Major CRE Networking Opp - How to Approach
Okay, so my roommate's uncle is executive C-suite level, globally for CBRE/JLL. Even better, the guy went to my high school in the 80s (very small, private military school, so this is a big deal).
So my question is, how do I leverage this connection? My roommate provided me the exec's contact info, but how do I approach speaking with him intelligently? I have a plan to call him tomorrow and discuss my grad school plans, future of RE, and general career advice. I don't want to ask for any sort of job help explicitly, but obviously I would love that.
How could I later transition the convo to me potentially getting some more of his contacts/possibly him putting in a good word for me, in due time? I will not ask for any of the above until we have had several more convos, but I think we both know what the calls are/will be about.
Thanks everyone.
You have a great intro from your roommate and awesome things to relate on, just talk to him about his career, get insight, his opinions on everything you're interested in, ask for career advice, etc.
At the end, tell him you're really interested in breaking into a brokerage role as an analyst and ask if there's anyone he can think of that would be good for you to talk to to get some more info on the day-to-day at that level. He'll know what you're looking for, but you're asking for it indirectly. Frankly, he already knows why you want to meet with him, I don't think you need to milk it out over a number of calls/meetings. Most people are happy to pass you on to the next person if they're impressed with you on the first meeting.
Outside of telling him a little bit about yourself and what you want to do, your objective needs to be to get him talking. When people talk a lot in conversations, they overwhelmingly come away from the conversation thinking it went great.
Since you are legitimately interested in what he does, and we are going through an incredibly unique life event, this shouldn’t be too complicated. I would make sure you write down a list of questions and follow ups ahead of time in case you freeze in the moment.
Also, at the end, ask him if there is anyone else that he knows who he could introduce you to.
Yes. Great advice.
Very helpful. I think I am just nervous to speak with him because of his position. I never have trouble interviewing, but given his status, I don't want to mess anything up.
It really helps to not overthink it. Be friendly, genuine, inquisitive, and respectful, but not overly so on any one of those. When people talk about "fit" being the key differentiator in getting hired in this business, it's about having a comfortable easy going attitude with people that helps build trust and enjoy speaking with you. Nobody worth your time wants a kiss-ass, phony, or dullard around them, and nor should you.
You will talk, meet, and befriend alot of the most important and successful people in your community through this business. You will go to and experience things that you thought only happened in movies. It's an incredibly fun industry, and because of that, you need to be friendly and genuine enough that people want you around.
Never be intimidated by anyone before meeting them, but also never let someone intimidate you either. If you want to play in this world you have to believe and act like you belong there and that no one is above you. However, and much more importantly, never ever treat anyone like they are beneath you either. This is one of the most relationship driven businesses out there, and your reputation is everything. At a certain point, your reputations preceeds you, whether good or bad, and that is ultimately what determines your ultimate success in this industry.
Best of luck on your first important meeting. Hopefully it will be the first of many!
So, let me point out something obvious.....
You are young/1st year analyst (given user info), he is senior C-level, he 100% knows you are in need of mentorship, career help, connections, etc. Given the high school connection, he may be over the top excited to get to help you (its a strong possibility), so be prepared for that.
Thus, the real question you need to be ready to answer is "So, how can I help you?"
You do not need to coy, have a direct answer. If it's "well I am looking for X job" or "I am hoping to transition to X" and/or "my career goals are X and need Y as the next step". This should be firmly in your head, if nervous, write it out ahead of time.
People want to help, when a personal connection is present, they LOVE to help. You have ZERO risk of surprising him on this front, be prepared for it.
redever very helpful reply, you nailed most of it. I mentioned this above to CRE, but I think I am just nervous to speak with him given what he does/where he's at. I never have trouble with interviews, but this situation is different and I don't want to ruin anything.
He's been very nice through emails however, so I'm hoping it relays when we talk. I can't see him being a douche given our HS and that area is not known for that type of people. It'll probably go well, but I am probs overthinking it at this point.
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