Each week, I look for inspiration in all kinds of places—conversations with agents, things I see online, and yes, even emails I get in my inbox. One of my favorite regular reads is the weekly email from Michael Montgomery over at Rev Real Estate School (https://www.revrealestateschool.com). His practical, no-nonsense approach to agent life always seems to spark a new idea or two. (Go there, scroll down and sign up for his weekly email.  You won’t get spammed, you’ll get good info and you can thank me later)

This week, I took things a step further. I fed Michael’s latest email into ChatGPT (yep, I use it too!) and asked it to help me expand on some of the ideas he shared. The result? This blog post—packed with insights that can help you build deeper connections, create more momentum, and become the kind of agent people remember and refer.

There are two big takeaways here. First, content ideas are everywhere—you just need to keep your eyes open and have the right tools to bring those ideas to life. Second, the wisdom that follows is practical, relevant, and ready to use. Don’t just read it. Apply it.

I’ve got three pieces of wisdom for you today.

1. Stop Asking Where to Find Leads—Start Asking Where to Find More Friends

Let’s start with the question that never seems to go away:

“Where do I find leads?”

It’s the most common question I hear, whether I’m talking to a brand-new licensee or a 20-year veteran going through a slow spell. And hey—it’s an understandable question. But here’s the thing:

It’s also the wrong question.

Because “leads” are just names. Cold contacts. Data entries in a CRM. Leads don’t call you back, they don’t refer you, and they definitely don’t feel loyal to you.

But friends? Friends do all of that.

So here’s your new mantra:
Lead generation = friend generation.

Start looking for ways to connect with people as a human being first. Real estate second.

The Friendship Funnel

• • Be Present
  • Be Curious
  • Be Helpful
  • Be Memorable

When you operate from this mindset, people don’t see you as “a real estate agent.” They see you as their real estate agent.

2. Make Hard Tasks 10% More Enjoyable

Let’s switch gears. Because even when you’re making friends and generating referrals, the business still requires good old-fashioned work.

And sometimes? That work is just not fun.

Here’s a trick I’ve used (and coached agents to use) that can turn things around:

Ask yourself: How can I make this 10% more enjoyable?

Make the Dull Stuff a Little More Fun

• • Follow-Up Calls: Put on upbeat music. Use a script. Race the clock.
  • CRM Updates: Turn it into a game. Light a candle. Reward yourself.
  • Paperwork: Batch it. Use a checklist. Create a ritual.
  • Prospecting: Reframe it. Stand while calling. Celebrate micro-wins.

The goal isn’t to love these tasks. It’s to make them tolerable—even a little fun. That’s what leads to consistency. And consistency builds your business.

3. Don’t Just Communicate—Overcommunicate

Now, let’s talk about what might be the most underrated skill in all of real estate:

Communication.

And not just communication—overcommunication.

Here’s a sobering truth:
The #1 reason agents get fired is not poor results. It’s poor communication.

Clients can deal with delays, hiccups, or even deals that fall through. What they can’t deal with is radio silence.

Overcommunication = Confidence

– Set expectations early
– Use multiple channels
– Even “no update” is an update
– Celebrate small wins
– Follow up even after closing

You don’t need to be flashy or charismatic. You just need to be reliable and visible.

When you overcommunicate, clients don’t just trust you—they remember you. And trust + memory = referrals.

Final Thoughts: Three Simple Shifts That Change Everything

Let’s recap the three pieces of wisdom from this week’s post:

1. Shift your mindset from lead generation to friend generation.
2. Find small ways to make hard tasks more enjoyable.
3. Make overcommunication your superpower.

So here’s my challenge to you: Pick one of these ideas and run with it this week. Not next month. Not “when things slow down.” Now.

Because success in real estate doesn’t come from giant leaps—it comes from steady, thoughtful steps forward.

And if one of those steps involves using tools like ChatGPT to take inspiration and turn it into action? Even better.

Let’s get to work.