289: How Small Talk Can Grow Your Business

02/17/25 • 33 min

Love it or hate it, small talk is a must in real estate (and in life!). But what if we told you small talk isn’t just pointless chatter—it’s actually building blocks for trust and relationships? Yep, those seemingly minor conversations about the weather, local restaurants, or even a compliment on someone’s shoes can be the thing that helps you connect with a future client.

In this episode, we’re diving into why small talk matters, how to make it easier (even if you’re an introvert), and real-life ways to use it to grow your business. We’re covering:

How small talk actually improves happiness, mood, and overall well-being (science says so!)
Why small talk is essential for networking, open houses, and client relationships
What to say when you don’t know what to say (real scripts & conversation starters!)
The one phrase that keeps people talking
Why “going first” in a conversation can transform your business and life

If you’ve ever felt awkward making small talk or wished you had an easy way to connect with potential clients, this episode is for you. By the end, you’ll feel ready to talk to anyone—without the weirdness.

Key Quotes & Takeaways

💡 “Small talk is the foundation for trust. One conversation doesn’t make a huge difference, but over time, those small exchanges add up.” – Katy

💡 “Being warm and approachable is a skill. If you practice it, it becomes a way of life.” – Katy (quoting Mel Robbins)

💡 “If you go to a networking event but don’t talk to anyone, you may as well have stayed home.” – Alissa

💡 “People love to talk about themselves. Ask questions, be curious, and let them talk!” – Alissa

💡 “The warmth you offer others always finds its way back to you.” – Katy

Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned

Let Them by Mel Robbins (book recommendation)
Open house strategies & scripts from past episodes
Article mentioned in episode: https://search.app/tQKr5ueMjSmHMBdG6

Leave us a review at ratethispodcast.com/hustlehumbly

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Agent Systems 101: agentsystems101.com

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Submit your topic ideas and toasts to [email protected]

In this episode, we’re diving into why small talk matters, how to make it easier (even if you’re an introvert), and real-life ways to use it to grow your business. We’re covering:

How small talk actually improves happiness, mood, and overall well-being (science says so!)
Why small talk is essential for networking, open houses, and client relationships
What to say when you don’t know what to say (real scripts & conversation starters!)
The one phrase that keeps people talking
Why “going first” in a conversation can transform your business and life

Key Quotes & Takeaways

💡 “Small talk is the foundation for trust. One conversation doesn’t make a huge difference, but over time, those small exchanges add up.” – Katy

💡 “Being warm and approachable is a skill. If you practice it, it becomes a way of life.” – Katy (quoting Mel Robbins)

💡 “If you go to a networking event but don’t talk to anyone, you may as well have stayed home.” – Alissa

💡 “People love to talk about themselves. Ask questions, be curious, and let them talk!” – Alissa

💡 “The warmth you offer others always finds its way back to you.” – Katy

Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned

Let Them by Mel Robbins (book recommendation)
Open house strategies & scripts from past episodes
Article mentioned in episode: https://search.app/tQKr5ueMjSmHMBdG6

Leave us a review at ratethispodcast.com/hustlehumbly

Get your FREE Database Template

Email Templates 101: emailtemplates101.com

Build Your Own Business 101: hustlehumblypodcast.com/byob

Agent Systems 101: agentsystems101.com

All Resources: hustlehumblypodcast.com

Submit your topic ideas and toasts to [email protected]

Previous Episode

288: Are You Distracted or Actually Working?

Are you actually working... or just feeling busy? 😬

There are so many things in real estate that make you feel productive but don’t actually lead to making money. A new logo? A fresh website? A perfectly curated Instagram feed? They might help, but if your bank account is running low, these probably aren’t the things you should be focusing on.

In this episode, we’re getting real about what distractions are stealing your time, what’s actually making you money, and how to stay focused on the right things.

We’re covering:

The #1 real estate time waster (spoiler: it’s social media)
How to tell if an activity is actually income-producing
Why some agents stay “busy” but never get closings
What’s really working for agents in our community
The best (and easiest) ways to track your results

If you’ve ever wondered, Should I even be spending time on this?—this episode is for you. Let’s get rid of the distractions and start working smarter!

Key Quotes & Takeaways

💡 “There’s a difference between being busy and being productive. Just because you worked all day doesn’t mean you worked on the right things.” – Katy

💡 “You have to ask yourself—did I actually plant any seeds today that will make me money next quarter?” – Alissa

💡 “If you don’t know how your last 5 clients found you, you don’t know what’s working in your business.” – Katy

💡 “Stop worrying about the perfect website, email signature, or social media strategy. Just focus on talking to people.” – Alissa

💡 “Your results are hiding in the work you’re avoiding.” – Katy

Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned

Google Business Profile (for free online visibility)

Canva (for social media & branding, if used efficiently)

Leave us a review at ratethispodcast.com/hustlehumbly

Get your FREE Database Template

Email Templates 101: emailtemplates101.com

Build Your Own Business 101: hustlehumblypodcast.com/byob

Agent Systems 101: agentsystems101.com

All Resources: hustlehumblypodcast.com

Submit your topic ideas and toasts to [email protected]

Next Episode

290: Follow-Up: How to Keep Clients From Forgetting You

What’s worse than being ghosted by a potential client? Finding out they bought or sold without you! 😩 Staying top of mind is one of the most important skills you can develop as a Realtor, but it’s also one of the trickiest to navigate. No one wants to be that pushy, annoying agent, but if you don’t follow up, you risk losing business to someone else.

In this episode, we’re tackling the art of staying top of mind in a way that feels natural and professional (and doesn’t make you feel like a stalker). We answer a listener question about how often to check in with potential buyers and sellers and break down exactly what to say and how to keep in touch—without feeling salesy.

You'll learn:

How often to follow up with leads that are 2-3 months (or longer) away from buying or selling
Simple, effective ways to stay in touch without annoying people
How to organize and track your leads so no one falls through the cracks
Why email lists, handwritten notes, and social media DMs all play a role in keeping you top of mind
How to stop feeling like you have to be best friends with every past client

If you've ever wondered, Am I reaching out too much? Not enough?—this episode is for you! Grab a coffee (or a notepad), and let's get into it.

Key Quotes & Takeaways

💡 “You don’t have to be best friends with every client. You just have to provide a level of service that makes you unforgettable.” – Alissa

💡 “If you don’t follow up, you risk losing them to someone else. People don’t know you’re still selling real estate unless you remind them!” – Katy

💡 “Stop judging yourself. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just reach out.” – Alissa

💡 “Following up isn’t about being pushy. It’s about being helpful, being present, and being a resource.” – Katy

Products Mentioned