Ep. 36: Community Over Competition
This week’s episode of Hustle Humbly centers on one of our core values—community over competition. As real estate agents in a competitive industry, it’s easy to fall into comparison and scarcity mindset traps. In this episode, we explore how you can shift your perspective, support others in the business, and build a stronger real estate community, both locally and nationally. We share a powerful chicken study that perfectly illustrates what happens when people (or chickens) are consumed by competition—and how community can actually make everyone more productive and fulfilled.
The Super Chicken Study: A Lesson in Competition
A fascinating study by biologist William Muir looked at chicken productivity. He isolated the top-performing hens—“super chickens”—into their own group. After six generations, most had pecked each other to death. Meanwhile, the original flocks they came from were thriving. The takeaway? Environments rooted in extreme competition are toxic. In real estate, where many agents are trying to be the “super chicken,” this mindset can stifle collaboration, growth, and happiness. Instead, fostering community over competition leads to healthier, more sustainable success.
Real Estate Isolated by Nature
Real estate is often a lonely career. Many agents are solo entrepreneurs, making it difficult to find support or share struggles. What makes it harder is the belief that your colleagues are your competition. But what if they weren’t? What if you could build community even within your industry? Whether you’re reaching out to local agents or connecting with realtors in other markets through social media, community is essential to staying grounded and motivated.
Shift from Scarcity to Abundance
When we buy into the idea that there isn’t enough business to go around, we start making decisions from fear. The truth is, most markets have more than enough clients and closings for everyone. For example, with over 11,000 residential sales in one year in our market, even closing 30 homes makes up a tiny fraction of available business. Embracing an abundance mindset helps you let go of competition and focus on your own goals and values.
Helping Others Builds Confidence and Connection
If you struggle with comparison or competitive tendencies, one of the best ways to shift your mindset is to help another agent. When you mentor, offer advice, or celebrate someone else’s success, you break down walls and foster genuine connection. In fact, studies show that workplaces encouraging collaboration and support see a 60% increase in productivity. Real estate is no different—being part of a supportive network benefits everyone.
The Power of Realtor Community
Whether it’s serving on your local or state association, joining industry Facebook groups, or simply sending a kind message to another agent, giving back to the real estate community matters. It builds leadership skills, strengthens relationships, and creates a ripple effect of positivity in the industry. True community also comes from acknowledging your strengths and your limits—like referring business outside your area or niche to someone better suited, and feeling good about it.
How to Practice Community Over Competition
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Congratulate others—even if you feel a twinge of jealousy, do it anyway.
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Reach out to agents in different markets for fresh perspective and support.
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Refer business that doesn’t suit your skills or boundaries.
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Join a board or committee to get involved and give back.
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Mentor a newer agent to share knowledge and build leadership.
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Celebrate your own progress without comparing yourself to others.
When you remove the pressure to “win” and instead focus on community, you’ll find more joy and sustainability in your real estate career.
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