Cultivating the relationships you need to grow

As a member of the Triangle real estate community, I often look around me and see a powerhouse of individuals I am so fortunate to be associated with. That’s why it was such an honor to be inducted into the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County Hall of Fame on Thursday, Dec. 7, alongside Tom Anhut, one of the founders of Waterstone Partners.

This Hall of Fame designation is an honor for two major reasons. First, the HBA’s Board of Directors selects those they believe are worthy of the title. Second, when I look back at the individuals who have been recognized by the HBA, I see a group of passionate game-changers who have helped the Triangle grow significantly. By receiving this honor, I’ve been placed within a group of people who have inspired me for years. It also reminds me that it’s people like the HBA’s Hall of Fame inductees who have helped me get to where I am today. Finding people to support you throughout your career can be key to helping you find success. That’s why I recommend you focus on the following relationships within your career to help you climb.

Research shows that people know how important mentorship is: 76 percent of professionals believe it’s important, but only 37 percent of them have one. Often, it’s our own minds that get in the way of finding a great mentor. We can often identify people we want to act as a mentor for us. It’s when it comes to talking to that person that we say things like, “Oh, they’re probably too busy for me,” and we talk ourselves out of asking for this type of relationship in the first place. But chances are, someone you’ve identified as a potential mentor was mentored and believes in its value. Don’t stop yourself out of fear.

Once you’ve identified a mentor within your circle, get in touch. If it’s someone who knows you somewhat, consider inviting them to get coffee. If you want something more formal, send an email outlining your goals and your request. Once you’ve had a meeting, it’s up to you to nurture the relationship. Prove to a mentor that you are serious about building a relationship and be open to feedback. Show them the evidence that you are worthy of support and recommendations in your career. They are often the ones who can help you get to where you want to go.

For real estate in the Triangle area, the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County has been an incredible organization that I always recommend people get involved with. The HBA is known for the work it does, not just at the local level but at the state and national levels, too. Joining an association or organization like this puts you amongst people who will value what you bring to the table. Get to know other members. Join committees. Attend events. Show up. It’s that important.

While you may not be in the real estate market, your industry will have groups that you can join that will give you professional experience and build new relationships. And the connections you make within these organizations are invaluable. Often, it’s these connections that can open doors to opportunities you may not have found on your own. And at times, the more you’re involved, the more likely you are to be honored for your efforts. Just keep in mind that your work is important to these organizations as well.

One of the places that often ties people closely together is a college or university. Being an alum of a school brings together people from disparate backgrounds and gives them a common sense of pride. What’s more, people who have been out of school for some time have built established careers that can provide you with guidance, partnership, and mentorship, depending upon where you are in your career.

Tapping into your alumni network can be an empowering way to create meaningful connections. It can also pull you into the important work your alma mater is doing. It can introduce you to experiences you may not have found on your own. If you find there are specific members of your alumni network you’d like to meet, treat them as you would a mentor. Get in touch and introduce yourself. Let them know how you found out about them. Tell them what makes them stand out and why you feel compelled to connect. It may be one of the best decisions you make in your career.

Are there individuals or organizations who have a mission that represents something near and dear to your heart? It’s always a good idea to connect with them on a level that your time or budget allows. I’m a big believer in giving back to my community, and we do that in numerous ways: through volunteer time, by sponsoring events, by donating. And if that’s within your capacity, it’s one of the most meaningful ways you can uplift others while also uplifting yourself.

If you have a business mission and vision — or even a personal one — it’s always a great idea to find an organization or individual whose mission aligns with yours. You likely already have an idea in mind. From there, start getting involved. Businesses and business leaders are a much-needed force for charities and non-profits within their communities. If you’re driven to give back to them, they’ll not only be thrilled to have you on board, but they’ll make sure they know how grateful they are for you.

As you’ve built up your career, have you had relationships that have stood out as you’ve worked on establishing who you are and what you stand for? Don’t take these relationships for granted. Put time and effort into them, and they will reward you for years to come.

Jim Allen is a business leader and entrepreneur who has built one of the top-producing real estate groups in the Triangle. He is President of The Jim Allen Group, which is consistently named one of the top real estate teams in North Carolina and even North America.