"It's not what you know but who you know that makes the difference." Anonymous

Our next property networking event:  Sunday 17th May, 2009.

Venue:  Holiday Inn, Egerton Road, Guildford, Surrey.   (Parking is ample and free).

Time:  10.30 to 14.30.

Click here to let us know you are interested in attending our next event.

Why network?

Your income is the average of the five people you associate with the most! If you want to be successful in property investing, and move your business forwards through group momentum, then you need to network.

Adrian Todd from Nottingham, who attended one of our recent events, explains it most eloquently:

"Just wanted to thank you for inviting me to your event, and reiterate how good I thought it was.

It seems to me that you are aiming to provide exactly what many investors need. To my mind, those things are good advice, imaginative ideas, ethical services, and renewal of enthusiasm for the cause. Also, I am sure I am not alone in finding property sourcing/purchasing/investing quite a lonely an isolating experience at times. Therefore, the opportunity to chew the fat with others in a very similar boat has enormous benefits".

Our next event will be another great opportunity to network with fellow investors and join our "melting pot" discussion to increase your knowledge. We cover BMV purchasing, holiday lets, HMO's, overseas investing, best business practice, latest finance news and strategies ... anything and everything to do with property!

As we at 4wallsandaceiling.com like to say : " You can never learn less!". We are passionate about networking and believe it has contributed to our success. A closed mind is the most expensive thing you will ever own, so get yourself along to one of our events to expand your knowledge. All it involves is investing your time in yourself and your property business - it's fun and informal and a great way to meet other like-minded people.

"The way of the world is meeting people through other people." Robert Kerrigan

Why our networking events are 100% networking:

If you’d like to find out how we purchase property, or find out more about what we do, then join our next property networking event.  At our events we have consistently offered investors massive value. There’s no hard sell, and no presentations that are thinly veiled sales pitches. There’s no hype and “ra-ra”, only hardcore property intelligence and information that could make a very real difference to your investment strategy. You’ll meet other like-minded investors, who will share their knowledge and experience with you, and take pleasure in doing so.

So, as 2009 kicks off, you have the choice to engage with marketing hype, or serious investors delivering real results. We look forward to meeting you at one of our networking events very soon.

Ten reasons to attend one of our networking events:

"Re: your presentation on Web 2.0: I feel as if I have had my head buried in the sand - withdrawn it fnding someone shining a 2000 volt torch in my eyes". -

- Nina Griffiths

"Faith in human nature and investment potential restored! From what I have observed you are 'getting it right' - spreading the word about sensible, profitable property investment and managing to do it with warmth and energy - without ripping anybody off."

- Andrew Fennell

"I am so happy to be part of a forward and alternative-thinking , inspiring group of people. Thanks for consistently sharing information and organising great guest speakers and events"

- Claire Thwaites

"Fantastic insight into everything wealth!!!! Some of the most out of the box, thought-provoking insight I have ever personally received. It has been inspiring!!

- Clinton Vallis

"As always, a most empowering and englightening event which helps me focus on moving forwards. New faces and ideas. Vanessa and Nick are unique in their ethical approach to the property business. Integrity in this environment is rarer than you think. Thank you all for keeping me motivated!".

- Clara Von Horn

"A very interesting and different day. Also surprisingly refreshing".

- John McKay

"Thank you for another excellent meeting where we learned some things we didn't know before! You had some very nice people there and we did some very worthwhile networking."

- Dennis and Hazel, Hampshire Property Meet

“4Wallsandaceiling’s networking events are FAB! The day was very well organized and structured. Both Nick and Vanessa put on very entertaining, informative discussions, and having access to specialists from different backgrounds, Solicitors, letting agent etc, was a real bonus. Being a very well attended event, the Networking was phenomenal! I will definitely be at the next event and highly recommend it! “

- Helen Marsden

''After attending the 4wallsandaceiling seminar I felt both uplifted and armed with knowledge. The talks were clear and inspiring with lots of tips, and networking with like-minded folk was priceless. I would recommend this to anybody who is thinking of taking that first step into the property world as it is a wonderful environment in which to learn. Thank you to Nick, Vanessa and all at 4walls, you are amazing!''

- Denise Gray

''I found the “4wallsandaceiling” networking event to be really valuable, informative and well-constructed presentation of how to succeed as professional landlords in today’s rather volatile market. The presentation was professional and efficient, relaxed and – above all – FUN !"

- Joy Webber

Our Guide to Successful Networking:

I think it’s true to say that everyone talks about the importance of networking. In property, we have many opportunities to hob-nob with fellow investors, but are we making the most of these opportunities? Networking with like-minded people is one of the best ways to broaden your horizons, knowledge, and contacts. By the way, a bit of trivia for you, the word networking wasn’t recognized as a noun until 1967. (Miriam Webster)

Of course, online social networks make the definition of the word networking even more nebulous. Clearly, I use sites such as Ecademy and Twitter, and I happen to like them – a lot! But is communicating via technology really networking? Call me old fashioned, but it’s not what I think of when I think of networking in the purest sense.

Networking isn’t a race to see how many business cards you can load into your database or how many friends you add to your profile page. Real networking is about real people and real relationships. So let’s get back to the basics and consider the best practices for networking.

Here are my four rules for effective networking:

Rule One: Be consistent and committed. You aren’t networking if you’re out for instant gratification. An effective network is built upon a solid foundation of relationships that are built over time. So many people say to me that they attend events, hand out hundreds of business cards, and nothing comes of it. Well, it won’t. Rule number one – don’t expect immediate gratification. Turn up regularly at the same event and start to get to know individual members of the community. When you make a new business acquaintance, take time to learn as much about them as possible. Engage them in conversation and ask open-ended questions. Are there common interests you share? Do you know the same people? Ask powerful questions like “What skills do you use every day in your business?” or “what challenges you most about your business” or “what would you say is your area of expertise?”.

Rule Two: Be a good listener. Really listen to (rather than hear) what the other person is talking about. Let the person feel like they have your full attention. Scanning the room for the next person to thrust your business card at does not make anyone feel like you are really engaged with them.

Rule Three: Develop a relationship. Stacking business cards on your desk or scanning them into your Outlook doesn’t create a network, it just creates a list of contacts!. Follow up your conversations with a “nice to meet you” email that contains a link to something related to what you talked about in person. Be generous with sharing your knowledge and supporting others with their efforts. If you had a really great conversation with someone, arrange to meet for a one to one. You can also ask that person’s advice about who else you should meet with or who else they recommend to you. Take time to thank people who shared their knowledge with you and give that person the pleasure of letting them know they assisted you.

Rule Four: Give, give, give.  A magic phrase to remember: “How can I help you?” You know the adage, it’s better to give than receive, that applies here. Be willing to put the other person first. Find out how you can help them and follow through. Perhaps, you can make an introduction or suggest a good resource for their business. Become the “go-to” person. Then, when you need assistance or business referrals, you’ll be rewarded abundantly.

There is no better asset – personally or professionally – than a strong network.

"The most successful networkers I know are the ones who continually put the other person's needs ahead of their own." Bob Burg

Remember: you can never learn less! Click here to start exploring 4Walls TV