Being involved in a YPN (Young Professionals Network) is crucial for any budding entrepreneur or aspiring business professional. For a new real estate agent, the decision to be involved in a group of other professionals or Realtors® can have a major impact on the success of a growing career.
Like many other business and mastermind groups, the YPN is a community of like-minded individuals who gather to share information, ideas and experiences on how to achieve success in their respective fields. Joining these networks, especially a Texas Realtors® YPN, can provide a variety of benefits to your business, such as exposure to new opportunities and guidance from industry experts.
One advantage of being involved in a YPN is the establishment of valuable relationships. Building professional relationships with other young (in the business or at heart) and motivated individuals within your industry can lead to potential collaboration opportunities, job offers and mentorship.
By joining a YPN, you will have the chance to meet new people that share a passion for our industry and who can offer valuable advice and resources. Connections within a Texas Realtors® YPN can lead to a long-term investment in your business’s future.
Another benefit of such networks is the wealth of opportunities provided through events and conferences. Many YPNs hold conferences, workshops and other exciting events that can expand your knowledge and keep you informed about the latest industry trends. These events also offer opportunities to meet industry leaders, potential partners and investors.
In April, Texas Realtors® YPN hosted its Annual Rebar in South Padre. Sixty Texas Realtor® professionals and affiliates joined together to discuss a variety of topics and network with others from all over the state of Texas.
A YPN can also be an excellent source of support and guidance. In a world where entrepreneurship and starting a business can be daunting as well as the ever-changing highs and lows of the real estate market, having a network of supportive individuals can motivate you to push forward despite any obstacles you may face. These networks are set up to foster a collaborative, supportive and inclusive professional environment that can help members overcome career obstacles and challenges.
Additionally, industry experts and successful business owners or entrepreneurs often offer mentorship programs, providing an opportunity for young professionals that seek guidance and mentorship that might not be as easily accessible in their own brokerage.
In my own business, I felt a huge shift once I began to be more involved in a YPN. In 2017, I worked with my primary board (Longview Area Association of Realtors®) to start our local YPN chapter. Since then, I have grown into other areas of leadership including our Local Board Chairman (2022), and I currently serve as the Texas Realtors® YPN Chairman for 2023.
Without the involvement in our YPN, I would not have been presented with these wonderful opportunities that have resulted in more business relationships and tons of referrals.
Joining a YPN is critical for growth and success in your business. These networks offer opportunities for exposure to new opportunities, professional guidance, support, and most importantly, valuable connections within our industry. If you want to join a local YPN, reach out to your local Realtor® association to find out more information about your local YPN chapter.
If you don’t currently have a local YPN chapter but want to start one, reach out to Texas Realtors® YPN. We are able to guide you in the right direction on where to start, and there are grant programs from NAR & TR for establishing a local YPN chapter.
By investing the time and effort to join, participate and create these YPN groups, you are making an investment in your career that will pay dividends for years to come.
Jessica Holmes is Texas Realtors® YPN Chairman 2023 and broker/owner, East Texas Preferred Properties.