Hey everyone, I wanted to chat with you today about something super important that's been a game-changer in my own journey through real estate and business: connecting with the right people and really bringing something valuable to the table. It's all about understanding who you need in your corner and showing up in a way that truly helps others.

Looking back, every fantastic deal I've been a part of, every strong partnership I've built, came from intentionally reaching out and offering real value. It's more than just knowing the steps to take; it's about knowing who can help you get there and what unique strengths you bring to the mix.

I've definitely met folks in my networking adventures who are mostly looking to take – you know, asking for leads, quick fixes, or advice without really thinking about what they can offer in return. And honestly, those interactions don't usually go very far. For me, just swapping contact info isn't enough.

What really works is showing up with the intention to give. Whether I'm talking to an individual, a small team or a whole company, I want to offer something meaningful right off the bat. That could be my time and energy, tapping into my network, sharing insights on financing, or even offering my construction know-how – all based on what I've actually done and achieved. Whenever I walk into a room, instead of asking what I can take away, I ask myself, “What can I give?”. Giving is my take-away.

My main goal is to build real, genuine connections. When people see you bringing value, they naturally want to give back, and that's where the magic happens. It creates a supportive and reciprocal network filled with referrals and strong relationships that really last.

Here's a little peek into how my network has grown over time:

• My Inner Circle: Starting with the people I already knew and building strong, trustworthy relationships.
• Referrals: Letting those good connections introduce me to others they trust.
• Marketing & Partnerships: Teaming up with other businesses that complement what I do to reach more people and create cool opportunities together.
• Joint Ventures: Working together on specific projects, where everyone brings their skills and resources to the table.
• Limited Partner: Supporting promising projects with capital and advice.
• General Partner: Taking a more active role in leading and shaping projects.

This way of connecting has not only brought more deals my way but has also helped me build some amazing partnerships. The biggest lesson I've learned?

 Offering value is the key to building a strong and supportive network. 

When I was just starting out, I didn't have a ton of money, so I focused on giving my time and energy. It takes time to see the results, but it's so worth it in the long run. As I like to say, "Let's focus on giving first!"

Think of it this way: your network is truly your net worth. Investing in yourself and the people around you always pays off the most. Leadership is about connecting people with the knowledge, resources, and each other, especially right here in our local community. Ultimately, we're all striving for more freedom – financial freedom, time freedom, and the freedom to choose. And a big part of that is helping each other build wealth and create a lasting legacy through real estate. My “why” is my beautiful family, and my hard work is much more than building houses, it’s building their futures. The real foundation is love!

We can achieve so much more together than we ever could alone. The power is in our connections – and in a world that often feels very virtual and disconnected, now is a fantastic time to get truly connected in real time, and in real life! 

I'd love for you to join me in exploring this more. Let's turn networking into a powerful and exciting tool that helps you reach your goals, just like it has for me. 

I personally invite you to swing by one of my local networking events. I'd be happy to share more about the strategies that have helped me along the way. 

Let's work together to make those opportunities come knocking!

Together, we can build more than just houses, we can build the future!

Sincerely, 

Dustin Olverson

Agent Investor, Volume Flipper, Branch Owner, Franchise Owner