Contributors
Articles by Tkach, Holly
What if asking better questions could lead to better clients, decisions, and relationships? In Ask More, Frank Sesno explores how purposeful questions can uncover needs, build trust, spark creativity, and strengthen leadership. For real estate professionals, the right questions can turn routine conversations into deeper connections and more effective client relationships.
In Why Workplace Wellbeing Matters, Jan-Emmanuel De Neve and George Ward explore how employee wellbeing can directly impact a company’s bottom line. Research shows that happier employees perform better, stay longer, and help attract stronger talent, with workplace satisfaction even linked to better financial results. For real estate firms, investing in people may be one of the smartest ways to strengthen both performance and long-term success.
In real estate, saying “yes” can sometimes feel easier than pushing back—even when something doesn’t feel right. In Defy, Dr. Sunita Sah explores how people can move from passive compliance to principled action by recognizing their values and knowing when to speak up. For real estate professionals, the ability to say no may be just as important as knowing when to say yes.
Online reviews can strongly influence real estate decisions, but they might not always reflect true service quality. New research finds that larger companies often receive lower online ratings because consumers feel less empathy toward big businesses and are more likely to leave negative reviews than the positive ones. For real estate firms, this star rating may reflect company size as much as client satisfaction, making it important to look beyond the numbers.
Online reviews can strongly influence real estate decisions, but they might not always reflect true service quality. New research finds that larger companies often receive lower online ratings because consumers feel less empathy toward big businesses and are more likely to leave negative reviews than the positive ones. For real estate firms, this star rating may reflect company size as much as client satisfaction, making it important to look beyond the numbers.
Online reviews can strongly influence real estate decisions, but they might not always reflect true service quality. New research finds that larger companies often receive lower online ratings because consumers feel less empathy toward big businesses and are more likely to leave negative reviews than the positive ones. For real estate firms, this star rating may reflect company size as much as client satisfaction, making it important to look beyond the numbers.
Online reviews can strongly influence real estate decisions, but they might not always reflect true service quality. New research finds that larger companies often receive lower online ratings because consumers feel less empathy toward big businesses and are more likely to leave negative reviews than the positive ones. For real estate firms, this star rating may reflect company size as much as client satisfaction, making it important to look beyond the numbers.
Loneliness at work may be more than a personal struggle—it can affect how salespeople make decisions and perform. New research finds that social loneliness can reduce ethical behavior, which in turn hurts sales performance. Interestingly, personality matters: agreeableness can buffer these effects, while extraversion may intensify them, offering important insights for managers seeking to support connected, ethical, and high-performing sales teams.
Loneliness at work may be more than a personal struggle—it can affect how salespeople make decisions and perform. New research finds that social loneliness can reduce ethical behavior, which in turn hurts sales performance. Interestingly, personality matters: agreeableness can buffer these effects, while extraversion may intensify them, offering important insights for managers seeking to support connected, ethical, and high-performing sales teams.
Loneliness at work may be more than a personal struggle—it can affect how salespeople make decisions and perform. New research finds that social loneliness can reduce ethical behavior, which in turn hurts sales performance. Interestingly, personality matters: agreeableness can buffer these effects, while extraversion may intensify them, offering important insights for managers seeking to support connected, ethical, and high-performing sales teams.
Ever feel like a coworker, client, or meeting is stealing your time? New research introduces “wasted time perceptions”—the feeling that someone or something is consuming your time without helping you make progress toward your goals. These perceptions can fuel frustration, lower job satisfaction, and increase intentions to leave, with important implications for how real estate professionals manage client interactions and workplace demands.
Ever feel like a coworker, client, or meeting is stealing your time? New research introduces “wasted time perceptions”—the feeling that someone or something is consuming your time without helping you make progress toward your goals. These perceptions can fuel frustration, lower job satisfaction, and increase intentions to leave, with important implications for how real estate professionals manage client interactions and workplace demands.
Ever feel like a coworker, client, or meeting is stealing your time? New research introduces “wasted time perceptions”—the feeling that someone or something is consuming your time without helping you make progress toward your goals. These perceptions can fuel frustration, lower job satisfaction, and increase intentions to leave, with important implications for how real estate professionals manage client interactions and workplace demands.
