329: Real Estate Is Just Making Friends (Then Following Up)
Release Date: 11/24/2025
Hustle Humbly Podcast
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It's a new year, and with that comes a tidal wave of motivation, new planners, gym memberships—and a lot of Realtors about to throw out their entire business in the name of “starting fresh.” 😬 This episode is your permission slip to *not* join the “Real Estate Gym” of shiny tools, overhauls, and burnout waiting to happen. We’re talking about the very real trap of doing *too much too fast* in January—new CRM, new lead gen, new branding, new content plan—and why it never sticks. Instead, we walk you through how to build real momentum by focusing on...
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It’s happened to all of us at some point—your cousin, college roommate, or neighbor posts that they just bought or sold a house… but you weren’t the agent. Ouch. If you’ve ever wondered how to handle it when a friend or family member uses someone else, this replay of one of our most-loved episodes has the clarity and pep talk you need. Originally aired as Episode 165, this candid conversation dives deep into the reality of *working with friends and family in real estate*. From professional boundaries to emotional resilience, we share our personal stories—rejections...
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The truth is: buying or selling a house can feel like a full-blown identity crisis. Realtors know it, clients feel it, and now we have a licensed therapist here to explain *why* it all gets so emotionally messy. In this episode we welcome Katy’s former client and current number one referrer, Mary Ruiz, LPC. She’s not just a real estate success story — she’s now a licensed professional counselor (and a great one at that). We chat about the mental health rollercoaster that often comes with real estate: from renovations and relocations to the unexpected triggers that show up when...
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Meet Kim — a top-producing agent, team leader, and mom — who did the *unthinkable*: she took a vacation without her phone. Twice. Kim Lafleur is a Louisiana Realtor with over 655 homes sold and $121M+ in career volume. Ranked in the top 10 out of 1,900 agents in her market, Kim is known for her client-focused approach, leadership, and ability to guide families through big life moves with care and strategy. In this candid and inspiring chat, Kim joins Katy and Alissa to share what led her to surrender her phone (literally at the airport), how she prepped her business and team...
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Ever been blindsided by a cancellation that just didn’t make sense? This week we’re sharing a raw, real story about a transaction that went sideways—only to come full circle weeks(and $15,000) later. In this episode, Alissa opens up about a recent experience with a buyer who backed out of a deal unexpectedly. What followed was a perfect storm of assumptions, zero communication, and a text message that dropped a cancellation bomb—with no phone call to discuss it first. We’re diving deep into the best practices & etiquette for Real Estate Cancellations: when you should call instead...
info_outlineWhen we say “digital database,” we *don’t* mean your phone contacts or your Facebook friends list… but those people? They’re part of the journey.
This episode is a mindset-reset and practical guide to growing your sphere the natural way—through actual conversations, genuine connections, and organic follow-up. Katy and Alissa are breaking down what it really looks like to be intentional with every person you meet, without overthinking it or trying to “convert” someone into a lead the moment they shake your hand.
From pumpkin patch meet-ups to casual gym chats and birthday parties, Alissa shares real-life examples of how simple social connections (and friendly follow-up) have grown her business over time. No gimmicks, no pressure, just being present, paying attention, and taking the next logical step.
If you’ve ever felt weird about friending someone you met last week or wondered if you “should” reach out again, this is your permission slip to stop overcomplicating it.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
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What the “digital database” really is (and what it’s not)
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How to follow up with people you meet *without being salesy*
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Real-life examples from school field trips, birthday parties & the gym
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The importance of timing when adding new connections online
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How to clean up your social media to support your business
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What to say (and not say) when you're reconnecting online
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The birthday method for engaging your sphere meaningfully
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How to grow your database when you’re new or need more people
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Why being intentional > chasing leads
Key Quotes & Takeaways
“Being intentional isn’t creepy; it’s the beginning of connection.” Alissa
“The second you meet someone, take the next step. Don’t wait three months, that’s when it gets weird.” Katy
“We’re not stalking. We’re making friends. That’s literally the job.” Alissa
“The digital clutter in your sphere might be hiding the people who actually matter.” Katy
“Send the friend request. Comment on the post. Show up like the nice, normal human you are.” Alissa
Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned:
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Build Your Own Business: http://hustlehumblypodcast.com/byob
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Free Database Template: http://hustlehumblypodcast.com/starthere
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Email Templates 101: http://emailtemplates101.com