Cara Nelson, CREW Boston

When CREW Boston was formed in 1982, then called NEWIRE or New England Women in Real Estate, women professionals were scarce in the real estate industry. Over time, the organization grew, becoming one of the country’s largest and most active professional groups supporting women working in real estate, affirming personal growth and widening the swath that women cut in the local real estate world.  Since then, CREW Boston has taken on many roles. It provides opportunities for making connections and networking, both locally and nationally. It educates. Through the CREW Boston Educational Foundation, it provides scholarships, and it offers social opportunities that aim to produce a return on our members’ and their companies’ investment. But the core purpose – helping women in real estate to obtain business and grow professionally – is as important as ever. As we begin the 2016-17 year, we want to reaffirm that important goal.

We are not hesitant about noting that traditionally many women have been more reluctant than their male counterparts to ask for business. To just boldly ask, and not wait for someone to notice the great work many of us do, has historically been taboo. But that has to change. As we roll out a new strategic plan for CREW Boston to bring us through the next three to five years, highlighted at the September 13 lunch with speaker Doug Poutasse of Bentall Kennedy, we are reminding our members (both current and prospective) of this original objective.

Specifically, we encourage women working in all aspects of real estate – including development, investment, asset management, design, construction, legal, consulting, and others – not to forget the simple steps that pay off. Network at CREW Boston and other industry and community events, exchange business cards (printed, but increasingly electronically), and energetically introduce ourselves to each other among our hundreds of members and the thousands of men and women who come to the multiple real estate events that fill our calendars.

“Leads, needs, and achievements.” How can you help someone you just met? What does that person need, and what do you need in your business? And – don’t forget – what have you accomplished that you are proud of and that may give another person confidence to contact you if she or he has a need in the future?

CREW Boston members can increase their chances of sourcing new business and expanding their existing portfolios by attending events, joining committees, and participating. The proverbial golf course is a place deals can start, and CREW Boston’s annual golf tournament will be held later this month. Participation can include volunteering at our networking events or being a mentor to developing leaders. Serving on committees is one of the best ways to get to know other members – what they do, what their needs are, whom they work with, how they can help you, and how you can help them.

The annual CREW Network convention, this year is being held in New York in October, is an unmatched way to find out what is going on in the rest of the country and to get ideas and leads and make new contacts. More than ever before, business that is happening in Boston is initiated by firms from outside Boston and even outside the United States. Likewise, many of the real estate companies in Boston are doing business in other cities, states, and countries.

Membership has grown dramatically in CREW Boston in the last five years to 530 members. The majority of our members easily have five to 20 years of experience in Boston and other real estate – what great resources and opportunities this experience can provide. But you have to play to win.

Get involved in CREW. Show up. Learn. And don’t forget: It’s OK to reach out for business.

Cara Nelson, partner at DLA Piper US (LLP), is the 2016-2017 president of CREW Boston.