This week was a networking whirlwind. Monday kicked off with a coffee meeting with an IT professional who regularly sends me attorney referrals (he works with dozens of them). Tuesday, I met with one of those attorneys, a probate and estate specialist—and the meeting couldn’t have gone better. Thursday, I am connecting with a real estate agent interested in listing appraisals and possibly having me speak at his office. And Friday? Golf tournament. Alzheimer’s Foundation fundraiser. Networking with a side of sunscreen and slicing.
But today, I want to zoom in on that Tuesday coffee with the estate attorney, because it reminded me of something important for every appraiser trying to grow their non-lender work: relationships are everything.
A lot of appraisers get nervous about reaching out to attorneys. I get it. It feels formal, intimidating even. But here’s the trick: don’t go into it trying to “sell” your services. Just be yourself. Seriously. Our meeting was early in the morning, halfway between her office and mine. No pressure, no pitch—just coffee and conversation. We talked about her family, where she used to live, her practice, and a few of her current cases. I shared a little about what I do, how I help with probate, estate, divorce, and listing appraisals.
But the real magic? Connections. She mentioned wanting to meet real estate attorneys, movers, and concierge moving services. I knew people in all those spaces and was able to connect her with them. That gave her immediate value, something that has nothing to do with appraisals but everything to do with building trust and rapport.
So don’t treat coffee meetings like transactions. They’re not one-and-done. They’re the start of something longer. This attorney now knows exactly how I can help her clients, and I now have an ally in her office. And it all started with a simple cup of coffee and some genuine curiosity.
If you’re looking to grow your non-lender business, get out there. Set a meeting. Show up. Be yourself. Be curious. And bring value, whether it’s through your appraisal services or your network.
And hey, if you need help marketing, networking, or building relationships like this, reach out. That’s exactly what the Appraisal Referral Network is here for. Visit us at ReferAppraisals.com and let’s grow your business together.
