Episode Overview

Podcast: Your Daily Real Estate Podcast with Tristan Ahumada
Episode: 779 – Why Networking Feels Gross (And What Works Instead)
Date: January 17, 2026
Host: Tristan Ahumada

In this concise yet practical episode, Tristan Ahumada dissects the discomfort many real estate professionals feel about traditional networking. He argues that authentic relationship-building, rooted in daily life and genuine service, is more effective than forced networking. Tristan provides a tactical blueprint for both offline and online connection strategies, emphasizing consistency, value, and authenticity.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Traditional Networking Feels “Gross”

• "Networking feels like work. I mean, it has the word in there." [00:13]
  Tristan explains that chasing new connections can feel transactional and inauthentic.
• Integrating business into everyday life, with intention, replaces the need for uncomfortable “networking events.”

2. Core Relationship-Building Philosophy

Tristan’s Four Pillars:

• Consistency:
  • “You can’t go to one Rotary meeting like I did at the beginning and then expect results.” [01:05]
  • Showing up regularly at the same locations and activities builds trust over time.
• Leading with Value:
  • “Always ask, how can I help you win?” [01:23]
  • Focus on listening and offering real help before discussing your own business.
• Authenticity:
  • "People can smell commission breath. They always can." [01:54]
  • Building real relationships, not just pursuing transactions.
• Love People – Be a ‘Dopamine Dealer’:
  • “Just be a good human and the rest will follow.” [02:11]
  • Strive to make people feel significant and appreciated.

3. Offline Connection Strategies [02:25]

Tristan provides a detailed list of where and how to connect with people offline by becoming part of the community:

• Civic & Service Groups:
  • Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis.
  • "Don’t just pay the dues and show up to eat lunch. You have to take a role…" [02:38]
• Professional Networking:
  • BNI, masterminds.
  • “I connected with the insurance guy, my probate attorney, and our lender for Bank of America… The probate attorney became a friend. I sold him his home.” [03:02]
• Community and Family:
  • Sports, PTA, HOA; Tristan coached his daughter's soccer team for years and business resulted from genuine involvement. [03:33]
• Faith-Based Communities:
  • “Leave the sales pitch at the door… Focus on the welcome, team hospitality.” [04:13]
• Social & Recreation:
  • Gyms, golf, pickleball.
  • “If you do this consistently, you create a group of friends… and get business from it.” [04:55]
• ‘Third Place’ (Coffee shops, markets):
  • “I have a coffee shop that I go to all the time… People ask, what do you do, man, I see you here all the time.” [05:18]
  • Suggests hosting small events or paying for others’ coffee as an authentic outreach.
• Alumni and Education:
  • Staying connected with law school classmates led to years of referrals.
  • “It’s all how you show up.” [06:05]

4. Online Connection Strategies [06:19]

Tristan transitions to how digital platforms can be leveraged for modern “digital handshakes”:

• Facebook Groups:
  • Show up selflessly, as with Lab Coat Agents group.
  • "Here I am showing up for you for free, not expecting a single thing. Truthfully, that's how you have to show up." [06:32]
• Instagram (LCM Method: Like, Comment, Message):
  • Engage genuinely with people you know by interacting with their content.
  • “Make them feel significant.” [07:10]
• LinkedIn:
  • Target and connect with specific industries and offer value or ask thoughtful questions. [07:24]
• YouTube:
  • Answer hyper-local real estate questions.
  • “We just started a channel on this specific thing for Los Angeles…” [07:55]
• Nextdoor:
  • Reference to Abraham Walker’s successful, neighborly outreach via coffee meetups. [08:20]
• TikTok and X (formerly Twitter):
  • Trend-hack by engaging with relevant industry content, answering questions, and avoiding sales pitches. [08:36]
• Review Mining:
  • Leave positive reviews for local businesses you love.
  • “The owner will read it. It puts your name and face right in front of local influencers. It builds massive goodwill.” [09:07]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You are the connector. You’ve got other people that you can connect them with. That’s how you have to approach this.” [03:25]
• “People still talk about [coaching soccer]. When I showed up, I showed up to give. I didn’t want anything back.” [03:45]
• “Again, this all comes down to service… Make people feel significant.” [04:19]
• “If you want to be found, you need to be answering questions people are typing into their search bar.” [07:55]
• “Leave 5-star reviews for local businesses that you love… It just comes from gratitude and builds massive goodwill.” [09:07]

Segment Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------|-----------| | Why “networking” feels uncomfortable| 00:13 | | Core connection blueprint | 01:05 | | Offline strategies overview | 02:25 | | Professional & community examples | 03:02–06:05| | Online strategies overview | 06:19 | | Social platform deep dives | 06:32–09:07|

Summary & Takeaways

Tristan re-frames networking for real estate professionals: By embedding your business naturally within your daily life and existing communities, and by consistently delivering value without expectation, you foster authentic—and profitable—relationships.
The key: “Show up, serve, and make people feel significant.”
Listeners are encouraged to message Tristan for a copy of his checklist and to apply these practical steps immediately for business growth, minus the sleazy sales feeling.