Real estate’s top tips for making it at MIPIM

Welcome to MIPIM week. Whether you’re a veteran of decades or a newbie, the days (and nights) ahead are likely to be long, with little let-up. Figures from across the industry have been sharing their tips on how to get the most out of the week on social media. Here, we bring you some of the best – mostly serious, some a bit sillier, all worth bearing in mind. (All advice taken from LinkedIn posts, unless otherwise stated.) “Little tip for you if you arrive into Nice airport. As you depart, if you head almost directly over the road, literally five mins walk, go to St Augustin. You’ll travel by train for just €6.40 (£5.45) into Cannes as opposed to paying €57 by taxi – and it’s quicker.”David Hill-Souch, director of inspiration, Gemco Contracts “Cannes is bigger than it looks on the map. It takes serious stamina to get from the Old Town to the far end of La Croisette via “the bunker” for days in a row. Don’t fill your diary with too much. Wear comfy shoes. Be flexible and hunt in packs.”Anthony Goodmaker, commercial real estate partner, Forsters “Your schedule will be full, so don’t forget it. Having a copy saved on all your devices and accessible without needing to rely on an internet connection is a sensible move. Print it out if this works better for you, but make sure to have a few copies in case you misplace one. For the super organised, spend some time before you arrive diarising your schedule on a digital calendar, with alert reminders set so that you’ll always be covered.”Sophie Eastwood, managing director, Holistic Communications “Reconfirm all your meetings and appointments the night before with a WhatsApp or text (everyone gets hundreds of e-mails a day whilst they are away and will miss an e-mail confirmation). It goes without saying that if you are running late, do the courteous thing and let your other party know. Your time is not more valuable than theirs.”Daniel Minsky, managing director, Estate Property Consultants “Focus on first impressions rather than trying to close a deal – success is people having a fond memory of you, and remembering what you do. Another key element of networking is relationship intensification. Meeting people you already know and getting to know them better – preferably over a meal or a drink! If network is important, the depth of your relationships within your network is critical.”Zac Goodman, director, TSP “Prepare your elevator pitch. At MIPIM, where you meet numerous potential partners, clients and investors, an effective elevator pitch can be a gamechanger. Having a concise and compelling introduction ready will be invaluable when meeting new people and explaining your business or project quickly and effectively. Your pitch should be concise (ideally under 60 seconds) and should focus on the core of your business or project. Clearly articulate what you do, what problem you solve and why your project or service stands out.”Arthur Duke, director, Live-in Guardians “Keep a stash of snacks in your bag. With all the networking and events, you may not have time to sit down for a proper meal.”Stuart Smith, senior business development manager, Morgan Sindall Construction “My white trainers need a little trip through the washing machine before MIPIM. My top tip (aside from comfy shoes) is to always have sunglasses and a brolly because they cancel each other out so you won’t need either and to have a Berocca every morning.”Emily Gabb, head of strategic partnerships, NLA “Set a bedtime to rest; it’s an exhausting week. And limit alcohol intake; set a time and stick to it.”Akhil Mair, managing director, Our Mortgage Broker (via Twitter) “Pace yourself. Work very hard. Latch yourself on to one or two really senior guys and try to tag along to all their meetings and understand what’s going on. Use the opportunity to gain some experience.”John Slade, chair of the international real estate advisory group, Kroll (via this interview with EG last year)