Quit Hiding—Go Build Relationships

Quit Hiding Behind Your Screen—Go Build Relationships
One of the best pieces of advice Justin ever received in his real estate career came from a seasoned agent during his conversation with Rachelle Peters on the Outside the Box podcast. This Realtor, who had been in the business for years, told him that the biggest mistake agents make is thinking their next deal is sitting in their inbox. The truth? Business doesn’t happen behind a screen—it happens in the real world, through conversations and relationships.
You’re not going to grow your business sitting behind a computer all day. The best real estate opportunities don’t come from emails, spreadsheets, or social media—they come from face-to-face conversations with real people. If you’re feeling stuck or like business has slowed down, the answer isn’t another CRM update or social media post. The answer is getting out and being social.
Real Estate Happens in the Real World
When was the last time you worked from a coffee shop instead of your office? Or grabbed lunch with a past client just to catch up? How about meeting up with a friend who always seems to know someone looking to buy or sell? Relationships are the lifeblood of this business, but they don’t grow if you’re hiding behind a screen.
Every time you show up—whether at a networking event, a happy hour, or just a casual meet-up with someone—you’re giving yourself a chance to be remembered when real estate comes up in conversation. The more present and engaged you are, the more opportunities come your way.
How to Get Out & Build Your Network
- Host a Client Appreciation Event: Plan a simple happy hour, coffee meetup, or casual gathering where you can reconnect with past clients and their networks.
- Work Outside Your Office: Try working from a local coffee shop or shared workspace where you might run into people in your community.
- Attend Local Events: Whether it’s a Chamber of Commerce meeting, a charity event, or a neighborhood block party, showing up is half the battle.
- Schedule Weekly Meetups: Block time on your calendar every week for coffee, lunch, or happy hour with a past client, referral partner, or industry connection.
- Leverage Your Social Circle: Your friends, family, and acquaintances know people who need a Realtor. Stay engaged and be the go-to resource when real estate comes up.
Your Next Deal Isn’t in Your Inbox—It’s in Your Relationships
So quit hiding. Make plans this week. Text a client and invite them for coffee. Set up lunch with a past buyer. Go to an event where you’ll meet new people. Your next deal isn’t in your inbox—it’s in the relationships you build.
Want More Strategies to Grow Your SOI?
In Episode #1 of Outside the Box, Rachelle Peters shares how top agents consistently grow their business by focusing on relationships, not just transactions. Learn how to make meaningful connections that drive long-term success.
And when it comes to staying top of mind, small touches matter. A thoughtful follow-up, like a well-timed closing gift, can reinforce your brand long after the sale. Many top Realtors use branded moving boxes or custom moving boxes to add a personal touch that keeps them front and center in their clients’ minds.