Ever wonder what one of the most important tools in a successful realtor’s toolbox is?

Let me tell you—it’s not a fancy CRM, it’s not the best listing presentation, and it’s not the latest lead gen strategy. It’s your people. Your go-to army. The referral partners and pros you can call on at any time and say, “Hey, I’ve got an idea—or I’ve got an issue.”

The Real Team Behind the Scenes

Now, I’m not talking about a big team of agents under your name. I’m talking about a network. A trusted group of experts and collaborators—plumbers, lenders, attorneys, insurance agents, you name it—who help you serve your clients like a pro.

I built mine through BNI (Business Network International). Since 2008, I’ve been part of a chapter in the Lake Norman area of North Carolina. It wasn’t easy to get in, but it changed the game for me. One seat per profession—just one realtor, one lender, one home inspector. And every single one of them became part of my army.

These aren’t just vendors. They’re referral partners. Business builders. People who want to see you succeed just as much as they want to succeed themselves.

Why It Matters More Than Ever

You never know when you’ll need to pick up the phone on a Saturday afternoon and say, “I need a pre-qual letter—can you make it happen?” You want someone on the other end who’ll say “Yes” without hesitation.

Or maybe you need a quick call with a trusted attorney like Thomas from my chapter. No invoice for a simple chat—just guidance. If it’s something more involved, he’ll tell me up front and charge fairly. It’s not about discounts. It’s about professional respect and mutual support.

This network—my army—makes it possible for me to be the “I got a guy” person. And that’s exactly who you want to be in your clients’ lives too.

Think Bigger. Think Global.

Now let’s take it up a notch. Because I’m not just talking about your local connections—I’m talking global.

I recently connected with Claire Wheatley, a currency exchange pro who lives in Portugal but operates out of England. We met on LinkedIn. That one connection opened my eyes even wider. If I’m helping clients with international deals (and I am), I need experts in currency exchange. That’s the kind of global partner who makes a difference.

It reminded me just how critical this is if you want to really grow. And thanks to eXp Realty, I now have the ability to create partnerships around the world. We’re one company across 25 countries. Not a franchise. Not loosely tied offices. One company. One culture. One army.

Building a Referral System That Works

Years ago, I used SendOut Cards to highlight my top vendors—one per month. I wasn’t getting paid. I just wanted my clients to know who I trusted. That kind of visibility pays off. Over time, those cards led to more referrals, more relationships, and a stronger presence in the community.

These are systems you can—and should—put in place to stay top of mind. Because when people think, “I need a roofer,” or “I need a realtor,” you want them to think of you. Not someone they just saw online last week.

The Future of Real Estate Is Connected

If you’re just working your local area without building that network… you’re going to hit a wall. Technology moves fast. Clients expect more. And the world is more connected than ever.

Build your army. Think global. Stay visible—especially on video. And keep showing up, because your people need you.

And hey, if you haven’t looked into eXp yet—or even if you have—let's connect for a strategy call. I’d love to tell you more about what it’s done for my business and how it might fit into your future too.

Let’s keep leveling up—together.

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