How do you define networking?  Some may think hanging around, talking about last night's Entertainment Tonight episode, gossiping about Shirley or whoever while eating day old donuts provided by that new loan guy is networking.

While I don't hang out at the water cooler at the office, I do network with other agents from all over the city as well as nationally.

I attribute long-standing great relationships with my peers locally to winning bidding wars when I bring them my buyers and smooth transactions are also a result of the great relationships.

Those relationships with agents across the US provide a solid referral base as well. 

Can't say that I do... at least not locally. I try to build great relationships with local agents during the course of a transaction. Beyond that, not sure what the payoff is for investing time to network with local agents. Networking with agents outside my area is a different issue... they are and can be a source of referrals.

It not what you know, it’s who you know. Networking is working for the future opportunities, not the present

Depends on how you network, I spend allot of time w/ other agents serving on BOD , committees, Active Rain etc...Talking shop generates referrals and playing match maker for my listings & Buyers. Knowing local agents has also provided a competitive edge in multiple offer situations on more than one occasion. Who ever wrote the article you read did not do their home work!

I do enough... I'd argue that a positive relationship w/ another agent CAN favorably impact our income via effectiveness of transaction, winner of a multiple offer, education of best practices & grossly undesirable practices, etc. 

Quite a bit - I teach at four Realtor Associations

It is easier to deal with those you know. I do stay in touch with several agents who can benefit me with their inventory or moving mine!

No, I make money by selling homes. SO most of my time is spent getting listings, showing listings, getting offers accepted. Then making sure said sales sells and repeat, 

Peter,

In the business  of commercial real estate arena we were in, we did stay in touch with certain agents who represented a certain type of client that would fit a listing we had.  For instance, we had a 10,000 square foot penthouse listed in an office building, and we knew several agents who had prestige driven clients.  We would check in with them.  And vice versa some would check in with us. 

Peter ~ I just came back from one of the best networking events in Sell-a-Bration for CRS.  It is a great way to meet agents from across the country that will refer clients to you if you make the effort to connect with.  I am very intentional about meeting new agents an event like that (or NAR Mid Year or NAR Annual)  and pick up great ideas from some of the best agents.  In regards to local agents, I don't go out of my way but always play nice in the sandbox so that I offers that I submit have a higher chance of being accepted.

Yes, any time I can. 

I network naturally through meetings but my busziness is not about referrals in but more about referrals out.

Almost Zero Peter Mohylsky, Sowal Expert . They don't buy from me or refer to me.

Not specifically, but i talk to several different agents at training classes, etc.

Only when the occasion  presents itself, I do not go out of my way.

Some.

I would prefer to network with potential clients.

No & for the exact reason you say. There is also too much/many war stories that really don't get anywhere.

I like to occasionally have conversations with other agents and often we help each other!!!

Networking with other agents ... other than here in the Rain ... not so much. 

I have a few local friends that I do social things with who are real estate agents. 

What a good question....NO

All the time.

I spent time developing good relationship with agents through being competent during transactions.   I was also involved in the assocociation so eastablished myself as a leader.  I did not spend much time around the water cooler or attending events specifically for agents, except when I was the President of the Association.  

If you consider talking on the phone...then yes. I speak to at least one agent outside my area every day.

Not too much time, but I do spend some time.  I go to a monthly listing pitch meeting, a monthly lender mixer and I used to host/put on events within our association when I was on/chairing the YPN committee.  Plus I'm on here networking in the Q&A.

Have I gotten business directly from it?  Yes.  I've sent a referral out a couple years ago to an AR member, plus in the local area I have name recognition now and it's no longer "Are you Ron's son?" it's now "Hi Ryan, I remember you from XYZ event" and it's helped with offers and getting info.  Plus, on a rare occassion or two my father has called someone and they asked "Any relation to Ryan?".  That's always a fun one!

Probably not as much as I should

online only and never with local agents!  We're not in a multiple offer market so I don't have to concern myself with influencing an offer like others have mentioned.  I see no point in it and when I need opinions, it will be from John Q Public and not a biased or jaded realtor ;)

Yes, some amount of time to get involved in the industry and colleagues. I pays back dividends in many ways.

Daily in The Rain and weekly in Buffini & Company 

Yes I do. 

Not so much in person. I do on the phone but it's part of discussing actual business. 

Not at all Peter. They are not my friends, they are my competition!

I usually go to tons of brokers OHs and usually in and out...;)

Ahhh, networking! So that's what we're calling it these days! 😎

No.

There is no set amount of time or when

I have REALTOR friends and we meet usually once a month, but it is to catch up with everyone's lives, not to network.

I do enjoy networking with agents and other vendors on occasions.

Every Friday mornng at the local board marketing meeting.

No.

hmmmm, taking that logic one step further, the only time an agent is making money is at the closing table.

What we know to be true is a whole lot of stuff happens long before anyone writes a check.

I do spend time NETWORKING with Dunedin and Palm Harbor 'niche' real estate agents. One agents ugly duckling is the others swan.  Networking aids in sorting ducklings and establishing the right reciprocity.

Like so many things, if an agent can't make it work it won't be a money maker. Some agents can't make an open house work. And there you have it.

Not too much for the exact reason you cite

I spend time networking with out Team members, of course. I spend additional time networking with other agent of our brokerage. I also attend the occasional marketing meeting or area agent where networking is the order of the day.