Secret #5 Throw a networking party.

You can't make money in real estate unless you have clients, and a guaranteed way to get them is to throw a networking party.

But before you begin to look into your savings account to see how much you can spend on alcohol and prime rib, you need to first understand one simple principle. The more successful a real estate agent is, the less money they spend on building their business (possible exceptions are successful looking cars, time shares, and power suits; all of which we will discuss at a later date).

So how can you throw an impressive networking party without spending any money? One word -- potluck. And there's no better way of getting leads than by following these simple steps for a successful potluck networking party:

1. Make a list of everyone you know personally. Start with your family (including cousins, aunts, uncles, etc...) then spread out to friends, neighbors, and co-workers. It is not suggested to invite people you don't know, as they will be less likely to follow through with step no.2.

2. Send out individual invites. The reason you want to send out individual invites is to ensure you can get the food there free, without everyone knowing they are coming to a potluck (careful not to use the word "potluck" in your invitation, as it can make you sound cheap -- i.e. unsuccessful). For instance you can tell your Aunt Tilly that you are throwing a party where you will be taking care of everything, but it just wouldn't be the same without her "famous chili dip". Be sure to let each guest know their respective dishes are held in high public esteem, therefore increasing your chances of having them attend to showcase their contribution.

3. Give a speech at the opening of the party. When all of your guests arrive, you will want to welcome everyone by giving a little speech to thank them for coming to your home. During this speech, you will want to tell everyone how blessed you have been for having them all in your lives, and how much you will miss living so close to them because you will be selling your home.

At this point, you will hear gasps in the crowd as many of your closest friends and family will begin to question each other about your unexpected announcement. It is no doubt that many of them will become quite upset at the news, but this is precisely the reaction you need for step no.4.

4. Announce your business proposition. At this moment, you will need to calm everyone's fears by letting them know that as "a newly licensed real estate professional", you have been amazed to find out how much your home is worth, and how you are excited to move up into something much more comfortable. Next (and this is important), you need to express how indebted you are to everyone in the room because of the love and kindness you have received from them over the years, and that if there is anything you can ever do to help them in the the future, they should not hesitate to ask.

5. Enjoy the referrals. No doubt with your unexpected news and expression of good will you will be flooded with questions about your new career in real estate, how much your home is worth, if your new home is located on a golf course etc... all of which can easily be turned into a lead generating conversation. "Do you know how much your home is worth?", you might say, or, "Who knows, you could be sitting on a gold mine too".

Side note: In following these steps, you should not actually sell your home, as this is just a first step in creating leads. If, in the future, you are questioned about the fact that you have not yet moved, you may want to articulate how "success in real estate" has taught you that true happiness is being close to the ones you love. You should then tell your friend about a home that recently went up for sale near you, and that you would be willing to look into it further for them.