The Network Build Grow Podcast: Relationships that Scale

Melissa Taylor
  • 5.0 (3)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

“The Network Build Grow Podcast showcases the stories, insights, and strategies of business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals from our community. Each episode dives into the ‘why’ behind their work, hard-won lessons from their journey, and actionable tips on how to authentically build relationships, expand their circle of influence, and create meaningful business connections. Our goal is to inspire, educate, and empower listeners to grow both personally and professionally through smarter, more intentional networking.”

  1. Building a Medical Practice Business Through Strategic Networking | Sarah Clark

    1D AGO

    Building a Medical Practice Business Through Strategic Networking | Sarah Clark

    Episode Description Small medical practices are drowning in chaos, and Sarah Clark is the "chaos and sludge wrangler" they didn't know they needed. As a fractional practice administrator, Sarah helps physicians turn overwhelm into operational excellence by focusing on the "4 P's": People, Patients, Processes, and Paperwork. In this conversation, Sarah shares how networking transformed her lonely solopreneurship journey, why she became "number one on Grok" without ever using X (Previously Twitter), and the LinkedIn mistakes that will get you unfriended. Additionally, her framework for determining which networking events are worth your time. What You'll Learn: The 4 P's Framework for medical practice successHow to build relationships vs collecting contactsWhy consistent online content matters (even when you think no one's watching)The "Topic, Timely, Calendar" decision framework for networking eventsWhat NOT to do on LinkedIn if you want to keep your networkKey Takeaways Relationships ≠ Contacts: Networking is about depth over time, not collecting business cards. Sarah had a client court her for 2 years before they ever discussed working together.The 4 P's Framework: People, Patients, Processes, Paperwork—everything in a medical practice is cyclical. A small change in one area affects everything else.Be Intentional with Your Time: Sarah's networking event criteria: Topic (is it relevant?), Timely (does it fit where you are now?), Calendar (can you attend consistently?).AI Is Watching: A client found Sarah by searching on Grok (X's AI). She's never used X. Why? Consistent content on LinkedIn + her website = AI scraped it everywhere.Active Relationship Maintenance: Reach out to several people every week. Send articles, check in, share value. "I was thinking of you today" builds real relationships.LinkedIn Don'ts: Blind connection requests, instant sales pitches, and automated follow-ups will get you unfriended. Personalize everything.Vet Your Referrals: Your name is on every introduction. Only refer people you know personally AND professionally. About Sarah Clark Sarah Clark is a fractional practice administrator, speaker, and self-proclaimed "chaos and sludge wrangler" who helps small private medical practices turn operational chaos into calm. With a clinical background and C-suite experience, through consulting, training, and speaking, Sarah shares practical frameworks like the 4 Ps of a Successful Practice and her C.A.L.M. approach to help leaders implement smart efficiencies, strengthen their teams, and build sustainable, high-performing practices, always with actionable takeaways and a touch of real-world humor.   Connect with Sarah: Website: sarahclarkconsulting.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbettuchyclarkEmail: sarah@sarahclarkconsulting.com Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Website Website: networkbuildgrow.com   🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on networking, leadership, branding, and business growth 🌐 Join the Network Build Grow community at networkbuildgrow.com

    28 min
  2. From Colonel to Coach: Building Meaningful Business Networks That Actually Work

    6D AGO

    From Colonel to Coach: Building Meaningful Business Networks That Actually Work

    In this powerful conversation, Tony Caldwell shares his remarkable journey from a 27-year military career to becoming an executive advisor and coach. Tony opens up about the profound loss of purpose many veterans experience after leaving service and how he rediscovered his mission by helping business leaders increase their impact. This episode is packed with practical networking wisdom, including the critical difference between transactional networking and relationship building, why your network needs to be "pruned" just like a garden, and the one thing most people get wrong at networking events (hint: it's not about the event itself). Key Takeaways 1. Purpose drives impact: The most fulfilling work serves something bigger than yourself 2. Networking is relationship-building, not contact-collecting: Focus on depth, not breadth 3. The real work happens in side conversations: Don't just attend events—engage authentically 4. Your network requires active maintenance: Like a garden, it needs consistent care and occasional pruning 5. Respect people's time and choices: Avoid aggressive sales tactics and spam 6. Show up consistently across multiple groups: Repeated exposure builds trust and recognition 7. Listen to trusted advisors: Sometimes others see potential in us before we see it ourselves About the Guest Tony Caldwell is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, executive advisor, storyteller, keynote speaker, and coach with over three decades of experience cultivating high-performing leaders across military, corporate, and nonprofit sectors. He started his military career as an enlisted Soldier before becoming an officer (that’s a “Mustang” in Army lingo). That experience gives him a unique, battle-tested perspective on overcoming leadership challenges and achieving significant career goals. As a strategic guide, Tony helps pull the real answers out of high-potential leaders so they can move forward with confidence, not confusion. He never gives canned advice. Instead, he helps clients find the answers for themselves, build a realistic action plan, and then helps them stay accountable to themselves to follow through. When he’s not working with executives, Tony is an adjunct professor of American History or navigating the tactical minefield of being on his HOA board. He’s known for having a deep fondness for good bourbons. Tony has graduated from the University of Memphis, American Military University, and the U.S. Army War College. He’s been awarded the Army’s Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal six times, among other prestigious honors. Guest Resources & Links · Website: www.the2326group.com · LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tony-caldwell-the2326group · Email: info@the2326group.com · Network Build Grow: networkbuildgrow.com Subscribe to Network Build Grow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. New episodes every week featuring entrepreneurs and professionals sharing their stories and strategies for building meaningful business relationships.   🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on networking, leadership, branding, and business growth 🌐 Join the Network Build Grow community at networkbuildgrow.com

    32 min
  3. Networking Is NOT About Sales; