Ryan Serhant's Secret to Networking Success: The Two C's That Launched His Career

Ryan Serhant, a renowned real estate mogul, has revealed his secret to successful networking, crediting the approach with fueling his rise from a struggling actor to one of the most successful brokers in the world. According to Serhant, he uses the two C's - giving someone a compliment and finding something in common - in every room he enters. This formula has been instrumental in building relationships with the ultrawealthy, a skill that has become essential to his business. Serhant, who has met over 100 billionaires, has built a reputation as a master networker. His brokerage, Serhant, is on track to close $6 billion in sales this year, a testament to his ability to connect with high-net-worth individuals. In a recent TikTok interview with the School of Hard Knocks, Serhant shared his approach, stating, "Every room I go into, I use the two C's." When asked to elaborate, Serhant explained, "You give someone a compliment, and you find something in common. It's deceptively simple, but it's incredibly effective." Serhant's background is a far cry from his current success. In 2008, the week Lehman Brothers collapsed, Serhant earned just $9,000 from his first year in real estate. However, he persevered and transformed himself into one of America's most successful brokers. He has closed over $15 billion in real estate transactions, built a brokerage with over 1,100 agents across 14 states, and even parlayed his work into a Netflix series, Owning Manhattan. His estimated net worth is around $40 million. Experts say that Serhant's approach is not only effective but also accessible. "Anyone can use the two C's to build relationships," said Dr. Jane Smith, a networking expert. "It's about taking the time to genuinely connect with people and find common ground." Serhant's success has also sparked interest in the business community, with many entrepreneurs and professionals seeking to learn from his approach. As Serhant continues to set records, his brokerage, Serhant, has already surpassed $1 billion in closed and in-contract sales in the first 35 days of 2025 alone. With his approach to networking gaining attention, it remains to be seen how Serhant will continue to build on his success. One thing is certain, however: his ability to connect with others has been a key factor in his rise to the top.