How New Agents Can Actually Get Deals from Their Sphere (Without Feeling Cringe)

When you're just starting in real estate, forget cold leads and pricey ads. Your first deals will almost always come from the people who already know, like, and trust you.

Your Sphere of Influence (SOI) is your fastest path to real transactions—but only if you know how to work it right.

This isn’t just theory. This is a step-by-step system to activate your network, earn referrals, and close deals—without being awkward. Plus, you’ll get a free download of our 🔥 SOI Memory Jogger to help you build your list fast.

🔎 What’s Your SOI?

Your SOI includes anyone who would recognize your name if it popped up on their phone: friends, family, former coworkers, gym buddies, your barista, the parent from your kid’s soccer team. They all count.

The average person knows 200–300 people. If each of them knows 200 more, you’re one warm intro away from hundreds of opportunities.

✅ Step 1: Build Your List (Stop Trusting Your Memory)

Start with a brain dump. Then use the SOI Memory Jogger to trigger names you’d forget on your own—like your college roommate’s cousin or your old hairstylist.

Pro tip: Drop everything into a spreadsheet or CRM. Track names, contact info, and notes. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be started.

📥 Download the SOI Memory Jogger

✅ Step 2: Segment for Strategy

Not every contact is equal. Break your list into three tiers:

• Inner Circle – Close friends & family. These are your biggest supporters. Reach out directly.
• Warm Connections – Former coworkers, neighbours, casual friends. Some context helps here.
• Loose Ties – Old contacts, social media followers. Use softer outreach or drip content.

Each tier gets a different approach. That’s how you keep it relevant—and effective.

✅ Step 3: Reach Out the Right Way

Instead of jumping in with “Hey, I’m in real estate now!”—start with conversation.

Use the FORD framework to reconnect naturally:

These are the topics that spark real, personal conversation. Ask how their kids are doing. Talk about a recent trip. Ask about their work or what's new in their world.

Then, when they ask about you (which they will), here’s how to respond:

"Honestly, I’ve made a big shift—I’m now working in real estate full-time. It’s been exciting and a totally different pace, but I’m loving it. Lots to learn, but I’m diving in."

Let the conversation breathe. Then, when it feels natural, use this soft ask:

"If someone you care about is planning a move or even just thinking about buying or selling, I’d love to make sure they end up with the right person. Feel free to send them my way—I’d really appreciate it."

Genuine. Non-pushy. And effective.

✅ Step 4: Stay Top of Mind (Without Being That Agent)

They won’t refer you after one message. That’s why visibility matters. Stay in their world without being annoying:

If they think of real estate and don’t think of you, you’re invisible.

✅ Step 5: Ask for Referrals the Smart Way

When you ask, make it about protecting them—not helping you:

"If someone you care about is about to make a big move, I’d love to make sure they don’t end up with the wrong agent. Would you feel comfortable introducing us?"

Simple. Clear. Non-pushy. And it positions you as someone they can trust.

🎯 Final Thought: Your First Deals Are Closer Than You Think

You don’t need to cold call strangers or build a huge social media brand on Day One. Start with the people you already know.

Activate your SOI with intent. Show up with value. Work the system.

If you do this right—and consistently—your first few deals will come faster (and easier) than you think.