Leasing Tip of the Day: The Art of Building Relationships

If you’re in retail real estate like me, you know that the action happens at the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) events. These gatherings are the goldmine for networking and building connections in our industry. With over 200 of these events happening each year, there’s really no excuse not to be a part of them, especially the local ones right in your backyard.

Local and regional ICSC events are where the magic begins. Sure, ICSC boasts a massive membership of over 70,000 people, but these smaller events usually bring together just a hundred or so attendees. It’s the perfect opportunity to sharpen your networking skills and expand your circle of industry insiders. Set a goal to meet at least 20 new faces at each local ICSC event – trust me, that’s a Rockstar-worthy aim!

The national ICSC events might seem a bit intimidating at first, not to mention expensive. But believe me, they’re worth every penny and effort you put in. These are the folks who can make your year with just a couple of productive meetings. The big retailers, the financiers, the best vendors, the investors – they’re all there. Plan your conference meticulously by arranging meetings in advance, and remember, personalized outreach is key, none of that email-blasting nonsense.

Networking doesn’t just happen within the conference walls; it starts even before you land at the venue or the airport pub. Strike up conversations with fellow travelers – chances are, they’re headed to the conference, too. And don’t stick to your comfort zone; branch out and meet new people. One of my pet peeves is when folks spend the conference hanging out with their existing buddies – that’s a missed opportunity.

Now, if you’re feeling ambitious, set a goal to meet 50 new people per day – go big or go home, right? Even if you end up with only a fraction of that, it’s still a win. Remember to smile, approach those standing alone, and be open to volunteering on an ICSC committee. You can also create your rookie dinner to ensure you’re not excluded from the ‘big’ dinners.

Lastly, don’t forget the power of sending a heartfelt Thank You note after the conference. Handwritten ones, mind you! It’s all about who knows you in this industry, and this thoughtful gesture will set you apart from the crowd.

So there you have it, folks, my take on making the most out of industry events. Happy networking, and go be a Rockstar!

Share

Blog Comments

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More Posts

Begin With the End in Mind

Let’s set a realistic income goal and reverse-engineer your plan to hit it. Say your target is $45,000 in year 2. With an average commission of $3,000 per lease, you’ll need to close 15 leases this year. Now let’s break it down: Sounds big? It’s totally doable: Pair this formula with consistent qualifying, tracking, and follow-up, and you’ll not only hit your goal—you’ll outperform it. Rockstars know their numbers and work them like a pro.

Read More

Always Trade Smart – Every “Give” Deserves a “Get”

In every negotiation, remember this simple rule: if you give something, get something in return. Even if it feels lopsided, both parties are equally invested in reaching an agreement—and no one expects something for nothing. You’re not just filling a space; you’re creating a long-term partnership. So keep the balance: If you’re dealing with a prospect who keeps coming back for more, flip the script: ask for your “get” first. You’ll be amazed how quickly the endless asks taper off when there’s a price attached to every concession.

Read More

Don’t Overcome Objections – Use Them to Close

Old-school sales training teaches you to memorize scripts to overcome objections. But Rockstars know: if you’ve asked the right questions and listened throughout the leasing process, closing should feel natural — not scripted. Still, objections will come. And guess what? Objections mean they’re interested. If they weren’t, they wouldn’t still be talking to you. So don’t panic. Don’t get defensive. Instead, validate the concern and keep the conversation going. For example: Prospect: “This center doesn’t get much traffic.”You: “You’re right. Let me ask — how do you usually attract customers? Foot traffic or marketing?” You’ve already matched their needs to your space, so most objections are just hesitation — not deal breakers. Don’t negotiate with yourself. Just re-engage the prospect with more questions, and when you’ve addressed their concerns, present the LOI with options: “Here’s the paperwork. You’ll see it covers your X concern with an option to do Y or Z. Which would you prefer?” By giving them a choice, you empower them to say yes.

Read More

How to Answer “Why Should I Lease From You?

At some point, your prospect will hit you with the classic question:“Why should I lease your space instead of [insert competitor]?” Most leasing agents jump into defense mode.Wrong move. Listing off your property’s features (“We’ve got X, Y, Z…”) sounds salesy. And the second you start selling, you lose your positioning as a trusted advisor. Rockstars know better. Instead of defending, go back to asking. Revisit their needs: “You mentioned visibility, traffic, and proximity to the university were your top priorities. Do you think this space hits those marks?” That’s how you lead them back to their priorities — not your pitch.You keep the conversation focused on what they care about and whether you can help them achieve it. This simple redirect does two things: Pro Tip: The more you ask, the more they’ll talk. And the more they talk, the more they’ll sell themselves on your space.

Read More

Beth's Resources

Beth has established a reputation for “giving back” and creating a legacy of helping others. To support this mission, she offers a wealth of FREE resources for individuals in the retail leasing industry, whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned professional. Her collection includes case studies from her nearly 40 years of experience, providing practical insights and guidance. With Beth’s resources, you’ll gain valuable tools to navigate the complexities of retail leasing and achieve your professional goals.

E-News

Subscribe to the Beth Azor e-news to stay up to date with commercial real estate trends, events, and expert advice.

We promise, no spam. Just great content.

E-News

Subscribe to the Beth Azor e-news to stay up to date with commercial real estate trends, events, and expert advice.

We promise, no spam. Just great content.