Anand Patel
By Anand Patel
As a member of the newly-formed and energized Tampa YPN network in Tampa, Fla., I find myself, along with our other committee members, answering this question when sharing the purpose of YPN with REALTORS® of all ages.
Why do I need YPN? If you ask any three YPN members, you’ll get three different answers. I discovered this while speaking with fellow YPNers at the local, state and national levels as everyone sees a different purpose and value in being a part of the Young Professionals Network.
There are MANY compelling reasons to belong to a YPN network (and I’d love to hear yours below this post), but I want to share with you the #1 reason why I feel YPN is important — no, NECESSARY –not just for the “under 40” crowd, but for our more “seasoned” REALTORS® as well: We need THEM and they need US…bottom line.
I truly believe we are at a crossroads in our industry right now where the old school and new school ideology are intersecting, with both achieving success at varying degrees. YPN is the necessary “bridge” between the generational disconnect currently experienced in real estate. It is a forum where two seemingly polarized ways of doing business can benefit from what each has to offer.
There is only so far the use of technology and social media can get you in terms of building rapport with clients, gaining industry competency and closing the deal consistently. There are negotiating skills, sales techniques, understanding the psychology of all parties involved (especially when the deal is about to fall apart), and many other traits that usually only come with experience.
Many of our seasoned REALTORS® are struggling with comprehending why they need to understand Facebook, Twitter, WordPress and YouTube. They inevitably must learn the new methods of prospecting, engaging with clients, lead generation, psychology of the first-time home buyer (which makes up a large chunk of the market right now), just to name a few. What better place for EVERYONE to succeed than YPN?
When you’re out speaking to fellow REALTORS® and posed the question: “Why do I need YPN?”– just remind them of the benefits we all receive and then challenge them: “How can you NOT need YPN?”
Anand Patel is state broker for Florida and Georgia with Elite REO Services and Elite Premier Properties. You can connect with Anand on Twitter: @anand_tampa; Facebook: www.facebook.com/livingelite; LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anandpatel1 or on the Web at www.anandsblog.com.
Comments 7
How do I join this network?
Thanks!
Great article and so true!!
Hi Marianne! Go back to the YPN homepage, click “Find a Network” and look for a local YPN near your area.
I love this blog. I agree 100%! The most important reason that I am involved in YPN is for “reverse mentoring”. Not only can I continue to learn from seasoned real estate professionals, I feel that we (YPNers) can teach the seasoned agents new ways to accomplish their business goals and not get left in the dust by all the techies. 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Why am I YPN? Great question…as an “under 40” Realtor I am always looking to learn new ways to improve the level of service I provide to my clientele (whether through technology or old-school sales techniques). My local YPN (SCCAOR) offers me the opportunity to collaborate with other young professionals exhibiting the same level of charisma and enthusiasm I have for all things real estate. What a great way to gain momentum in your profession while also making new connections!
Great article. I am lauching a new YPN chapter in Southern Oregon and will make it a point to reiterate that YPN bridges a gap between technology and the old fashion way of doing business. Being connected to clients has always been the cornerstone of real estate and being connected to technology which connects you to your clients is imperative in the current business climate. Thanks for making this clear in your article.
Victoria – good luck with your new YPN launch!