Changing Careers at 45 years old

In my opinion networking is a professional way to make friends. Could I make new friends, network and change careers at my age?



For 18 years I owned a model home cleaning company, it served me well. I was able to stay at home with the kids and fulfill my inner creative side. Some would call it OCD!
At the age of 45, I changed careers as the economy was changing and it was time for me to move on. I had been inspired by articles featuring people making “mid-life” career changes and thought, I can do that. What surprised me more is I am actually in “mid-life”; the changing careers part was exciting.

Networking is something we have done our entire lives. From developing friendships on the first day of school to standing in line at the grocery store. You know the drill, standing in line at the store, we see what others are buying and before we can process the information, we actually say something. That, my friend is communicating and a type of networking. As we get older our level of communication develops into professionalism where we want to work with like-minded people.

My new career with my husband is in his contracting company. I am the new networking girl, I would prefer to be the new Bond girl but I already told you I was 45, so that’s out.

Before you start thinking, she’s working with her husband: this can’t go well, let me say that Wally and I are actually complete opposites. He is the Clint Eastwood of our family. He is the strong reliable type, the personality that does not falter, the rock of the family. And well, I am just NOT! The anything is possible person, the one that thinks she can start up a business with no money and no experience because she found an interest. That’s me, baby! I am a fly by the seat of my pants type. (Pretty Woman reference)

I must confess though, I was a little nervous starting my new position. How was I going to get to know our clients? I first reached out to our current clients, looking for an opportunity to understand their culture and how we could help each other in business.
 If I was going to contribute to the company, acquiring further information about the Real Estate market would be essential. Friendship development and strong business relationships happened at events held for Realtors.
This approach worked, but I needed more information about national markets. I wanted to stay ahead of the competition and meet the market where it was rather than chasing to keep up.

Joining national Real Estate organizations such as AREAA and NAHREP would be my next networking move. By joining national organizations, it provided me access to information I would have not received staying in my comfort zone. Information learned at events would allow the company to be in the forefront of the changing market. I would network with a variety of individuals, which opened the door for additional business opportunities. This was working for me, I could network my style and the Knipp name was getting out there. I might be good at my new “mid-life” career.

   Getting the Knipp name out there would further require a new approach to my networking skills. I was attending events almost every day; I was getting tired. I had fun but I wanted to learn more about the current market. That’s when I found out about national conferences. I could travel and learn, wow! I love my new job.

National conferences are designed to help businesses understand where the market is going and how to plan for the upcoming changes. I was able to update clients with current changes as well as adjust with the market.
Of course this was not enough to sustain business relationships, follow up with the connections made was part of my routine. Writing a little note to my clients made them feel important. I am old school and yes!, snail mail is still important!
Social media makes it easy to stay in touch too; short messages on Facebook or Twitter keep the networking relationship fluid. I’m cool like that.

        I have much to learn still, finding unique or out-of-the-box ways to connect with your target market is fun and can keep you ahead of the competition.  For example, Contractors are not known to show up at Real Estate events. I felt if I was going to connect with my clients, why not do it where they are comfortable? I have shown up at RE/MAX national conferences. By the way, they are fun, informative and very motivating.

With only a year into my new position I have more to learn about marketing and networking. I hope Knipp Contracting is a company you have heard about and have worked with.

I will be attending the AREAA National Convention in Las Vegas, September 23-25th at the Bellagio. Ask me questions and meet my husband Wally! I am looking forward to learning more about investing in homes and how to grow my business. I'm also excited to see HGTV’s the Property brothers, I think they should add a third person, ME!



Don’t forget, most home buyers look for their next home online before they call a Realtor. Are you on YouTube yet?



(Out of the box approach,  when posting an update on Facebook video it instead).



That’s how I changed careers at the age of 45; it was fun, hard work and made me go outside my comfort zone. I wish you the best of luck and remember to have fun and be yourself. Don’t forget to find me at the AREAA national conference September 23-25 in Las Vegas. For registration and more info, visit www.areaa.org/convention.



Should you have any questions you can tweet me @knippcontract or Facebook fan page 


Good luck and happy networking.

Wendy Knipp