Ever feel like a coworker, client, or meeting is stealing your time? New research introduces “wasted time perceptions”—the feeling that someone or something is consuming your time without helping you make progress toward your goals. These perceptions can fuel frustration, lower job satisfaction, and increase intentions to leave, with important implications for how real estate professionals manage client interactions and workplace demands.
Can brands really strengthen customer relationships by making fun of their customers? New research shows that playful teasing can humanize a brand, making it feel more like a friend and strengthening consumer connection—but mean-spirited teasing can quickly have the opposite effect. For relationship-driven industries like real estate, the findings highlight how the right kind of humor can build warmth, personality, and trust.
Can brands really strengthen customer relationships by making fun of their customers? New research shows that playful teasing can humanize a brand, making it feel more like a friend and strengthening consumer connection—but mean-spirited teasing can quickly have the opposite effect. For relationship-driven industries like real estate, the findings highlight how the right kind of humor can build warmth, personality, and trust.
Can brands really strengthen customer relationships by making fun of their customers? New research shows that playful teasing can humanize a brand, making it feel more like a friend and strengthening consumer connection—but mean-spirited teasing can quickly have the opposite effect. For relationship-driven industries like real estate, the findings highlight how the right kind of humor can build warmth, personality, and trust.
Real estate professionals are often expected to do it all—prospect for new business while managing existing clients and service demands. New research reveals that this “hunter and farmer” approach can come with a hidden cost: increased stress, especially when service responsibilities and performance pressures are high. Over time, that stress can erode job satisfaction and potentially contribute to turnover.
Real estate professionals are often expected to do it all—prospect for new business while managing existing clients and service demands. New research reveals that this “hunter and farmer” approach can come with a hidden cost: increased stress, especially when service responsibilities and performance pressures are high. Over time, that stress can erode job satisfaction and potentially contribute to turnover.
Real estate professionals are often expected to do it all—prospect for new business while managing existing clients and service demands. New research reveals that this “hunter and farmer” approach can come with a hidden cost: increased stress, especially when service responsibilities and performance pressures are high. Over time, that stress can erode job satisfaction and potentially contribute to turnover.
In Passion Struck, John Sparks emphasizes that meaningful change doesn’t come from big moments alone, but from small, intentional choices compounded over time. Through strategies focused on overcoming self-doubt, eliminating distractions, and taking consistent action, readers learn how to build resilience and momentum toward a more intentional life. Ultimately, the book reframes success as an ongoing practice of conscious engagement, growth, and purposeful leadership.
In The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More, Jefferson Fisher shows how the quality of our words shapes the quality of our relationships and results. Rather than focusing on “winning” conversations, Fisher offers a practical framework built on control, confidence, and connection to help navigate difficult interactions. With a trial lawyer’s precision, he demonstrates how to regulate emotion, speak clearly without overexplaining, and keep conversations anchored in shared understanding.
Many teams remain stuck in inefficient systems and habits that limit real progress. In Reset: How to Change What’s Not Working, Dan Heath offers a practical approach for breaking through stagnation by identifying small, strategic shifts that can unlock outsized results. He shows how to “restack” existing resources around what truly matters by cutting waste, aligning work with motivation, and empowering teams to act with ownership in order to create meaningful, lasting change without requiring more resources.
What do “likes” on social media really accomplish for advertisers? This research reveals that while visible likes can increase engagement and strengthen brand perception, they do not always translate into more clicks or conversions. In this article, we explore how informational and normative social influence shape user behavior differently—and why understanding that distinction matters for social media advertising success.
What do “likes” on social media really accomplish for advertisers? This research reveals that while visible likes can increase engagement and strengthen brand perception, they do not always translate into more clicks or conversions. In this article, we explore how informational and normative social influence shape user behavior differently—and why understanding that distinction matters for social media advertising success.
