The actions that help break through plateaus align with a framework that has stood the test of time: Ask, seek, knock, writes Jimmy Burgess.
Feeling like your business is at a standstill? Maybe the market has changed. Maybe your business has reached a plateau. Or maybe you’re just trying to get back to where you were before.
Whatever the reason, the feeling is real. If you’ve been in this business long enough, you know that’s not uncommon. Every agent goes through seasons where things feel more difficult than they need to be. The difference is what you do next.
As I look back on my career, I realize that every time I hit a plateau, there were a few consistent actions that helped me break through and move on to the next level. Interestingly, these behaviors are consistent with the time-tested framework of ask, seek, and knock.
This three-step framework is derived from timeless Biblical principles, but when applied to your real estate business, it becomes a practical roadmap to help agents build consistent momentum and growth from feeling stuck.
Step 1: Ask, but start by giving.
When most agents hear the word “request,” they immediately think of requesting a referral. Yes, that’s part of it. However, the way you ask the question is important. Agents often fall into the trap of asking awkward transactional questions that feel forced. That won’t work.
Anything that works has value. One of the simplest and most effective questions to ask is:
“Is there anything I can help you with right now?”
That question changes everything. It positions you as the first person to serve. When you do that consistently, interesting things happen. People naturally want to give back. Now, once the conversation changes, your question will feel natural.
“By the way, if you hear of anyone thinking of buying or selling, I hope you remember me.”
No pressure. No awkwardness. Just alignment. But the questions don’t end there. When you get stuck, the most important question is to ask yourself.
What did I do when I had momentum? Who is my ideal customer? What do they actually want and need? Where do they spend their time?
These questions create clarity. And clarity leads to action.
Step 2: Growth requires new inputs, so seek them out.
Once you have asked the right questions, the next step is to look for the answers. Many agents fall short here. They know they need to grow, but they don’t actively pursue the knowledge needed to get there. Asking means becoming a student again. This means intentionally improving your skills in areas such as:
There is no shortage of information available today. You can learn from below.
YouTube Podcasts Books Coaching Programs Other Agents
But here’s the point. Exploration is not passive. That’s intentional. When you actively pursue knowledge related to the questions you ask, you begin to see opportunities that were previously missed. You start thinking differently. And eventually, you start acting differently.
Step 3: Knock — where it all actually happens
You can ask the right questions. You can ask for all the knowledge in the world. But none of this means anything without action. This is where real progress happens. “Knock” represents an action. And in the real estate industry, that action often looks like doing the very thing you’ve been avoiding.
For some agents, this includes:
The truth is: Discomfort is almost always necessary for growth. If it’s comfortable, your business probably won’t move forward. So let me ask you a question. What is something you know you should be doing but haven’t done yet?
That’s your next move. Because I’ve never seen anyone get out of a rut without stepping into something that makes them uncomfortable.
Why this framework works
What makes this framework so powerful is that it is simple yet complete.
“Ask” creates clarity “Ask” builds capacity “Knock” leads to results
Combining all three creates momentum. And it’s momentum that changes everything in this business. Agents who make breakthroughs are not agents who wait for the market to change. They are the ones who change behavior within the market. And when you do it consistently, the next level isn’t just possible; It’s inevitable.
Jimmy Burgess is Chief Coaching Officer of HomeServices of America and President of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. Connect with him on Instagram and LinkedIn.
