Stop Networking. Start Building a Community.

Full Transcript:

If you work in real estate, construction, property management, or any field connected to California’s housing industry, then you already know that relationships are everything.

You’ve probably heard that networking is essential to growing your business. But let’s be real — most networking feels shallow, performative, or like a waste of time.

If that’s been your experience, you’re not alone.

In this video, we’re going to talk about why traditional networking often falls flat — and what to do instead. I’ll share a mindset shift that’s been a game-changer for me and for a lot of professionals I work with across the housing industry.

This isn’t about cold calling or handing out more business cards. This isn’t about adding 500 random people on LinkedIn or sending DMs to strangers. This is about building something deeper — a professional community that actually supports your growth.

But before we dive into the “how,” let’s get clear on why traditional networking often feels unproductive.

Networking has changed a lot with technology — but the goal has stayed mostly the same: get in front of people who might help you grow your business.

Back in the day, networking happened naturally — on job sites, at events, over lunch, at the hardware store. You’d talk about what you do and explore how you might help each other. It was organic and real.

Now, we’ve got platforms, tools, contact lists, and AI to scale everything — and that’s not all bad. But let’s be honest: more access doesn’t equal more connection. You could have the contact info for thousands of industry pros. But if none of them know you, trust you, or even remember how you connected, what’s the point?

Here’s a quick story from my own experience:

I’ve got about 1,000 connections on LinkedIn. Most of them are in the California housing industry — agents, brokers, lenders, contractors, appraisers, lawyers, title reps, property managers — people I could theoretically work with every day.

But out of those 1,000 connections, I’ve probably had a real, meaningful conversation with maybe ten. And I’ve only actually partnered on projects with two of them.

So, sure — the numbers look good. But my calendar and my income didn’t see much of a difference from those online connections. Because they weren’t real relationships.

And that, to me, is the core difference between networking and community.

Networking gives you reach. Community gives you results.

Networking gives you visibility. Community gives you resources.

A professional community is a group of people who know each other, trust each other, and actively support each other’s success. They don’t just share posts — they share leads. They don’t just “like” your work — they recommend you to their clients. They don’t just know your name — they know your standards.

Think about your personal life. What’s better — having a bunch of casual friends, or a few ride-or-die, call-you-when-it-matters kind of friends? Most people would say the latter. But the truth is, it’s best to have both.

Casual friends can bring variety, fun, and fresh connections. But close, trusted relationships are where the real value lives.

It works the same way in business. You want visibility and connection — but you also need depth and trust. And when you have both — a wide circle that knows your name, and a tight circle that knows your work — your business doesn’t just grow, it multiplies.

That’s what we’re building inside the California Housing Collective — a professional community built on trust, collaboration, and shared momentum. I’ll share more about that in a minute.

So let’s say this resonates with you — how do you actually start building that kind of community?

Here’s where I recommend starting: Start with the people you already know.

Your phone is full of names — people who know people — and each of them has a network of their own. But how you reach out matters. Here’s what doesn’t work: mass texts, vague DMs, or copying and pasting generic invites.

What does work? Real conversations. One person at a time.

Here’s how to make those conversations count:

Tip #1: Be human first.

Ask about them. Listen. Care. This isn’t a sales call. It’s a relationship check-in. Most of these chats won’t turn into business — and that’s okay. When you treat people like people, they remember you for it.

Tip #2: Be honest about your intentions.

If you haven’t spoken in a while, just say: “I wanted to catch up for a bit and then run something by you if you’ve got a few minutes.” Clear. Simple. Respectful.

Tip #3: Don’t pitch — connect.

Don’t sell your friends. Don’t corner people. Instead, say something like: “Hey, as you know, I’ve been in property management for a while now. I get asked all the time if I know a good contractor. Do you know anyone local who might be a fit?” This makes it about helping others — not helping yourself. And ironically, that’s what gets people to help you.

And finally: Keep an open mind.

Some conversations might lead nowhere… or at least not right away. But people have a funny way of remembering you months later. You might get a referral from someone you barely spoke to — all because you made a real, human connection.

Here’s the last thing I’ll leave you with: It only takes one.

One real relationship can unlock a whole new level of opportunity — new clients, new projects, new momentum. So, you don’t need to know everyone. You just need to build trust with the right people.

And yes, those relationships can grow your business — but even more importantly, they can make your work more meaningful and more fun.

It’s time to stop chasing quantity and start cultivating quality.

It’s time to stop collecting contacts and start building community.

If you’re looking for a shortcut — a place where those kinds of connections already exist — we’d love to have you join the California Housing Collective. This is a community made up of people like you — professionals who are good at what they do and want to surround themselves with others who are serious, collaborative, and committed to growing together.

We’re launching our official member space soon, and we’re opening spots for a small group to join early.

Click the link in the description, join the waitlist, and we’ll be in touch.

Until then — keep learning, keep building, and keep connecting.

Thanks for watching — and I’ll see you in the next one.