5 THINGS I LEARNED BY ATTENDING THE MLS TECH FAIR IN 2017
So what the heck is an MLS tech fair you’re maybe wondering. No? Well, I guess good for you then!
But for those who arewondering, the MLS Tech Fair is an assembly of leading industry experts who present information as well as approachable ways to tackle the latest trends in social media marketing, mobile technology, listing presentations, consumer needs, video and digital marketing, tech trends, tools and so much more!
Ok, fine you’re saying! But Alex, you're a photographer. What’s that got to do with you?
And, as of recently, I’ve got a little secret for you! That’s right: I said secret. You thought I was gonna say naughty you dirty birdie!. And if you didn't, good for you - you're safely within the bell curve.
So, what’s the big secret? Well, it’s the beginning of a small video production company. The start of a collaboration with some incredibly talented people to create short commercial like videos for people who have a cool message they want to share with the world. And who also want to stand out! like a sore thumb!!!
So, when Alex, co-founder of eRealty Media approached me and asked if I could join him and his team, of course I said yes! Any networking event is an opportunity you shouldn't miss! Especially if you are among friends!!
So, these are the 5 things I learned by going to the MLS Tech Fair this year:
1.FIND PEOPLE WHOSE ENERGY YOU FEED OFF of AND GO NETWORK TOGETHER
I can’t stress this one enough! I remember working in the soul crushing industry of banking and being forced no mandated! to attend all these crazy events and hated every single one of them! So after 2 minutes of small talk 2 out of 3 people would confess how much they'd rather not be there - sometimes 3 out of 2!!
But ever since I started to collab with Alex and his team, I’ve always had great experiences and felt great working together. Good energy is super important and as necessary as the air you breathe. Have you ever been around someone who is always negative or cynical? Think about how that affected you and what it did to your mojo. Got to ask yourself, is this what you want? People who strip away your energy? People who chip away at your ability to be nice and agreeable your personality? The answer is probably no, so drop those guys and make/find new friends who will help build a shared version of the reality you want!
2. BE YOURSLEF AND DON’T DRESS TO IMPRESS
Wait! I know what you’re thinking!! Am I crazy? And the answer is: YES! But only a little bit... but who knows, right? Now I’m not saying you should go to an event in your underwear or wearing pink shorts – unless you’re going to Burning Man. What I’m saying is, is don’t hide who you are, because eventually your true colors will reveal.
I used to always dress up, suit and tie, and the amount of people I connected with was far less than when I started my own photography business wearing jeans, t-shirts and a hat flipped backwards. Not to mention that my arms are covered in tattoos and I never tried to cover them up! The point being, that if you’re true to who you are, it’s much easier to convey a genuine feeling of trust. Even if you look like a punk, what’s more important is what comes out of your mouth and how you treat people. The two things we are most remembered by are: first impressions and last impressions. To date, I’ve never lost a job based on my appearance - at least I don't think. I did however lose quite a few based on what I said and I'm well aware of it. So, work on your game. Don't hate the game. We're all in it together, so love the game and move into the game until you reach the goal. Your goal and the carrot. (or vegetable of your choice!).
3.START KICKING ASS AND TAKING NAMES
It’s always fun to watch Alex mingle and network. I think one of the key takeaways is that he’s a great listener which helps him connect with people. This of course results in the getting new clients as well as business. If you can find someone who is great at social interactions, watch them, observe them and take mental notes. You can learn so much more and faster by being in a social setting than by reading about it. I mean, this is great, thank you for spending time here and reading my blog post. But! Experiences, experiences!! Nothing is worth more than physical experiences! They alter you physiology. Your neuro-chemistry. Every firing neuron that shoots across your synaptic bridge is taking a leap of faith forward. Building new conduits. Breaking barriers! Our brains are wired to seek novelty. It’s what shaped us from Neanderthals into Homo Sapiens into the modern man. It’s why we couldn’t stay inside the caves. Why we build space rockets. It’s why we're going to Mars. It’s all about the journey. And about the discovery. It’s never been about the vehicle. So, ass kick and take names!
4. IF YOU WANT TO BE RELEVANT, PLAY THE LONG GAME
There’s a great line that says “You pass people on the street, some are for you, some are not.“ The Art Spirit, one of my favorite books by Robert Henri. It’s a great opener as it concisely determines what is important and what isn’t. This is especially true when you’re pitching to a new prospect, as often times, people who are being sold to are on the defensive. A bit closed off. I mean, you can do everything right. By the book. But maybe just got out of an abusive business relationship. Still licking their wounds. They’re still a little sore like a bad hemorrhoid that just won’t go away. And you lose the sale. When that happens, it’s ok. Not everyone is for you, and you’re certainly not for everyone. That’s why a bespoke suit fits so perfectly. Becasue you took the time and did the homework. Tailoring your services to a specific industry, to a niche, is paramount to being successful and relevant these days. That’s not to say you should do whatever. No! You just have to find the things which excite you the most and see if there’s a market for them. Once you find the market, however small, pitch, email, call those businesses and nurture those relationships! This is what the big boys are doing. And remember, you can’t be all things to all people. It’s ok to cut your losses.
5. TRUST IS THE GREATEST MOTIVATOR: IT BUILDS RAPPORT AND RELATIONSHIPS
Honestly, this never occured to me that trust would play such an important role in managing people's expectations. And yet, here it is. Trust. How does it work?
Let’s say I make videos or something, and you (the client) need a video made. So naturally, you pick up the phone and call me (becasue I’m on speedial) and you say you need an awesome video produced. So naturally, I ask you a boatload of questions, like why you’re making it, and how many leprechauns you want to cast in it, and where the video is going to live once it’s been made. And I do all this to put together a story that tells your story not just because I’m obsessed with leprechauns! And you say great! And give me complete creative freedom to do as I see fit. You don’t call me all the time, like a needy girlfriend. You don’t micromanage. You don't tell me what do do. You basically just leave me the fuck alone! And I, love that. WE, love that!! Having someone trust us with something makes us work ten times harder because we want to deliver! We want to impress them!! And hell, we want to surprise and impress ourselves!!! The complete opposite and death of creativity and productivity is being on someone’s ass 24/7. It’s what causes people to burn out. It’s what kills great ideas. Stress - that gnawing sensations in the pit of your stomach. It’s what causes erectile distorsions!!! Well, you get the idea and hope you found these points helpful!
Until next time, stay cheerful!
May your arrows be straight and aim be true!
Seriously yours,
Alex