Top Five Things To Do at NAR This Weekend

Whether this will be your first NAR Annual Conference or your 20^th, it pays to have a game plan before you land in San Diego. Here are five essential things to keep in mind to get the most out of the conference – during and especially after – to directly impact your business heading into 2010.

1. Network: Determine who you want to meet there, and who you can help out as well.  Find them beforehand via the hashtag on Twitter or based on the realtor.org discussion boards, and plan to meet up with them at the show. Don’t count on running into them at the show since so many people will be there. Meet as many people as you can, share common interests and needs, and plan to follow up afterward.

2. Make a plan and stick to it: The trade show floor is huge and intimidating.  Before spending too much time at one booth, think about your goals for 2010, the  specific needs you have, and require each vendor to fit their solution into your specific objectives.  If they can’t, move on.  If they can, then get enough information to know if you should take time to think about it or decide right away—for example, to take advantage of special offers.  

3. Have a game plan for classes: Before you get on the plane, study the class schedule and know exactly which classes are worth your time.  Don’t worry about filling each time slot with a class or seminar.  If it doesn’t appeal to you or it doesn’t fit your 2010 needs, skip it.

4. Take tons of notes: Record everything in whatever format is easiest for you.  Pen and paper, voice recordings, laptop, whatever.  If you’ve already chosen your sources wisely (classes, trade show vendors, etc.), take down as much information as you can.  You’ll have time to filter and pull out specific highlights or next steps later.

5. Get up early, go to bed late: You’ve made a significant investment in this conference – money and especially time. Get the most out of it by participating as much as possible. Arrive at the show early to network with fellow brokers and agents. Stay at the show each day until the training and networking opportunities are over. Take advantage of the many evening activities to continue learning and networking. Sleep on the flight home, but make the most of your time this weekend.