You know what I’ve learned in my 21+ years in this business? The agents and brokers who truly THRIVE aren’t just the ones with the best listings or the slickest marketing (though those help!). They’re the ones who’ve built an incredible support network around them: a dream team of mentors, collaborators, and cheerleaders who lift them up, push them forward, and help them navigate every twist and turn this industry throws at us.
Let me share something with you: when I started McQuaid & Company with just $17,000 and a whole lot of hope, I didn’t make it through those “cereal dinner” moments alone. My network, from my incredible mentor Barbara Corcoran to the vendor relationships I’d cultivated, literally kept my doors open and my dreams alive.
Why Your Network is Your Net Worth (And Your Sanity!)
According to the National Association of Realtors, 84% of sellers found their agent through a referral or had used them before. That’s not coincidence; that’s the power of relationships at work!
But here’s what most people don’t talk about: your business support network isn’t just about getting more business (though that’s fantastic). It’s about:
- Combating the isolation that can eat away at solo agents
- Accessing wisdom that prevents costly mistakes
- Finding encouragement during those inevitable tough times
- Discovering opportunities you never would have found alone
Think of it this way: real estate can feel like you’re on a roller coaster sometimes. Wouldn’t you rather have a whole crew riding alongside you, sharing the ups and downs?
Networking: Your Growth Engine (Not Your Necessary Evil!)
I know, I know. Some of you are thinking, “Tiffany, I hate networking events. All that small talk and business card shuffling…”
But what if I told you networking doesn’t have to feel like a root canal? Here’s how to make it actually FUN and effective:
Show Up With Intention
Don’t just attend events; engage with purpose. Research shows that professionals who network effectively are five times more likely to be high performers. Before you walk into that next conference or mixer, ask yourself:
- Am I looking for potential clients?
- Do I need service provider partners?
- Am I seeking mentorship or wanting to mentor others?
Join the Right Tribe
- Professional associations like your local REALTOR® board or YPN (Young Professionals Network) events
- Industry-specific groups where you can dive deep into market trends
- Community organizations where you can build local credibility
Here’s a secret from my playbook: I’ve gotten some of my best referrals from completely unexpected places, like the parents I met at my dance recitals or neighbors I connected with while walking Penny!
Master the Digital Dance
LinkedIn isn’t just for corporate folks. Real estate professionals who actively use social media generate 36% more referrals. But here’s the key: be authentically YOU. Share your wins, your challenges, your “Tiffany epiphanies.” People connect with real humans, not perfect sales machines.
Building Relationships That Actually Last
Listen, anybody can collect business cards. But building relationships that truly support your business? That’s where the magic happens.
Your Extended Real Estate Family
Your network should include more than just other agents. Think bigger:
- Mortgage lenders who can pre-qualify your buyers
- Home inspectors who save deals with their expertise
- Contractors who can estimate repair costs on the spot
- Title companies that make closings smooth
- Photographers who make your listings shine
According to industry research, agents with strong vendor relationships close 23% more transactions.
The Golden Rule of Networking: Give First
Before you ask for anything, ask yourself: “What can I offer?” Maybe it’s:
- Referring business to others
- Sharing market insights
- Connecting two people who should know each other
- Offering your expertise to help someone solve a problem
I’ve found that when you approach relationships with a giving heart, the universe has a funny way of giving back to you tenfold.
The Mentorship Magic That Changes Everything
Can we talk about mentorship for a hot minute? Because this might be the most important part of your support network.
Finding Your Real Estate Yoda
A great mentor doesn’t just teach you the business; they help you avoid the landmines they’ve already stepped on. Research from the Harvard Business Review shows that professionals with mentors are promoted five times more often than those without.
When Barbara Corcoran took me under her wing, she didn’t just give me business advice. She gave me permission to be boldly, authentically myself. She taught me that the value in my business was ME, and that changed everything.
Being a Mentor Changes You Too
Here’s something beautiful: when you mentor others, you grow too. 71% of Fortune 500 companies have mentoring programs because they’ve figured out that mentoring develops leadership skills and keeps you connected to fresh perspectives.
Some of my proudest moments have been watching agents I’ve mentored build their own thriving businesses. Like Nicholas, who started with me at 15 and is now our Vice President of Operations!
Your Action Plan for Network Building
Ready to build your dream team? Here’s your playbook:
Week 1: Audit Your Current Network
- List everyone who currently supports your business
- Identify gaps (Do you need a reliable contractor? A mortgage broker who actually returns calls?)
- Set goals for who you want to meet
Week 2: Get Out There
- Register for one industry event this month
- Join one new professional group
- Reach out to three people in your existing network just to check in
Week 3: Give Before You Get
- Make three referrals to people in your network
- Share valuable content on social media
- Offer to help someone with a challenge they’re facing
Week 4: Follow Up Like a Pro
- Send thank-you notes to new connections
- Schedule coffee meetings with promising relationships
- Plan your own networking event (even if it’s just a casual “lunch and learn”)
The Real Talk About Network Building
Look, I’m going to be honest with you. Building a strong support network takes time, energy, and yes, sometimes it means putting yourself out there when you’d rather stay home in your pajamas binge-watching Netflix.
But here’s what I know for sure: every successful real estate professional I know, every single one, has invested in relationships. They’ve understood that in this business of helping people with their biggest life decisions, it truly takes a village.
Your network isn’t just about building your business (though it absolutely will). It’s about building a career you love, surrounded by people who believe in you, support you, and help you become the best version of yourself.
Your Network is Your Net Worth, And So Much More
As I always say, “If we can believe in something great, we can achieve something great.” But you know what makes believing easier? Having a whole team of people who believe in you too.
So here’s my challenge to you: This week, reach out to one person who has made a difference in your career and say thank you. Then, find one person you can help and offer your support.
Watch what happens when you start building your business with relationships at its heart. I promise you, the magic that unfolds will take your breath away.
Remember, in real estate and in life, we rise by lifting others. So let’s build those networks, nurture those relationships, and create the kind of support system that doesn’t just help us survive in this business, but helps us absolutely THRIVE.
Here’s to your success, your relationships, and your unstoppable future!
P.S. If you’re ready to take your real estate business to the INth Degree, I’d love to connect! Find me at TiffanyMcQuaid.com or follow along on social media. Let’s build something amazing together!
