Broker and Inman Ambassador Dina Williams shares her thoughts on why community shapes life, business, and the industry she loves.
I’m a natural connector. We tend to make friends wherever we go: in airport lounges, waiting rooms, store lines, and more recently, during jury duty.
At this stage in my life, I realized that connection is not about being the loudest voice in the room. Bring positive energy to any space, ask open-ended questions, and genuinely care about the person in front of you.
I try to find common ground that leads to meaningful conversations, not just small talk. In a world increasingly driven by social media, text, and digital interactions, people are often surprised and refreshed when someone takes the time to connect in a real, human way.
Develop a mindset about relationships
That mindset has shaped both my personal and business life. Many of my closest friendships began with relationships with clients, 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 heart of my 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 solo from Southern California to New York City, and as a first-time attendee, I didn’t know what to expect. What I discovered was more than just a conference.
From the moment I arrived, I was immersed in an environment centered around learning, collaboration, and authentic connection. Each session, each speaker, each conversation left me more energized than the last. I couldn’t fully understand the ideas being shared or the people I was sharing them with.
stay professional
As a traditional real estate agent and Orange County native, much of my professional experience has been local and shaped in a market that can sometimes feel like a bubble.
I have long been a moving professional with a strong national referral network, but being surrounded by professionals from around the country, each bringing a different perspective and market reality, broadened my horizons in meaningful ways. Inman Connect reminded us that while real estate is local, growth often comes by looking beyond our own backyards.
I returned home eager to take what I had learned back to the team. New strategies, new tools, and new ways of thinking quickly took shape. More importantly, a spark was reignited that I didn’t even know I needed. After decades in the business, it was a nice reminder of why I fell in love with real estate in the first place.
Even before the event started, I joined the Inman Coast to Coast Facebook group to connect with other attendees. Tiare Kabazawa, an Inman Ambassador from Hawaii, contacted me prior to the event, exchanged contact information, and arranged to meet me at the start of the conference. She introduced me to other ambassadors and attendees, and connections grew organically from there. That spirit of inclusivity and generosity set the tone for my entire experience.
I was also fortunate to connect with Laura Monroe, who at the time was Head of Global Community at Inman. He then invited me to become an Inman Ambassador, a role I have proudly held since 2024. Through the Inman community, I experienced a rare kind of professional network that transcends brand affiliation and competition and focuses on collaboration, shared learning, and genuine support.
This is a place where experienced leaders and new agents learn from each other, ideas are exchanged freely, and relationships really matter.
Grow outside your comfort zone
Putting yourself out there isn’t always easy. When traveling alone, walking into a room where you don’t know anyone and introducing yourself for the first time can all feel uncomfortable. But growth doesn’t happen within your comfort zone. The real rewards come 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 collaborations, and professional relationships often turn into lasting friendships.
Inman Connect New York will be held from February 3rd to 5th, 2026. This is a place where real connections, practical tools, and thoughtful strategies come together, and the value of those conversations often extends far beyond the stage.
After all, this business, like life, is about people. It’s about acting with curiosity, generosity, and intention. The same principles apply whether you’re meeting someone in an airport lounge or at an Inman conference. Leading with integrity and genuine concern for others creates meaningful relationships.
Inman emphasizes that community remains important and that when we invest in connection, both personally and professionally, the rewards are immeasurable.
Dina Williams is a broker-owner and Inman Ambassador based in Orange County, California, with over 30 years of experience in residential real estate. Connect with her on Instagram and Linkedin.
