I recently read an article from Indeed about networking follow-ups, and it hit on something most appraisers already know but don’t always execute. The follow-up is where the real opportunity is.

 

In this business, you’re constantly meeting potential referral sources. Agents at listings, attorneys on divorce cases, financial planners, investors. You have a good conversation, maybe even a great one. Then you move on to the next assignment, and so do they. Without a follow-up, that connection fades fast. Reaching out within about 24 hours gives you the best chance of staying relevant in their mind.

 

For appraisers trying to grow non-lender work, this matters more than anything. You’re not getting steady orders dropped into your lap. You’re building a network. And networks are built through consistent contact, not one-off conversations.

 

The good news is this doesn’t need to be complicated. A simple follow-up message works. Remind them where you met. Mention something specific you talked about so it doesn’t feel generic. Keep it short and to the point. Nobody’s impressed by a long email. They’re impressed when you’re easy to work with and easy to remember.

 

Where most people get it wrong is they follow up asking for business right away. That’s usually a miss. A better approach is to position yourself as a resource. Let them know what you do and how you help, but frame it in a way that benefits them. Maybe it’s helping an agent price a tough listing. Maybe it’s guiding an attorney through a divorce appraisal. Maybe it’s just being available when questions come up. When you make it about helping, the work tends to follow naturally.

 

Another key piece is giving the conversation somewhere to go. If you just say “great meeting you,” that’s where it ends. Suggest a quick call. Offer to grab coffee. Even a short conversation can turn a casual connection into someone who actually remembers you when they need an appraiser.

 

And here’s the part that separates the people who actually grow from the ones who stay stuck. One follow-up usually isn’t enough. People are busy. Emails get buried. A second follow-up isn’t pushy if it’s done right. It just shows you’re serious and professional. Most opportunities aren’t lost because someone said no. They’re lost because nobody followed up again.

 

At the end of the day, follow-ups are just part of relationship building. And if you want more non-lender work, relationships are the entire business. Every conversation is a potential pipeline, but only if you stay in touch.

 

Please join over 1,600 appraisers, learn more about online divorce appraisal opportunities, and grow your non-lender business at ReferAppraisals.com.

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