Disruption is inevitable in today’s real estate market, but it can also create opportunities for growth and innovation. In this research, we explore how adaptive selling and creativity help sales professionals navigate challenges like economic uncertainty, technological change, and shifting buyer behavior. Surprisingly, our research also reveals that micromanagement, often viewed negatively, can actually support agents during chaotic market conditions when used strategically.
Disruption is inevitable in today’s real estate market, but it can also create opportunities for growth and innovation. In this research, we explore how adaptive selling and creativity help sales professionals navigate challenges like economic uncertainty, technological change, and shifting buyer behavior. Surprisingly, our research also reveals that micromanagement, often viewed negatively, can actually support agents during chaotic market conditions when used strategically.
Disruption is inevitable in today’s real estate market, but it can also create opportunities for growth and innovation. In this research, we explore how adaptive selling and creativity help sales professionals navigate challenges like economic uncertainty, technological change, and shifting buyer behavior. Surprisingly, our research also reveals that micromanagement, often viewed negatively, can actually support agents during chaotic market conditions when used strategically.
Why do some agents embrace coaching while others resist it—even when they are highly motivated to succeed? Our research suggests the answer may have less to do with effort and more to do with how coaching is actually delivered. This article explores how managerial vulnerability—leaders openly admitting mistakes, uncertainty, and lessons learned—can make agents more receptive to feedback and more willing to improve.
What you share outside of work may say more about your professionalism than you think. New research reveals that meaningful hobbies and leisure activities—like hiking, woodworking, or cooking—can actually enhance how competent and capable clients perceive you to be. For newer professionals in particular, these personal details can help build credibility and connection when experience alone may not yet speak for itself.
What you share outside of work may say more about your professionalism than you think. New research reveals that meaningful hobbies and leisure activities—like hiking, woodworking, or cooking—can actually enhance how competent and capable clients perceive you to be. For newer professionals in particular, these personal details can help build credibility and connection when experience alone may not yet speak for itself.
What you share outside of work may say more about your professionalism than you think. New research reveals that meaningful hobbies and leisure activities—like hiking, woodworking, or cooking—can actually enhance how competent and capable clients perceive you to be. For newer professionals in particular, these personal details can help build credibility and connection when experience alone may not yet speak for itself.
Competition is part of every sales environment, but not all rivalry leads to success. In this article, we explore how envy can either motivate sales professionals to improve or drive destructive workplace behaviors that hurt performance and culture. Discover the difference between benign and malicious envy—and how agents, managers, and brokerages can channel competition into growth, collaboration, and stronger results.
Competition is part of every sales environment, but not all rivalry leads to success. In this article, we explore how envy can either motivate sales professionals to improve or drive destructive workplace behaviors that hurt performance and culture. Discover the difference between benign and malicious envy—and how agents, managers, and brokerages can channel competition into growth, collaboration, and stronger results.
Competition is part of every sales environment, but not all rivalry leads to success. In this article, we explore how envy can either motivate sales professionals to improve or drive destructive workplace behaviors that hurt performance and culture. Discover the difference between benign and malicious envy—and how agents, managers, and brokerages can channel competition into growth, collaboration, and stronger results.
Feeling buried by work and running on empty? This INSIDER examines key ideas from Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell, offering practical strategies to delegate, automate, and eliminate low-value tasks so you can scale your business without burnout. It’s a must-read for high achievers in real estate who want success that doesn’t come at the cost of their health, relationships, or freedom.
Being busy doesn't equal being productive, and busyness may be costing you more than you think. This article unpacks Cal Newport’s Slow Productivity and explains how how doing fewer things, working at a sustainable pace, and obsessing over quality can lead to better results and less burnout. With practical takeaways for real estate agents, this INSIDER offers a refreshing alternative to hustle culture and a smarter path to long-term success.
Imagine your customers walking through their dream home before it even exists. Our research shows that mental simulation, the act of vividly imagining experiences, can boost consumer action by up to 34% when done strategically. From pairing descriptive language with visuals to using immersive technology, real estate marketers can turn imagination into action. Discover how understanding the psychology of “seeing it before living it” can give your listings a competitive edge.
