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Looking Beyond the Front Door Building a Bigger Table

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Apex Realtors, LLC ~ 512.750.6899 410939

I recently attended the Austin PT50 Education Symposium, and one of the speakers made a comment that really resonated with me.

She talked about “building a bigger table,” creating a place where people feel they belong, where their contributions are recognized, and where there is room for everyone to participate.

It got me thinking about real estate.

We often look at the scoreboard, the number of transactions, sales volume, listings, and closings, and it can be easy to forget just how many people are sitting around that table helping make each transaction successful.

There’s the other agent. The title company. The lender. The inspector. The contractors and repair people. And, of course, the clients who put their trust in us.

Most of us have had mentors along the way, people who opened a door for us, shared their knowledge, encouraged us, or simply believed in us when we needed it most.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate even more how important it is to be that person for someone else.

Be the connector. Hold the door open. Make the introduction. Share the credit. Be the cheerleader.

Because a successful transaction is never really about one person. It takes a village.

And something as simple as recognizing someone’s contribution can mean more than we realize. We all want to know that what we do matters and that our efforts are seen.

So maybe “building a bigger table” isn’t just about making room for more people. Maybe it’s about making sure the people already sitting at the table know they belong there.

Dorie Dillard
Your Trusted Resource for Real Estate & Community

Looking Beyond the Front Door…

Who can you recognize, encourage, or make room for at your table this week?

 

Posted by

Dorie Dillard
(512) 750-6899

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I specialize in Listing and Selling homes in the NW Austin Area. I use my experience to guide clients through the process, whether selling or buying. It’s a beautiful thing when your career and a passion come together. I love what I do!

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Comments(17)

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Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Author, Golfer, Traveler, Retired, Wenatchee, WA

I love this, Dorie! 
This reminds me so much of family dynamics. I was once the child; now I seem to be the family matriarch. As we grow, our position changes, and we become the mentor.

Sep 01, 2026 05:17 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

An its an important role to take on as our position changes Carol Williams 

Sep 01, 2026 06:22 AM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc - Walhalla, SC
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
Dorie makes such an inspiring point about recognizing that a successful real estate transaction truly takes a village. It is so easy to get caught up solely in the numbers and volume, making it all the more important to appreciate the mentors, fellow agents, lenders, inspectors, and clients who help build that bigger table.

Thanks for sharing such an encouraging perspective on collaboration and community, Dorie Dillard Austin TX!
Sep 01, 2026 05:39 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

You are most welcome Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518 . It's important to remember it always takes a village whether in personal or business relationships.

Sep 01, 2026 06:23 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Dorie Dillard Austin TX spot on, Dorie. And I was just talking to another agent yesterday and was saying how much I hate that we are asked how many deals we've done or how many sides we've done. I would much prefer being asked how many families have I helped.

Sep 01, 2026 05:46 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

And that is what our job is all about Nina Hollander, Broker ....to understand we are helping families in a very important phase in their lives.

Sep 01, 2026 06:25 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

I have made friends over time with those who have a very different outlook from me. I think we need to open up to all types of people. We all need lots of friends.

Sep 01, 2026 05:50 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Yes we do Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty ..the more we extend ourselves, the more we get back in return!

Sep 01, 2026 06:26 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Tuesday morning, Dorie. This is good advice for all of us.

Have a great day.

Sep 01, 2026 06:28 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Thank you Roy for stopping by!

Sep 02, 2026 12:01 PM
Lawrence & Sheila Agranoff
Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - crrli.com. We are Lic. Assoc. Broker/Lic. RE Salesperson - Plainview, NY
Listing & Selling Long Island Real Estate

Dorie, Sometimes it’s less about making the table bigger and more about making sure everyone feels welcome at it!

Sep 01, 2026 06:44 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

So true Lawrence & Sheila Agranoff !

Sep 02, 2026 12:02 PM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Dorie, we are only as good as the people we surround ourselves with, and you are right, they are at that table with us.

Sep 01, 2026 07:19 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

They are definitely at the table with us Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner 

Sep 02, 2026 12:03 PM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Great outlook, and how easy is it to follow up with the agent on the other side and say thank you for your hard work.

Sep 01, 2026 07:23 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Yes and that is so important to do Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543 

Sep 02, 2026 12:03 PM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I like the thought of building a bigger table, and to me, that entails growing our sphere, which is where most of our business will come from.  I have always enjoyed that people come to me when they need things done around the house because I know all of the best contractors.  I take pride in making sure I have the best people to refer to others!

Sep 01, 2026 07:26 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Good for you Brian England . Being a good resource is so important for our clients to count on!

Sep 02, 2026 12:05 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Beautiful post, Dorie- I remember the people who helped me in most of the jobs I've had. They could have just "tolerated" me but chose instead to share their knowledge with me. And, so many people who help us in whatever we do. Now...it's our turn to help others.

Sep 01, 2026 12:47 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

I'm sure everyone loved working with you Kathy Streib ! It is always good help others.

Sep 02, 2026 12:06 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Dorie I think you are right in your conclusion in the last paragraph. 

Sep 01, 2026 12:48 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Thank you George Souto, 

It's important to make sure everyone fells they are instrumental to the success of the industry.

Sep 02, 2026 12:09 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

What a beautiful message, Dorie. “Building a bigger table” is a wonderful image, but I especially love your reminder that we also need to recognize the people already sitting there.

Real estate may celebrate individual production, but every successful closing reflects the contributions of an entire village. Sharing our knowledge, opening doors and making certain others feel seen and valued may be one of the most meaningful legacies we create in this business. Wonderful post!

Sep 02, 2026 08:13 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Thank you Debe Maxwell, CRS It is a wonderful legacy we create in our industry.

Sep 02, 2026 12:10 PM
Ginger Harper
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage~ Ginger Harper Real Estate Team - Southport, NC
Your Southport~Oak Island Agent~Brunswick County!

Such great advice.  I love including everyone so that no one feels excluded.

Sep 02, 2026 12:43 PM
Ken Semler
ImpresaModular.com - Martinsburg, WV
Nationwide Custom Modular Home Builder

Dorie, the idea of making sure people already at the table know they belong is the part that really stands out. In real estate and business, recognition, introductions, shared credit, and mentorship create relationships that often outlast any single transaction. Leadership is not only about producing results. It is also about helping more people contribute to them. Have a great day!

Sep 03, 2026 03:48 AM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

Congratulations on the feature. Helping and supporting others is an attitude, a habit of thought.  When I was doing new member orientation, I always said look to your left, your right and that person may become your best friend, your colleague, not  necessarily your competition. 

Sep 04, 2026 07:51 AM
Patricia Feager
Appraisal Review Board, Denton County, TX - Flower Mound, TX
Licensed to April 2027

Dorie Dillard Austin TX - thanks for sharing the meaning behind "Building a Better Table." I'm a person who appreciates having a sense of belonging. Making contributions and being recognized is the reason why people keep contributing.

"Be the connector," not the condemner. 

"Hold the door open," shut no door in anyone's face.

"Make the introduction," remember people's names.

"Share the credit," where credit is due.

"Be the cheerleader," not the downer.  

To be honest Dorie, naysayers sting like a bee. I don't understand why people do that. I am thankful for people like you, and those who regularly blog and join Zoom. 

Sep 04, 2026 05:58 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Sand 'n Sea Properties - Galveston, TX
Galveston, TX 936-203-0279

What a great analogy, Dorie. Indeed, we all need to build bigger tables in many areas of our lives.

Sep 05, 2026 08:05 AM