VIDEO BLOG
Success in business isn’t always about finding the newest strategy, technology, or marketing tactic. Sometimes, it comes down to getting the fundamentals right.
Recently, I was reminded of three simple lessons that can have a major impact on your business and your life: protect your reputation, grow your network, and don’t be afraid to fail.
I’m currently selling a property in Chicago, and several buyer’s agents have mentioned another agent who frequently lists properties in the area. Their feedback was eye-opening: they don’t like showing that agent’s listings.
Think about that.
Your reputation with other professionals can directly impact your clients.
In real estate, it’s easy to think our only responsibility is to our buyers and sellers. But how we treat other agents matters, too. Are you cooperative? Are you professional? Do you communicate? Do people enjoy working with you—or dread seeing your name attached to a listing?
Put your ego aside. Be positive. Treat other agents with respect.
At the end of the day, do what’s best for your clients.
Your reputation takes years to build, and every interaction either strengthens it or weakens it.
I recorded this message while attending an annual charity golf outing. Yes, I was there to play golf and support a great cause—but I was also there to build relationships.
There’s a lesson in that:
Sometimes you have to go where the money is.
That doesn't mean walking into an event and immediately trying to sell something. It means intentionally putting yourself in environments where successful, connected, and like-minded people gather.
Attend charity events. Get involved with nonprofits. Join organizations. Go to community events. Have more conversations.
But remember that effective networking isn't simply collecting contacts. Strong networks are built by developing genuine relationships and trust over time—a principle supported by research on entrepreneurial networking and business performance.
Also, pay attention to the people already around you.
Who are your Fab Five—the five people you spend the most time with?
Your circle influences your standards, mindset, conversations, and ultimately your opportunities.
If you want to grow your business, start growing—and strengthening—your network.
My nephew Braden recently made his high school golf team as a senior.
What makes that special?
He tried out as a junior and got cut.
It would have been easy for him to say, “I wasn't good enough last year, so why embarrass myself by trying again?”
Instead, he worked hard, came back, tried again—and made the team.
That’s determination.
Too many people allow their fear of failure to prevent them from ever trying.
Think of it like baseball. Some people are so worried about striking out, getting hit by a pitch, or wondering what people will think that they never step into the batter’s box.
You can't hit a home run from the dugout.
I don't like failing. Nobody does. But failure can teach you something if you're willing to learn from it. Research on entrepreneurship similarly identifies persistence as important to both venture success and personal growth.
Take the shot. Make the call. Attend the event. Go after the listing. Try something you've never done before.
Get comfortable being uncomfortable.
If you remember nothing else, remember these three things:
Your reputation follows you. Treat people well and protect your name.
Grow your network and your net worth will grow. Put yourself around people who challenge you and create opportunities.
Don't be afraid to fail. Step outside your comfort zone, learn from setbacks, and keep moving forward.
Business is rarely changed by one massive decision.
More often, it's the small things you consistently do—how you treat people, who you surround yourself with, and whether you're willing to keep stepping into the batter's box—that ultimately determine where you end up.
Protect your reputation. Expand your network. Embrace failure.
Those three reminders might just change your business.
