If you’re looking to grow your non-lender appraisal business, stop waiting for the phone to ring and start meeting people. I know that sounds basic, but that’s because it is. One of the most overlooked (and underused) ways to grow your business is through networking.
And by networking, I don’t mean liking a few posts on LinkedIn and calling it a day. I mean real, in-person, get-out-of-your-office-and-shake-some-hands networking.
For appraisers, it’s easy to get siloed. We’re often working alone, grinding through reports, and focused on turn times and comps. But if you want to grow the non-lender side of your business like divorce, estate, probate, or pre-listing work, you’re going to need to build relationships with people who can refer you work. That means attorneys, agents, financial advisors, investors, and other professionals.
So what is networking, really?
Ivan Meisner, founder of BNI (one of the world’s largest business networking groups), defines networking as “the process of developing and activating your relationships to increase your business, enhance your knowledge, and expand your sphere of influence or serve the community.” He also makes it very clear: networking is about farming, not hunting.
If you’re showing up to an event just to pass out business cards and pitch yourself, you’re doing it wrong. Real networking means building relationships—slowly, intentionally, and with the mindset of helping others, not just scoring leads.
Here’s what that looks like for me:
About 10 years ago, I joined a local networking group. We meet every Wednesday morning at 7:00 a.m. (yes, that’s brutal) and we’re done by 8:30 a.m. But that weekly commitment changed my business. During the week, I schedule one-on-one meetings (we call them “one-to-ones”) with members of the group to learn more about them, what they do, who they serve, and how we can help each other. My chapter has about 45 members, so there’s always someone new to sit down with.
We also meet outside of our regular meetings. Once a month, the real estate-related members of the group—agents, appraisers, mortgage folks, etc.—gather socially, usually at a bar. We swap stories, share referrals, and build real relationships. I also visit other chapters in the area to meet even more professionals and expand my network.
Over the years, I’ve taken on leadership roles in the group. I’ve been chapter president, education coordinator, team leader for our “power team,” and now I’m serving as VP (which includes way too much paperwork). But each of those roles has deepened my connections and increased my visibility. If you’re going to do it, get involved.
Bottom line: networking is about showing up, following up, and being consistent. It takes time. It takes effort. But it works.
If you’re an appraiser and you’ve been putting off networking because it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient, here’s your sign: it’s time to start. Go to a local business group. Join a chapter. Shake some hands. Ask questions. Build relationships. That’s how you grow your non-lender business.
If you need help getting started or want to plug into a group that’s already focused on non-lender work, check us out at ReferAppraisals.com That’s what we’re all about—helping appraisers connect, grow, and earn more from private work.
