We all have a network of people we know — and the agents who run their businesses like a business are the ones who build success by leveraging those networks. If you’re already thinking, “Carrie, my friends, family, and people I know… it’s a small list,” give me a few minutes. I have a strategy for you too.
What if you actually worked with your SOI — your sphere of influence — your network, and the people you already know? Trust and believe, this is a debate Marc and I have often. Not every agent really wants to work. But if you talk to an agent who consistently produces every week, month, quarter, and year, you’ll find they work a system — and they work the people they know.
Here’s the truth: I didn’t leverage my network well when I first got licensed, but I did work with the people I already knew. They were the ones who got me started in my real estate journey. In my first 90 days, I closed one deal a month — while raising two kids and pregnant. The key was simple: I made a decision to do the work, and I had a clear goal. I wanted to pay off debt that first year and help people get into homes who didn’t know they could purchase. I had a story, a goal, grit, motivation, and a reason — because I wanted to be available for my kids. Nothing works unless you have a goal, a strategy, a plan, and a reason for doing what you do.
Your network matters because it is how you build your business. Your network matters because it builds trust and credibility. Your personal network matters because they already know you — and yes, that can be a plus or a negative. We’re focusing on the plus! Everyone’s network is different — small, medium, or large. The question is: How can you leverage your network?
Here’s what you can start doing right now:
- Take a few minutes a day to update your network list. Who do you know? Who can you add?
- Set up a system to connect. How are you willing to show up? I send handwritten notes, emails, market updates, and I post on social. In 2026, we’re revamping our entire connection process.
- Social media is a bonus. I talk to agents who close more deals from their networks than from posting. But yes — you can build a business with social. One agent’s daughter closed 19 deals at age 23 using social media alone. It all works if you work.
- Stop waiting for business to come to you. If I could see what you do all day, I could predict your success (or lack of it). Think of a farmer: plant in the spring, harvest in the fall.
- Ask yourself what you’ll do differently next year to work your sphere. I’m hosting a masterclass — keep watching.
- Be willing to host events. I’ll be hosting in-person Coffee with Carrie talks in 2026.
- Touch five people a day in your network — text, call, or email. Make it personal.
- Post on social and talk to your network like you talk on FaceTime. Make it human.
- Track what you do. Keep your CRM or spreadsheet updated.
- Follow up consistently and provide real value.
If you’re in the membership, just know that every month includes a network, social media, and AI component. January and February are all about buyers, and if you join now, you’ll get access to the December class.
Let’s be real: every agent swears their network is “tiny.” Meanwhile, agents who run their businesses like a business are quietly closing deals with the people they already know. Your SOI is your untapped goldmine — but only if you actually work it.
I wasn’t perfect when I got licensed either. I didn’t leverage my network well, but I did start with the people who trusted me. And that alone got me closing a deal a month — pregnant — with two kids. Why? Because I had grit, a goal, and zero time to play around. When you have a reason, the work gets done.
Your network builds trust, credibility, and momentum. Even if they know “old you,” use that to your advantage. Every sphere is workable — small, medium, or large — if you decide to work it.
Bottom line:
- Build your network list daily.
- Create a real connection system.
- Remember: relationships close more deals than reels.
- Stop waiting for business — farmers plant before they harvest.
- Touch five people a day.
- Show up human on social.
- Track everything and follow up.
- Bring value, not noise.
Masterclasses are coming. In-person Coffee with Carrie events are coming. And membership includes monthly strategies for networking, social media, and AI.
Use coupon code blackfriday2026 through December 31, 2025 to get a special discount:
👉 The Agent Journey Membership: https://smartgirlmedia.kartra.com/page/agent-journey-2026
And if you’re not already hanging out with me online, come say hi:
- 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carriejolittle
- 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carriejolittle/
- ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CarrieJLittle
Now go touch your five people for the day. Your future closings are waiting on the other side of those conversations.
