They’re Watching: Why Silent Engagement Still Builds Your Brand

Realtors—ever feel like your marketing is falling flat?

You’re showing up on social media. You’re sending postcards. You’re emailing your database. But no one’s hitting like. The phone isn’t ringing. And you start wondering… is any of this even working?

Ghost Engagement Is Real—And It’s Working in Your Favor

Marci calls it what it is: ghost engagement.

People are watching your stories. They scroll past your content. They see your open houses, your tips, your sold signs. They may not hit like or comment—but they’re noticing.

In a world where people rarely announce their intent to buy or sell ahead of time, these silent impressions matter. They build recognition. They build trust.

The Secret Marketing Weapon with a 100% Open Rate? Amanda Furman Swears By It

Forget open rates and email funnels—Amanda Furman has a simpler, more powerful strategy. And it’s working.

Handwritten notes.

Not fancy. Not automated. But deeply personal—and wildly effective.

That’s not just a policy—it’s a philosophy. And it’s helped Amanda build a thriving 98% referral-based real estate business in the Fox Cities area of Wisconsin.

Amanda’s Handwritten Note Strategy

Amanda’s system is deceptively simple:

1. Look for “Pain, Pleasure, and Celebration”

“If I’m struggling to find five [people to write], I go to social media and I look for pain, pleasure, and celebration and I just write people.”

2. Keep it Personal, Not Promotional

No logos. No listings. Just connection.

“I have cards for losing a pet, celebratory cards, welcoming

How Amanda Furman Became the Mayor of Her Market

Amanda Furman doesn’t chase leads. She doesn’t cold call. She doesn’t buy billboards.

98% of her business comes through referrals.

But it’s not magic—it’s a method.

In this episode of Outside the Box, Amanda walks us through how she built a nearly all-referral business by becoming the go-to name in her neighborhood—not with hard sells, but with heart.

Step One: Show Up Like You’re on the Ballot

Amanda isn’t just active in her community—she’s visible. She volunteers, sits on local boards, supports school fundraisers, and shows up at the farmers market.

She didn’t force it. She started with the groups her family was already involved with—and built from there. It’s what makes it sustainable and authentic.

Step Two: Be Present, Personal, and Proactive

In

How Pamela Bull Uses WOW Moments to Create Referral Magic

There are a lot of ways to give BizBoxes.

But in our conversation with veteran Realtor Pamela Bull, she shared one approach that sets her apart: she doesn’t ask if her clients need moving boxes. She just sends them.

And that surprise? It creates the kind of client experience people talk about.

It’s Not About the Boxes—It’s About the Surprise

Pamela doesn’t send boxes just for convenience. She sends them to create a feeling.

By skipping the question and leading with generosity, she transforms a branded moving box into something far more powerful: a moment of care.

And when those boxes arrive? Clients call. They text. They thank her.

This moment of surprise becomes more than

Loving On Your People: How Pamela Bull Built an 85% Referral Business

Everyone in real estate talks about “great service.” But when Pamela Bull said it on the podcast, it didn’t sound like a buzzword—it sounded like a promise.

That mindset has helped Pamela generate 85% of her business through referrals. Not with funnels or follow-up sequences. But through consistent care, genuine relationships, and thoughtful gestures that speak louder than any campaign ever could.

A Care Strategy—Not a CRM Strategy

Pamela’s approach isn’t about flashy ads or automation. She’s focused on one thing: staying in touch.

Her routine is refreshingly personal:

• She delivers homemade cookies at closings and for pop-bys.
• She sends BizBoxes to clients without even telling them in advance.
• She hosts an annual Thanksgiving pie giveaway

How Greg Anderson Turns Clients into Lifelong Referrals

Most Realtors fade from their clients’ lives once the deal is done. Not Greg Anderson.

He’s built a referral-driven business by showing up—year after year—with personal touches, thoughtful services, and creative follow-up events that genuinely serve his clients. As Greg puts it, “I treat them as trusted friends… even the ones who aren’t warm and fuzzy—I stay in their life like a friend.”

7 Ways Greg Builds Relationships that Keep Referring

1. Home Anniversary Cards

Yes, every year. Greg sends a personalized card to celebrate each client’s home purchase anniversary. It’s simple, thoughtful, and creates an annual moment of reconnection.

2. Thanksgiving Pie Parties

Greg and his team host an epic pie giveaway in a decorated

How 700 Pies and a Bank Vault Created the Ultimate Thanksgiving Client Event

What if your next referral didn’t come from a postcard—but from a pumpkin pie?

Every Thanksgiving, veteran Realtor Greg Anderson helps transform an old bank vault into the most buzzed-about pie pickup spot in town. With over 700 pies, apple cider, music, and a warm “welcome back” for every guest, his client appreciation event has become a beloved tradition that keeps referrals rolling year after year.

As Greg says, “It’s a team event and then it’s an individual event because once the party starts... it’s the power of leveraging... so that the overall outcome is beneficial to all.”

Step 1: Start Planning Early

Greg begins organizing his pie giveaway in early October. He locks in the date, the venue, and his Costco pie order well ahead of time. That early prep prevents last-minute stress and ensures a smooth, welcoming experience.

“Our whole office gave out over 700 pies,” Greg shared. “It’s like the place to be.”

Why Good Service Isn’t Good Enough: Lessons from Kelley Decowski on Earning Referrals That Last

What does it really take to turn a one-time client into a lifelong referral source? For Kelley Decowski, the answer is simple—but not easy: great service. Not good. Not okay. Great.

In Episode #6 of the Outside the Box podcast, Kelley breaks down exactly what that kind of service looks like—and why it matters more than ever in today’s competitive real estate market.

The Power of Experience: Why It’s Not About Perfection

Kelley doesn’t just aim for satisfied clients. She designs her entire client journey around one goal: creating an amazing experience that clients want to talk about.

Overcoming Shiny Object Syndrome: Why Kelley Decowski Doubled Down on Consistency

In a world full of real estate tools, CRMs, templates, and trends, it’s easy to feel like you’re always one app behind. But Kelley Decowski doesn’t chase the next big thing. She doubled down on what actually works: handwritten notes, personal calls, and staying visible to the people who already know and trust her.

The Simplicity of a Proven System

Kelley has used the same CRM for over a decade—Referral Maker. Not because it's flashy, but because it’s focused. It supports the exact actions she knows generate repeat and referral business: handwritten notes, regular calls, and monthly value-driven touchpoints.

The Secret? Rhythmic, Reliable

The Sweetest Referral Strategy: Why Tim Langhauser Sends Brownies to Kids

What if the key to building a powerful referral-based business wasn’t just great service or clever marketing… but birthday brownies?

In Episode #5 of Outside the Box, Tim Langhauser shares the thoughtful, personal touches behind his wildly successful real estate business. At the heart of it all? A simple philosophy:

Tim doesn’t wait for referrals to happen. He creates them—through intentional systems, meaningful gifts, and staying top of mind with the people who matter most.

Why Kid-Focused Gifts Make a Big Impact

Tim and his wife run Compass Home Group in Maryland. Early in their careers, they made a decision: they weren’t just going to sell homes—they were going to build community.

Instead of focusing on transactions, they built systems to stay connected with