CRE Networking to improve quality of connections for someone looking to break in
Hey everyone,

I am currently in business school and interested in pursuing a career in CRE, mainly focused on investments and asset management type roles. As I seriously start searching for internships I have began focusing on networking. 

I am wondering if anyone has advice on good questions and topics to cover that will help these conversations go well and show my passion for real estate. My general strategy right now is to research the persons background and company and ask about their past experience, current responsibilities, company, and advice they have for me given my interests. 

Is there anything else I should be focusing on to help lengthen these conversations and improve the quality of connections I’m able to create? Thanks.
[{"id": "hl7yqmk", "text": "Depends on who you\u2019re talking to and the circumstances. If I met you at a random networking event and you knew a bunch of facts about me I\u2019d be weirded out. \n\nI\u2019d focus on learning as much as you can about the business and coming up with insightful business related questions. Once you know a little about the person and their asset class etc. you could ask \u201cwhat opportunities are you seeing/pursuing in the marketplace right now?\u201d Or \u201care you shifting strategies at all given the current environment?\u201d \n\nTry to stay high level at first until you know them a little better. Just let the conversation flow and make sure you are LISTENING to what they have to say. One question should be able to get a good conversation going. Nothing annoys me more than when some rattles off tons of unrelated questions, just tells me they weren\u2019t actually listening. \n\nGood luck!", "replies": [{"id": "hl7yyz9", "text": "Haha no I\u2019m mainly contacting alumni of my school on LinkedIn so I\u2019m able to get an idea of their background. \n\nThank you, this is really helpful.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hl8ydwz", "text": "Look into CCIM and join your local chapter. They should have student discounts.", "replies": [{"id": "hl9foao", "text": "i just missed one of my local ccim meetups.  I've never gone to one before.  Any advice for going to these?  I've got a couple smaller deals under my belt and looking to branch out more.  trying to source more deals as well.", "replies": [{"id": "hl9h4g9", "text": "Don\u2019t over think it. CCIM members are probably some of the most educated in the business. Doesn\u2019t matter if you have no deals under your belt just try to get involved, meet people and learn. CCIM isn\u2019t just brokers you\u2019ll meet people involved in many facets of the industry.", "replies": [{"id": "hl9hwf6", "text": "Thanks for reply.  I really have a tough time at networking events.  I tend to just think about them fearfully.  Like, I don't have enough to offer or I'm not experienced enough to be around these people.  It's something I really need to work on.  I just self doubt myself to much for reasons I shouldn't.  I've missed plenty of networking opportunities because I don't get out enough.  I guess a part of me just doesn't enjoy going to some of them where everyone is talking so loud, drinking, etc.", "replies": [{"id": "hl9ju2t", "text": "Everyone in the room was new at some point. Like I said don\u2019t over think it. Be honest introduce yourself let people know you\u2019re new to the business and you want to learn so you came to see what they\u2019re all about. Reason I suggested CCIM is they tend to be good people and not only is it good for local networking but if you get involved you\u2019ll meet people from all over. Check if your local chapter has breakfast or lunch meetings. They tend to be a better atmosphere with alcohol out of the equation.", "replies": [{"id": "hl9lgc9", "text": "They just had a big annual event the other day.  But again, I just wasn't in the mood to go.  I like the idea of smaller gatherings. I imagine they should be happening in more frequency.  This annual event was the first event I saw pop up in a long while.  I'll def keep my eye out for more to come.  thanks again for the help", "replies": [{"id": "hlap54g", "text": "Makes sense. Many of the chapters have monthly or quarterly meeting which is probably a good place to start.", "replies": [], "depth": 7}], "depth": 6}], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hl99c61", "text": "NAIOP &amp; SIOR", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hlaestb", "text": "Find good current events topic and ask them how its affecting their business. Some things that come to mind in the multifamily world; cap rate compression, cost escalation, work from home changing unit mix, coastal out migration, massive summer rent growth.", "replies": [{"id": "hlevljy", "text": "Thanks, appreciate the advice.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hlaxkjd", "text": "Business topics aside... pick up hobbies that people in management positions (ie: people in their 40's and 50's) enjoy. I play tennis and am a cyclist. Where I live, cycling is the most popular social sport besides golf. If the networking event goes south, you can subtly drop one of your interests and if the person on the other end of the convo takes the bait, you've got a helluva conversation for the next 30 minutes. And you become a memorable face and name. More than just one of the 10 people who talked about how 'backlogs in the Port of Los Angels are inflating prices in Somewhere, USA.'", "replies": [{"id": "hlevzmc", "text": "Thanks. I am lucky to have played golf competitively growing up so I think that will help.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]