It's a fair question! 

Who has time for all this networking and business development stuff anyway? 

“In my office, we barely have time to take care of our clients. My family thinks all I do is work -- and now you want me to go out and network? When did I last get to do something just for me, anyway -- 2003? “

That’s pretty much what one CRE agent said.   Ouch! 

As the 2019 President of the Central Florida Commercial Association of Realtors (CFCAR). I took a deep breath as I heard the comment and slowly let it out. 

It’s a fair question, why participate, why connect, why network? Why bother?   Why indeed.

It’s true… some CRE pros want the designation but are simply not interested in being a local member of any group. We thank them for their contributions and respect their choices.  For majority of the rest of us, Realtor-chartered organizations and memberships in designation-related associations connect us. 

Being a member of these associations allows us to grow our talent, our voice and support our community’s economic strength – and being a member of CFCAR is no different.

Thanks to the friendships and business connections I have made through the many CRE focused groups and organizations in our area, my own small brokerage business is growing and thriving!  As well-connected as I have become over the years in this industry, I truly don’t think this would have been the case if I wasn’t networking and active in these professional groups.

And along the way, I have learned tons -- about how friendships can carry you through dark days; how a fellow commercial agent can push you to get back on your feet and dig deep during tough times; and how getting out and spending time with fellow industry professionals can be the key to your success.  

Network and you will learn best practices; have work referred to you; allow you to stay on top of changes in your market. You will be inspired, refreshed and uplifted.  And when you start to share some of your own hard won wisdom with others you will feel something exceptional.   Just try it this summer, you will see!

Who has time for all this networking business?  Who doesn’t?  

CRE pros have their choice of numerous great events all across Central Florida over the next several quarters: 

• Some events have CE credits and offer connections to rub elbows with some of the industry’s most respected leaders: like the CCIM sponsored class that Cynthia Shelton is teaching at the FR Conference
• Some are inspiring and empowering: like the National CREW Convention coming to Orlando Sept. 25^thwhere top business leaders will speak
• The recent CFCAR “How the Deals Got Done” After Hours event at the Citrus Club featured honest and insightful interviews with 2019 HALLMARK Award Winners
• The Florida CCIM Chapter’s Central District will host their annual golf tournament on Sept. 20^th at Shingle Creek Golf Club and the Florida CCIM Chapter is hosting a great statewide logistics forum at Cape Canaveral on October 3^rd and 4^th
• Next March, SIOR members from across the state will gather March 12-13, 2020: for the SIOR Florida Spring Chapter Conference at the Gaylord Palms Orlando
• The Realtors Land Institute is hosting a three day Land Investment Analysis coursein North Florida on September 25-27^, 2019 that will be taught by Ben Crosby, ALC, CCIM
• NAIOP Orlandowill host their annual Developers Showcase on Sept. 10 in downtown Orlando. The showcase provides a trade show like platform for Central FL developers to share new, planned & existing projects with NAIOP's network of brokers, developers, owners, investors and associated professionals.  This year’s theme is creating a buzz so expect a great crowd!
• And members of all the various groups come together in December for a toast and share some good tidings at a great holiday party at the Orlando Science Center

I hope to see you soon at one of these upcoming opportunities to grow, learn and do business.  And when I see you, please be sure to let me know what type of leads I can send your way!

Carol Tanner, CCIM

President, Convergent Commercial and

2019 President, Central Florida Commercial Association of Realtors (CFCAR)*

*CFCAR MISSION:  The mission of the Central Florida Commercial Association of REALTORS® is to protect and promote the interests of its members, provide the education, business development and recognition opportunities that will drive their success, and to make a positive, lasting impact in the communities we serve.

The Central Florida Commercial Association of REALTORS® is the premier association for REALTORS®  and professionals in all segments of the commercial real estate industry who ascribe to the highest standards of ethical conduct.

Through the growth and development of its members, the Central Florida Commercial Association of REALTORS® will advance the professional practice of commercial real estate and the prosperity of the community.