Human connection may become the most valuable competitive advantage real estate agents have in an AI-driven world. In this episode of Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered, James Dwiggins sits down with human connection keynote speaker, author, and longtime real estate professional Barb Betts to discuss why human connection matters more as technology becomes capable of doing more of an agent’s work. Barb explains how she built a seven-figure real estate business through relationships instead of ads and cold calls. She also shares her simple “5 by 5 Method” for intentionally staying connected and why agents need to build genuine relationships before they start asking for referrals. They discuss: Why AI should make agents more human, not less Barb’s “5 by 5 Method” for building relationships Why agents should stop chasing referrals How authenticity creates confidence Using AI to create more time for human connection As AI gives every agent access to similar tools, information, and technology, human connection becomes the differentiator competitors can’t copy. If you want to use AI to grow your business without automating away the relationships that make real estate work, this episode is for you. Links mentioned during the episode: “The Relationship Advantage”: https://barbbetts.com/book Connect with Barb on LinkedIn - Instagram - YouTube and online at barbbetts.com. https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbbetts/ https://www.instagram.com/barbbetts/ https://www.youtube.com/c/barbbetts https://barbbetts.com The industry is evolving. The question is: will your business evolve with it? Join us at Zillow Unlock 2026 and be part of the conversation shaping what comes next. Register today at unlockconference.com and use code REIU20 for 20% off your ticket*. *Code can be used on all full priced passes leading up to the event and cannot be combined with any other discounts. Subscribe to Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@RealEstateInsidersUnfiltered?sub_confirmation=1 To learn more about becoming a sponsor of the show send us an email: jessica@inman.com You asked for it. We delivered. Check out our new merch! https://merch.realestateinsidersunfiltered.com/ Follow Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered Podcast on Instagram - YouTube - Facebook - TikTok. Visit us online at realestateinsidersunfiltered.com. Link to Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RealEstateInsidersUnfiltered Link to Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/realestateinsiderspod/ Link to YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@RealEstateInsidersUnfiltered Link to TikTok Page: https://www.tiktok.com/@realestateinsiderspod Link to website: https://realestateinsidersunfiltered.com This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative. https://twobrotherscreative.com/contact/ The views and opinions expressed on Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered are those of the hosts and guests in their personal capacities and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of AGNT, Inc., eXp Realty, LLC, NextHome, Inc., or any of their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, officers, or directors. Chapter Markers: 00:00 – AI Should Make Us More Human 02:44 – Barb Betts' Real Estate Journey 07:03 – Why Chasing Transactions Didn't Work 08:24 – The Relationship Advantage 11:55 – Stop Chasing Referrals 15:16 – Building Relationships Intentionally 17:36 – The 5 by 5 Method 19:11 – Human Connection in an AI World 22:00 – Why Premium Service Still Wins 24:45 – Use AI to Become More Human 26:48 – Building Confidence as a Presenter 29:26 – Authenticity Creates Confidence 31:42 – Barb's Hair Loss Journey 35:47 – Stop Hiding Who You Are 38:40 – Overcommitment and Learning to Say No 41:39 – Prioritizing What Matters 44:17 – Advice for New Real Estate Agents 46:21 – The Follow-Up Strategy Agents Miss