Imagine your customers walking through their dream home before it even exists. Our research shows that mental simulation, the act of vividly imagining experiences, can boost consumer action by up to 34% when done strategically. From pairing descriptive language with visuals to using immersive technology, real estate marketers can turn imagination into action. Discover how understanding the psychology of “seeing it before living it” can give your listings a competitive edge.
Imagine your customers walking through their dream home before it even exists. Our research shows that mental simulation, the act of vividly imagining experiences, can boost consumer action by up to 34% when done strategically. From pairing descriptive language with visuals to using immersive technology, real estate marketers can turn imagination into action. Discover how understanding the psychology of “seeing it before living it” can give your listings a competitive edge.
When does AI actually make marketing more creative, and when does it fall flat? This research examines evidence from creative professionals and thousands of AI systems to show what really works. The takeaway: creativity improves when the right kind of AI is paired with the right task and guided by human judgment. For real estate marketers looking to move faster without losing originality, this framework offers a clear, practical playbook.
When does AI actually make marketing more creative, and when does it fall flat? This research examines evidence from creative professionals and thousands of AI systems to show what really works. The takeaway: creativity improves when the right kind of AI is paired with the right task and guided by human judgment. For real estate marketers looking to move faster without losing originality, this framework offers a clear, practical playbook.
Closing doesn’t have to feel pushy—and research shows it actually strengthens relationships when done right. This study draws on real sales interactions to challenge long-standing myths about rapport-only meetings and outdated closing “tactics.” The findings reveal that effective closing unfolds in phases, builds trust, and increases customer commitment. For real estate agents, the message is simple: closing isn’t pressure, it’s progress.
Closing doesn’t have to feel pushy—and research shows it actually strengthens relationships when done right. This study draws on real sales interactions to challenge long-standing myths about rapport-only meetings and outdated closing “tactics.” The findings reveal that effective closing unfolds in phases, builds trust, and increases customer commitment. For real estate agents, the message is simple: closing isn’t pressure, it’s progress.
Closing doesn’t have to feel pushy—and research shows it actually strengthens relationships when done right. This study draws on real sales interactions to challenge long-standing myths about rapport-only meetings and outdated closing “tactics.” The findings reveal that effective closing unfolds in phases, builds trust, and increases customer commitment. For real estate agents, the message is simple: closing isn’t pressure, it’s progress.
Closing doesn’t have to feel pushy—and research shows it actually strengthens relationships when done right. This study draws on real sales interactions to challenge long-standing myths about rapport-only meetings and outdated closing “tactics.” The findings reveal that effective closing unfolds in phases, builds trust, and increases customer commitment. For real estate agents, the message is simple: closing isn’t pressure, it’s progress.
In a real estate world reshaped by technology and empowered consumers, technical skill alone is no longer enough to drive sales. This research shows how cultivating a “quiet ego”—balancing confidence with empathy and deep listening—helps agents adapt, build trust, and perform better in complex markets. Drawing on positive psychology and data from hundreds of sales professionals, the article reveals why quieter egos activate more effective, adaptive selling behaviors.
In a real estate world reshaped by technology and empowered consumers, technical skill alone is no longer enough to drive sales. This research shows how cultivating a “quiet ego”—balancing confidence with empathy and deep listening—helps agents adapt, build trust, and perform better in complex markets. Drawing on positive psychology and data from hundreds of sales professionals, the article reveals why quieter egos activate more effective, adaptive selling behaviors.
In a real estate world reshaped by technology and empowered consumers, technical skill alone is no longer enough to drive sales. This research shows how cultivating a “quiet ego”—balancing confidence with empathy and deep listening—helps agents adapt, build trust, and perform better in complex markets. Drawing on positive psychology and data from hundreds of sales professionals, the article reveals why quieter egos activate more effective, adaptive selling behaviors.
In a real estate world reshaped by technology and empowered consumers, technical skill alone is no longer enough to drive sales. This research shows how cultivating a “quiet ego”—balancing confidence with empathy and deep listening—helps agents adapt, build trust, and perform better in complex markets. Drawing on positive psychology and data from hundreds of sales professionals, the article reveals why quieter egos activate more effective, adaptive selling behaviors.