I’m a natural connector. I tend to make friends everywhere I go — airport lounges, waiting rooms, store lines and even during jury duty recently.
At this stage of my life, I’ve realized that connection isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about bringing positive energy into every space, asking open-ended questions and genuinely caring about the person in front of you.
I try to find common ground that leads to meaningful conversation, not just small talk. In a world increasingly driven by social media, texts and digital interactions, people are often surprised and refreshed when someone takes the time to connect in a real, human way.
Developing a relationship mindset
That mindset has shaped both my personal life and my business. Many of my closest friendships began as client relationships, and the majority of my real estate business over the past 30 years has come through referrals and word of mouth. Relationships have always been at the core of how I work, and that’s what ultimately led me to the Inman community.
In January 2024, a colleague encouraged me to attend Inman Connect New York. I traveled from Southern California to New York City alone, unsure of what to expect as a first-time attendee. What I found was far more than a conference.
From the moment I arrived, I was immersed in an environment centered on learning, collaboration and genuine connection. Each session, each speaker and each conversation energized me more than the last. I couldn’t get enough of the ideas being shared or the people sharing them.
Keeping it professional
As a legacy Realtor and Orange County native, much of my professional experience had been local, shaped within a market that can sometimes feel like its own bubble.
While I’ve long been a relocation specialist with a strong national referral network, being surrounded by professionals from across the country, each bringing different perspectives and market realities, expanded my lens in meaningful ways. Inman Connect was a reminder that while real estate is local, growth often comes from looking beyond our own backyard.
I returned home eager to bring what I’d learned back to my team. New strategies, fresh tools and new ways of thinking quickly took shape. More importantly, a spark had been reignited, one I didn’t even realize I needed. After decades in this business, it was a welcome reminder of why I fell in love with real estate in the first place.
Even before the event began, I joined the Inman Coast to Coast Facebook group to connect with other attendees. Inman Ambassador Tiare Kabazawa from Hawaii reached out ahead of the event, exchanged contact information with me and arranged to meet at the start of the conference. She introduced me to other Ambassadors and attendees, and from there, the connections multiplied naturally. That spirit of inclusion and generosity set the tone for my entire experience.
I was also fortunate to connect with Laura Monroe, then Inman’s Global Head of Community, who later invited me to become an Inman Ambassador, a role I’ve proudly served in since 2024. Through the Inman community, I’ve experienced a rare kind of professional network, one that transcends brand affiliations and competition, and instead focuses on collaboration, shared learning and genuine support.
It’s a space where experienced leaders and newer agents learn from one another, ideas are exchanged freely and relationships truly matter.
Growing outside our comfort zones
Putting yourself out there isn’t always easy. Traveling alone, walking into rooms where you don’t know anyone and introducing yourself first can all feel uncomfortable. But growth doesn’t happen inside comfort zones. The real reward comes from expanding your network, learning from others and surrounding yourself with people who challenge and inspire you.
Inman creates an environment where those connections happen organically, conversations lead to collaboration and professional relationships often turn into lasting friendships.
Inman Connect New York returns Feb. 3-5, 2026. It’s a place where real connections, practical tools and thoughtful strategies come together, and the value of those conversations often extends well beyond the stage.
At the end of the day, this business, like life, is about people. It’s about curiosity, generosity and showing up with intention. Whether I’m meeting someone in an airport lounge or at an Inman conference, the same principle applies: When you lead with authenticity and genuine interest in others, meaningful relationships follow.
Inman reinforces that community still matters, and that when we invest in connection, both personally and professionally, the return is immeasurable.
Dina Williams is a broker-owner and Inman Ambassador based in Orange County, California, with more than 30 years of experience in residential real estate. Connect with her on Instagram and Linkedin.
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