While the new year can be a time for self-reflection, it’s important to note you don’t always have to re-invent the wheel. You can learn some of the best ideas from those around you and find ways to apply them yourself.
A Young Professionals Network (YPN) provides a community for new REALTORS® to connect and learn the skills and values that will help them find success early on in their real estate careers.
Each year, our friends at the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) host YPN Advance, an interactive, two-day workshop where YPN leaders from local and state boards/associations in the United States engage on all things YPN. Attendees learn how they can create success for their YPNs, avoid common pitfalls and are given ample opportunity to network and exchange ideas to bring home to their networks.
CREA’s YPN Connection program supports and connects YPNs on their mission to create valuable opportunities for newer members of the REALTOR® community. Check out the #REALTORypn resources or our national YPN directory.
Through the YPN Connection program, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) was able to send three REALTORS® from Canada to last year’s YPN Advance. They shared their favourite takeaways to either take back to your board or association’s YPN, or, if you’re new to the space, start you off on the right foot.
Alexandre Bellefeuille, Chair, New Brunswick Real Estate Association New Professionals Network
“Coming from a newer network, it was great to learn from more established YPNs. One of the best things I learned was to create a playbook for your network. Your playbook is your master plan. It should include the objectives of your network, its structure, and all the engagements and initiatives you can lead to meet these goals.
The value of the playbook is that it sets the direction for your network. By having a documented plan that you are working towards, it’s a lot easier to maintain your strategy and, hopefully, grow your numbers. Another key benefit of a playbook is continuity; it will allow future leaders of our New Professionals Network to pick up where we left off and continue building.”
Laura Healey, Co-Chair, Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Young Professionals Network
“Collaborate! There are plenty of opportunities to collaborate that will not only provide new opportunities for your YPN members, but also help your network grow. Thanks to what I learned at YPN Advance, we are looking at opportunities to collaborate with our Education Committee. We’re also looking to collaborate with our events team on a ‘YPN Presents’ idea, where we look at events or engagements where our YPN can provide value to the entire membership.
Collaborating also provides fantastic networking opportunities. Don’t be afraid to look at collaborating with other YPNs, whether they are from the real estate industry or not!”
Matt Richling, Vice-Chair, Ontario Real Estate Association Young Professionals Network
“Have a sponsorship package ready to go. Hosting great, in-person events can really eat into your YPNs budget, so engaging with sponsors can be a great way to offset that. There are plenty of businesses that want to be in the room with REALTORS®, especially those who are new to the industry.
Sponsorship benefits can come in many forms, such as brand visibility, speaking opportunities or event booths. You should also work with sponsors and offer creative payment options. One good example was to use a pay scale, where sponsors would pay more based on the number of event attendees.”
A spirit of openness and shared success can help the entire YPN community achieve their goals. To learn about opportunities for your board or association to connect and exchange ideas with other YPN leaders, reach out to our YPN Connection team.
