excitement. Jim made a dream come true for us that I was sure we would have to wait for. I’m just going to say if he made my dream come true with all the problems I had he can make a lot of others come true for any one in a similar situation. Jim Passi is highly recommended.

Tim A.