Matt Clements

By Matt Clements

If you’ve recently relaunched your YPN, or you’ve seen sluggish attendance, you may be in need of a new marketing plan for your group’s events.

The key is to start early, at least eight to 12 weeks out. Then you need to take a multi-placement marketing approach: videos on your association’s website, videos on your local and state YPN Facebook pages and/or Instagram profiles, announcements at broker previews, and flyers at offices. Here is an example of a promotional video created by the Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS® YPN for their event “YPN Real Talk: Shift Happens.”

Here’s another important tip: Don’t over do it on the number of events you host. Most networks succeed with only three to five events annually, with a few added events like a “Wake-Up YPN” early morning networking event with a speaker, or lunch and learns.

Attendees at the YPN Networking Event during the 2019 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in Washington, D.C. ©Noah Hayes

It’s might be the middle of 2019, but it’s the perfect time to start planning your event schedule for 2020. Keep it simple. What’s done well in the past? What are the needs of your members? Planning ahead is never wrong. Define the roles your YPN committee members will take and the goals of your events.  Ask these questions and vote them in during your network’s September/October YPN meeting.

Did you know that the National Association of REALTORS® YPN Advisory Board has traveling speakers who can come to you? Schedule an Advisory Board member to speak at your local meeting or networking event. Navigate to the “Meet” tab on this site and select “National Network” to reach out to any one of us with a request. We can offer your YPN  insight on how to grow and sustain your network.

Matt Clements is the 2019 president of the Orange County Association of REALTORS® and CEO of the Clements Group at The Agency in Beverly Hills, Calif. Matt is the author of the YPN Playbook and was chair of the California Association of REALTORS® in 2016 when the group won the YPN State Network of the Year. Matt is on the board of director for C.A.R. and NAR, and sits on NAR’s YPN Advisory Board. Connect with Matt: text/call 949-842-8797 or at MattClements.com.