Networking and relationship is a key factor in business development for all factoring brokers and consultants. All in this business (at least professionally) make it a point to seek out advantageous events to attend where opportunities to meet business owners present themselves and, most important, where they can build a relationship on common ground or interests.
One of the most common methods of creating such opportunities is when meeting others during common travel destinations. Think of a cruise ship and the number of new acquaintance you’ll meet. Another can involve sporting events such as the Kentucky Derby. The opportunities are endless when you think about it. But one of the most enjoyable opportunities you will come across for networking and relationship building will often involve a hobby. You automatically have something in common with all you meet. And one that many find exceptionally rewarding are automobiles.
Automobiles as a subject is a very large universe when it comes to interests. Almost anyone and everyone has looked at an exotic Ferrari or Lamborghini when parked in front of your hotel or favorite restaurant and there are dozens and dozens of others that might get your attention. But there is one opportunity that literally sticks out like a sore thumb when it comes to meeting some very, very interesting people. In that…is collectible car shows. Car “shows” are venues where you have unlimited opportunities to meet others with a common interest and certainly lots of small business owners. Even local car shows are chock full of opportunities to strike up a conversation with those you meet. You can literally meet dozens of interesting people in a single day and that includes local business owners. But if you really are interested in the “cream of the crop”, consider getting involved in high-end collector cars.
Unlimited Networking and Relationship Options
For those involved in consulting and finance where building referral relationships can mean BIG money, attending high-end “collector car events” can be a great way to not only meet prospective business clients, but will also provide you with some great high-class vacation time. A bonus here is that if you are an investor, the collector car market has been hot. Really HOT! And this market shows no stopping. And though getting involved in this hobby doesn’t actually require a purchase to enjoy it, ask yourself, “When was the last time you purchased a car that increased in value rather than drop?”. Now…does it make some sense to consider some travel opportunities?
Owning a collector vehicle means you have a plethora of opportunities for meeting others, including small business owners Events you can attend include low cost / no cost local car shows to extravagant national events where you will meet owners of vehicles (and businesses) that can take your breath away. Getting involved in this hobby / industry provides you with great fun. For example, consider attending…
- Local car shows. Learn the market and meet your neighbors and collectors
- An owner’s club. If you purchase a particular type of vehicle, you will network with others with similar cars
- National club events. In addition to getting involved with a particular club, consider national clubs such as the national Antique Automobile Club of America.
- An auction. Major collector vehicle auctions are a vacation opportunity and exceptional networking events with companies such as Meacom, Barrett-Jackson. etc. You have dozens of small auctions to choose from as well.
- A Concours Show or Event. These are vacation events where you will meet the stars of collector cars (and their owners) such as $20,000,000 Ferraris, Maseratis, and more. Attend Pebble Beach, Hilton Head, Amelia Island, Palm Beach Cavallino, and more
Purchase and Research Your Opportunities
As we said before, you do not need to own a collectible to enjoy this hobby and benefit from attending all the great shows, clubs, etc. If you are interested in an investment, and you are a neophyte when it comes to collectible cars, a good idea is to learn more about the general market by doing a little research. To get started, a great place to learn more is Hemmings Collector Magazine. Here you will find virtually all types of collector vehicles.
When it comes to purchasing a collectible vehicle, you will actually find financing easier that you think. Remember, collectibles, if purchased right, are an investment. One financing resource for virtually anyone is Light Stream, where you can purchase your dream. Additionally, many dealers that feature collectibles also provide financing in house such as Volo Cars.
Wrap Your Trip Into a Networking Vacation
Many of those that are “tops” in sales always find ways to roll networking and relationship build tasks into their vacation down time and you should too. In fact, using time away on vacation can be perfect as periods for building a great series of relationships (essentially networking) but intentionally. Without question, these networking opportunities wrapped around exciting, collector automobile events can represent some of safest possible way I can mix work with pleasure and, with a little luck, generate a client or two. This time spent away from your regular work does not only boost your general wellbeing but also enhances one’s disposition and output. The thought of networking vacations wrapped into your new collector car hobby will be one exceptional and fascinating experience which will bring you relaxation while providing exceptional opportunities for new leads and clients.
Comment on This Article
Many home business entrepreneurs never consider wrapping some networking around a vacation and, in fact, for those that embrace this type of opportunity, it will often times define the types of vacations you choose. Consider your options as a collector car owner or enthusiast and spend some quality vacation time in the near future. To comment on this article, visit the IACFB Linked Group at,,, https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9075224/
