On April 16th and May 8th the OREA Young Professionals Network held the first two of their 6 area events across Ontario by hosting round table discussions and a networking event in both Hamilton and Orillia.
Topics covered at the events included Working by Referral, social media strategies for REALTORS®, your voice at Queen’s Park, the future of organized real estate, mobile options for REALTORS® and lessons from a top producer.
The events were very well attended and feedback was positive. Members in attendance ranged in experience in the industry from one day to 40 years. New and young REALTORS® benefitted from the experience and knowledge brought to the table from our experienced members and our mature members benefitted from the innovation and new outlook on the industry from our newer members.
A few questions that were posed prior and during to the events were:
- What is this?
- Why would I want to be part of this?
- Who can join?
So here are some brief answers to help clarify these questions.
WHAT IS THIS?
OREA Young Professionals Network is a group of professionals who network together and work together to educate our new/young members through our experienced mentors and encourage volunteerism in organized real estate.
WHY WOULD I WANT TO BE PART OF THIS?
It is a great way for members to network and take advantage of the opportunity to build their referral base.
It’s also a great way to learn what is happening in organized real estate and what technology and innovation is helping grow other member’s business.
Did you know that 42% of OREA’s membership is over 55? And only 15% of our members are under 40? In the next 10 years, 42% of the membership will be gearing up for retirement. Getting involved now will help OREA build our future in organized real estate. This is a great introduction for our next generation of leaders.
WHAT DOES IT COST?
There is no cost to be part of the YPN. And to date, no cost to attend our networking events.
Simply like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OREAYPN and fill out our email registration form to be added to our mailing list and be the first to learn of news or upcoming events.
You can also join the conversation on twitter using the hash tag #OREAYPN. And if you have any further questions or want more information you can email us at YPN@OREA.com.
WHO CAN JOIN?
Anyone can join. Whether you are young in the business, young in age, young at heart or would want to take a mentoring role within the group, OREA YPN is for you!
START YOUR OWN LOCAL YPN!
OREA YPN offers support and guidance to local boards and associations in setting up their own YPN.
On May 10 I attended the Kitchener-Waterloo REALTOR® XPO on behalf of OREA YPN and I was able to meet many young professionals who are very excited about this group.
I also met a dynamic group of REALTORS® who have taken the initiative to start their own YPN. Led by our own YPN committee member, Brian Santos, KWAR is launching their local chapter at the end of the month. Congratulations to Brian and the KWAR group for this accomplishment.
If you or your board or association would like more information on starting your own chapter or would like us to attend you meetings or events to talk about YPN with your members, please email us at YPN@OREA.com.
Stay tuned to our Facebook page for upcoming events and news! We look forward to seeing many of you as we travel across the province throughout 2012.
Written by Amie Ferris, YPN Committee Chair and guest blogger
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