Pat Zaby's
DIGITAL EDGE FOR REALTORS
Strategies that keep your clients coming back—and referring more. Tips and tools to strengthen your real estate connections.

Put the Big Rocks in First
Monday, September 14, 2026

Imagine a professor walking into a college classroom with a large, empty glass jar.

He places it on the desk. Next to it are three containers. One is filled with big rocks. One has small pebbles. The last one is filled with fine sand.  He looks at the class and says, "Your job is to fill this jar to the top. What should go in first?"

Some students say the sand. Others say the pebbles.  So, the professor starts with the sand. Then he adds the pebbles. But when he tries to put in the big rocks, they do not fit. There is no room left.  Then he empties the jar and starts again.

This time, he puts the big rocks in first. Then the pebbles. Finally, he pours in the sand. Everything fits.  The lesson is simple.

The jar represents your life, and in this case, your real estate business. The big rocks are your most important priorities. Your clients. Your sphere of influence. Your prospecting. Your personal development. Your health. Your family. Your long-term goals.

The pebbles are the smaller tasks that still need attention.  The sand is everything else. The distractions. The busywork. The interruptions. The things that fill your day but do not necessarily grow your business. 

In real estate, it is easy to spend the day reacting.  Emails. Texts. Social media. Forms. Notifications. Small requests. Minor problems. Before long, the day is full. You were busy, but were you productive?  That is the question.

If you do not put your big rocks in first, they may never fit in later.

Your sphere of influence is one of those big rocks. These are the people most likely to use you, refer you, recommend you, and remember you when a real estate need comes up. But they do not stay connected to you simply because you intend to stay in touch.

You have to make it a priority.  That means blocking time to call people. Sending useful information. Posting consistently. Following up. Being visible. Being helpful. Being remembered.

The challenge is that some of the work is important, but it can also be time-consuming. That is where delegation and systems matter.

You should focus your best energy on the relationships, conversations, appointments, and decisions that only you can handle. Then let systems help with the repeatable touches that keep your name in front of your sphere.

Put the big rocks in first. Protect the priorities that grow your business. Then find a way to keep the sand from taking over your day.

InTouch Systems can help make consistent communication with your sphere much easier. Visit the website to explore the videos, sample posts, and consumer newsletters that can be automatically sent and posted for you. If you are still not convinced, schedule a personal demo and see how it could work for your business.

National Trainer Pat Zaby

Pat Zaby is a distinguished leader in the real estate industry, serving as a charter member of the Residential Real Estate Council (RRC) and a past national president. With a career spanning over five decades, he has been a senior instructor since 1983, earning recognition as a national speaker, author, and developer.

His extensive contributions have established him as a respected authority in the field. As the co-owner of InTouch Systems, a digital marketing company, Pat continues to provide valuable insights and resources to real estate professionals, helping them thrive in an ever-evolving market.

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Achievements

  • Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 – Residential Real Estate Council
  • Over 200 articles published in national real estate periodicals
  • Senior instructor for the Residential Real Estate Council
  • Convention speaker at the NAR® and numerous franchise and state associations of REALTORS® for over 25 years
  • Past President, Residential Real Estate Council
  • Past President - REALTORS® National Marketing Institute®
  • Recipient of Omega Tau Rho, National Association of REALTORS®
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