Professional Collaboration

By Justin Stoddart

Introduction

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others.”

This timeless saying rings especially true in real estate. Whether you’re an agent looking to scale, a team leader striving for better results, or a business professional seeking to collaborate more effectively, professional collaboration is key to long-term success.

In a recent episode of Think Bigger Real Estate, we had an insightful conversation with industry leader Jeff Sutherland, who shared his experience in scaling real estate businesses and the role that collaboration has played in his success. Together with my co-host, Stephanie Peck, we explored how real estate professionals can think beyond transactions and leverage relationships for greater success.

Here’s what we learned.


The Importance of Collaboration in Real Estate

Real estate is often seen as a solo-driven business, but the truth is, success is rarely achieved alone. Jeff Sutherland, who has been in the industry for over 24 years, emphasized that having the right people around you can significantly impact your growth.

As Jeff put it, “I knew immediately that I’d only be as good as the people around me.” He credits much of his success to working with top-tier professionals, learning from mentors, and consistently seeking ways to collaborate.

This collaborative approach isn’t just about forming a team—it’s about strategically building relationships with industry peers, service providers, and even competitors to create a win-win environment.


How to Build a Powerful Professional Network

If you’re wondering how to incorporate more collaboration into your business, here are some actionable steps:

1. Find a Mentor and Coach

One of the first things Jeff emphasized was the value of mentorship and coaching. Without a mentor, it’s easy to feel lost, make costly mistakes, or hit a plateau.

“If you don’t have a mentor and you don’t have a coach, it’s a pretty lonely journey.” — Jeff Sutherland

A mentor provides guidance, while a coach holds you accountable and pushes you to new heights. If you’re serious about growth, investing in coaching can be a game-changer.

At ProInsight, we understand the power of coaching. Our mission is to connect real estate professionals with the right tools and guidance to help them scale their business. Learn more about our approach here.

2. Leverage Referral Partnerships

Many agents struggle with the inconsistency of commission-based income. One way to combat this is by building strong referral partnerships.

Jeff recommends identifying five key professionals who can regularly send you business. These could be:

  • Mortgage lenders
  • Home inspectors
  • Title companies
  • Financial advisors
  • Contractors or handymen
 

These relationships should be mutually beneficial. Jeff shared a real-world example of how a handyman he referred multiple times eventually returned the favor by connecting him with a high-end listing.

If you’re not already maximizing your referral opportunities, now is the time to start. A well-built referral network can stabilize your income and create long-term sustainability.

3. Structure Your Calendar for Success

Both Jeff and Stephanie agree—your calendar reflects your success.

“Show me your calendar, and I can tell you how successful you’re going to be.” — Jeff Sutherland

A top-producing real estate agent’s calendar should include:

Two hours of lead generation daily
Meetings with referral partners weekly
Client follow-ups and business development
Personal growth, health, and family time

The key is consistency. Stephanie highlighted that while discipline is essential, it’s also important to tailor your schedule to what works for you. For some, structured time blocks work best; for others, flexibility is crucial.

At ProInsight, we help real estate professionals build sustainable business models that allow for both success and significance.


The Power of Cloud-Based Collaboration

One major shift happening in the real estate industry is the move toward cloud-based brokerages and digital collaboration. Both Jeff and Stephanie made the move to a cloud-based model, citing the increased opportunities for professional networking and business growth.

“The biggest reason I moved to a cloud-based brokerage was for collaboration. The room wasn’t the walls of a physical building anymore—it became the entire world.” — Stephanie Peck

With technology, agents are no longer confined to local markets. They can collaborate with top producers across the country, learn from the best, and scale their businesses beyond traditional boundaries.

At ProInsight, we believe in leveraging technology to expand opportunities for real estate professionals. If you’re curious about how cloud-based collaboration can help you grow, schedule a demo call with me today.


The Bottom Line: Success Through Significance

Success in real estate isn’t just about making money—it’s about making an impact. Jeff Sutherland shared that one of his biggest takeaways from years in the industry is that success without significance feels empty.

That’s why collaboration is so powerful. When you build meaningful relationships, help others succeed, and focus on long-term partnerships, your business thrives—and so does your quality of life.

Ready to elevate your business? Let’s talk.

At ProInsight, we’re here to empower you to reach new heights. Let’s think bigger together.