Seven Ways to Meet People (i.e. Realtors)

There are seven different ways to meet realtors—or really any business contact, for that matter—and I’ve put them in order of effectiveness. While these details below are focused on Realtors, these seven methods are applicable to any business category when growing your database.

Ranking System

The ranking system below is based on what I believe to be the strongest and most effective way to meet someone, down to the weakest introduction and the least likely to result in a conversion. In other words, number one is the method we should all aim for, and that’s where most introductions should ideally come from. Number seven, on the other hand, is more of a long shot. Think of it as fishing: number one is like spear-fishing for exactly who you want, while number seven is just casting a wide net to see what you catch.

Overview

Here’s a concise bullet point summary of the seven ways to meet realtors:

1. Buddy Introduction (Preferred Method)

Warm introductions from someone trusted (realtor, title company, etc.).
The “triangle of trust” helps establish credibility quickly.
Best when targeted: ask for an introduction to a specific realtor (e.g., using LinkedIn to find someone).

2. Social Media

Spear phishing by identifying target agents and learning about them via social profiles.
Engage with their content by liking, commenting, and following them.
Once rapport is built, move into direct messaging to set up a meeting.

3. Cold Calling

Target realtors found via online searches, Zillow, advertisements, or neighborhood signs.
Awkward but effective if targeted correctly.
Control who you approach, increasing the chances of meeting the right person.

4. Open Houses / Pop-By

Visit open houses (agents might not always be present) or drop by realtor offices.
Can meet multiple agents at one event.
Helps build a database of contacts quickly.

5. Networking Groups

Attend BNI, MLS meetings, chamber events, etc.
Limited control over which agents will attend.
Usually a smaller number of new contacts, but still valuable.

6. Transaction-Based Introduction

Meet agents through deals you’re already involved in.
Buyer’s or listing agent connections come naturally.
Agents have to communicate with you since you control their paycheck for the next 30 days.

7. Chance Meetings in Everyday Life

Meeting agents at random in social settings or through mutual friends.
Least likely to happen, but always possible in daily life.
Focus primarily on methods 1 through 4 for best results, while methods 5 through 7 may occur naturally.

Detailed Explanation

1. The Buddy Introduction

This is the best way to meet someone, hands down. For example, let’s talk about real estate agents. If one realtor introduces you to another, or if a title company introduces you to a realtor, that’s a buddy intro. It’s powerful because the person making the introduction can vouch for you, forming what I like to call the “triangle of trust.”

Let’s say Realtor Joe trusts you, and you trust Joe. When Joe introduces you to Realtor Susie, the trust is already there because Susie trusts Joe. You can tell Susie, “Hey, you trust Joe, and Joe trusts me, so you can trust me too.” That’s the triangle of trust.

The reason this works so well is not just that it’s a warm introduction, but it also allows you to be strategic. You can identify exactly who you want to meet. Instead of just asking, “Hey Joe, who do you know that needs to meet me?” you could say, “Hey Joe, I noticed you work with Susie Q, and she’s someone I’d love to meet.” You’ve done your homework, you know she’s a high producer, and you can ask Joe to make that intro. This is targeted, strategic, and powerful.

2. Social Media

If a buddy intro isn’t available, social media is the next best thing. You can find the agents you want to work with, check them out, and learn more about them as people. Look for common ground, see if there’s any connection, and start building a rapport by liking, commenting, and following them. Over time, if it feels right, you can slide into their DMs and try to set up a meeting.

This method lets you be selective while getting a sense of who they are before reaching out. It’s another form of spear-fishing.

3. Cold Calling

Now, cold calling might not seem like the best option, but it can be effective. If you’ve identified someone you want to connect with—maybe you found them through an online search, a Zillow listing, or even a yard sign in your neighborhood—you can call them directly. Sure, it’s more awkward, and there’s a whole script for how to do this well, but the upside is that you’re in control of who you talk to. You’ve identified them as a target, so you know who you’re going after.

4. Open Houses or Pop-Bys

This is kind of an in-between method. You have some control but not complete. You can identify a listing you’re interested in and visit the open house. Whether or not the agent you want to meet is hosting is hit or miss, but you know someone will be there, and often, it’s more than one agent. You might even run into newer agents who are helping out.

The same goes for popping by an office. You can target a specific agent, but they may or may not be there. It’s a little more up in the air, but still a solid way to meet people.

When I was doing open houses consistently, I could hit four or five in a couple of hours, depending on the area. It’s a great way to fill your database and then decide who you want to follow up with.

5. Networking Groups

Networking groups like BNI, MLS meetings, or chamber events can work, but you don’t have much control over who will be there. You might meet one or two realtors, but it’s not guaranteed. That’s why it’s further down on the list. You can still meet great contacts, but it’s less targeted.

6. Transactions

This one depends on having business in the pipeline. If you don’t have any transactions going, you can’t meet anyone this way. But if you do, the buyer or listing agent is already involved. The best part? They have to talk to you because you control the transaction for the next 30 days. This is a great opportunity to determine if this is someone you want to work with in the future.

7. Meeting Them in the Wild

The least likely method is meeting someone in everyday life—at the grocery store, at a party, or through a friend of a friend. While it can happen, it’s not something you can count on, and you have very little control over it.

These are the seven methods of meeting people and adding referral partners to your database. Focus on the first four, as they give you the most control and the best chances for success.

Remember: consistency is the key to success. Prospect daily and grow your referral partners over time.