Building Trust Leads to Commitment

by | Jun 27, 2025

Researchers have discovered that humans are innately motivated to be consistent with the things they’ve previously said or done.

When engaging a new recruiting prospect, this is a helpful thing to know.

Consistency is activated by asking for small initial commitments that can be easily made.

When seeking to influence using the consistency principle, look for voluntary, active, and public commitments.

For new-to-real-estate prospects, the initial commitment to engage in the recruiting process happens when they apply.

For experienced agent prospects, the small commitment of ‘Is it OK if we stay in touch?’ should be proactively requested.

Why do these seemingly simple commitments matter?

Because it opens your recruiting prospects to being influenced by your follow-on communication and makes follow-on commitments more likely.

Subconsciously, they’re thinking:

I’ll read what you send me because I gave you permission to contact me.

I’m open to making a big commitment (changing companies) because I’ve already made smaller commitments to you over the last few months, and they worked out.

Influencing others is a subtle and nuanced process where small details make all the difference.

 

The Simple Psychology of Real Estate Recruiting [2nd Edition]

Unlock the secrets of effective real estate recruiting. Revised to include actionable frameworks for sharper execution and to help you turn psychological theory into a repeatable recruiting system.

Creating Pacts to Avoid Distraction

Creating Pacts to Avoid Distraction

Notice the two parts to Nir’s formula: a pre-commitment and an external force to keep you accountable to that commitment. For recruiting setting goals and time-blocks in your schedule is not enough. Most people need some kind of external accountability, as well.

Look for Individuals Who Want to be Measured

Look for Individuals Who Want to be Measured

It’s not that people with a growth mindset don’t experience failure—they just see failure as an opportunity to learn new things, to be challenged, and to experience curiosity. This is an important topic to cover during interviews and follow-up conversations with your prospects. If you find someone who likes being measured, you’ve likely found someone who will push through the inherent failures of growing a real estate business and experience long-term success.