Walking Into Opportunity

A few weeks ago, I was out for an early morning walk. I try to leave the house by 6:30 a.m., after feeding the dog, stretching, and reading for about 45 minutes. With my earbuds in, I was easing into the day with one of my go-to podcasts.

As I rounded the corner at our local park, I noticed a woman getting out of her car. I recognized her as the mom of a boy I had coached in Little League years ago. She and her dog were there to get in some exercise before the day kicked into gear.

We exchanged some small talk and caught up on family, vacations, work, and the kids. It was just a quick conversation, maybe three or four minutes. We said goodbye, and I kept walking while she tossed the ball across the field. Her dog sprinted after it with the kind of enthusiasm we all wish we had at sunrise.

As I walked on, I smiled. The memories of that baseball team came rushing back. They were some great young men, and their parents and families were a supportive and spirited bunch who always showed up.

Later that morning, I wrote her a short note. I thanked her for the quick conversation, wished her a happy summer, and asked her to say hello to her kids, especially Johnny, our leadoff hitter and starting catcher. I included a business card with a simple reminder that if she ever had questions about the real estate market, I was here to help.

Fast forward to last week. I passed her again, this time as she and her dog were finishing their walk. I pulled out my earbuds, smiled, and said hello.

She grinned and asked if my ears had been burning the week before.

She told me that my note had sparked a long conversation at home. It might be time to start thinking about moving. The boys were grown, and their daughter would graduate next year. The house that once felt perfect might soon be more than they needed.

I offered to meet sometime and talk through possibilities. No pressure at all, just a conversation about what the future might look like.

Will anything come of it? Maybe, maybe not. But like a nibble on a fishing line, it reminded me to stay present and pay attention. The moment may not lead to a sale, but it could be the start of something important.

So here’s my advice: lace up your walking shoes. Keep your eyes open. Pay attention to the people life brings your way. Follow up naturally, and whenever you can, connect through a different channel to stay top of mind.

And then?

Take another walk.

You never know who you might run into.