I recently listened to a podcast featuring Mark Cuban, the tech billionaire, Shark Tank Investor, and part owner of the Dallas Mavericks. When asked what sets entrepreneurs apart, his answer was simple: “You’ve got to do the work.” Whether it’s learning more, working harder, or working smarter, the key to success is taking action. The same principle applies to growing your non-lender appraisal business—you can’t just wait for the phone to ring. You have to put in the effort.
Every Wednesday morning, I attend a BNI networking meeting that starts at 7:00 a.m. sharp. I’ve been doing this for 10 years, even when I don’t feel like it. Why? Because I know the value of connecting with 50 other professionals to grow my business. That’s what it means to “do the work.”
A few weeks ago, I fell behind on planning my website blogs, marketing emails, social media posts, and Google Business updates. I was busy, and the weekend rolled around. The last thing I wanted to do was work. But I spent three hours catching up, because I know this marketing is crucial for capturing private work. That’s another example of “doing the work.”
Your non-lender business won’t grow on its own. You have to take intentional steps—join a networking group, the chamber of commerce, or Toastmasters. Build a strong website and write consistent blogs. Set up your Google Business page, update it regularly, and ask for reviews. Post on social media consistently. Invest in a CRM and start reaching out to attorneys and agents. Schedule coffee or lunch meetings with potential referral sources. None of these activities will bring instant results, but over time, they will plant the seeds for your business to flourish.
If you’re looking to grow the private side of your appraisal business, connecting with fellow appraisers is a great place to start. Peer referrals are an excellent source of private work. You can join the Appraisal Referral Network for free at ReferAppraisals.com and start tapping into these opportunities.
For those wanting to dive deeper into non-lender appraisals and gain practical insights, we offer real-world lessons. Plus, as a paid member, you can earn up to 12% of the appraisal fee for sending peer referrals—all for just $20 per month or $199 per year.
In the end, it’s all about doing the work—and the rewards will follow.
Dan Lindeman
Appraisal Referral Network
