Five Tips to Building a Thriving YPN

By Liana Inzerillo Werner

LIBOR’s Associate Communications Manager

The Long Island Board of REALTORS® Young Professionals Network has a strong member-centric approach. Like anything built to last, annual maintenance is beneficial in ensuring the longevity of your network. Here are five tips from LIBOR’s associate communications manager, Liana Inzerillo Werner to ensure your YPN continues to deliver for its membership.

Embrace change: The landscape of real estate and REALTOR® associations is always evolving, and your YPN should too. Be open to incorporating new best practices and get in the habit of reevaluating existing processes. What worked in years past might not work today. Routinely assess what resonates with your membership and what may be hindering engagement.

Prioritize member value: LIBOR YPN boasts a robust awards program, but our sights are set beyond recognition. We actively connect our YPNers to the leadership pipeline. This includes access to the Leadership Academy, meetings with the executive team, and a plethora of low-cost events. These events not only encourage networking and education, but also foster connections between YPN members and established members.

Build trust through transparency: Clearly outline committee objectives and their execution plans. This allows YPNers to understand how their support contributes to achieving shared goals. Open and honest communication built on a foundation of transparency fosters trust and leads to a more collaborative partnership between the association and YPN members.

Take cues from leadership: Pay close attention to the strategic planning methods used by your board of directors. Techniques like a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis can be valuable. By understanding the bigger picture, your YPN can make informed decisions that prepare members for future leadership roles.

Actively seek feedback: Saving the best and most important for last, the power of member input is invaluable. After large events—or before the year ends—gather feedback on effectiveness and reach. By actively listening to members, you can pivot to address their evolving needs and keep your YPN an evergreen resource for young and new real estate professionals.