It can be easy to let your real estate marketing fall into the doldrums during the winter months. With the colder weather, fewer people are out looking for a new home, and fewer listings are coming on to the market. It’s all too tempting to let your marketing plan go into hibernation mode, too.

Fortunately, for most real estate agents, getting out and meeting people is its own reward. Not only will you be expanding your networking sphere, but you’ll also be energized by the excitement of meeting new people and learning new things.

When it comes to winter, in-person marketing is the way to go. Here are a couple of ideas for ways to get out of the house and get in front of your target market:

Networking Events

Of course, networking events are probably a staple of your marketing efforts year-round. But if there are groups you’ve haven’t visited yet, new activities or meeting styles you haven’t tried, or prior groups that have been neglected during the busier times of the year, now is the time to get connected.

The simple act of getting out and about will help to spread your name, but you can make your networking efforts even more effective with the right tools, like a professional name badge and plenty of your real estate business cards.

Giving a Speech

There is some overlap between speaking engagements and networking events – after all, a networking group that you are a member of is the perfect place to start when it comes to giving a speech. But there are other opportunities as well, from networking groups that you don’t attend regularly, to college-level business programs and community events.

If you’re speaking at a smaller or medium-scale event, it’s a good idea to plan for a Q&A session at the end of your speech, and bring along promotional items like real estate notepads or custom-branded ink pens.

Teach a Class or Seminar

Many cities and towns have opportunities for local residents to share their knowledge, whether through programs put on by the library, or city hall, the rec center, or some other civic organization. Additionally, some real estate agents team up with professionals in related fields (like mortgage lenders or financial planners) to put on seminars that are open to the public.

Teaching is a great way to establish yourself as an expert in your field, and get your name in front of several prospective clients at the same time. Come prepared to teach your class with real estate presentation folders loaded with relevant materials (and your business card!), and show your students that you know your business inside and out.

Volunteer for a Good Cause

Volunteering for a group like Habitat for Humanity or your local food pantry may not be a typical marketing activity, but it is a great way to get out of the office, meet new people, and give back to the community. Being a real estate agent is all about helping to create stronger communities, and volunteering is a great way to do just that.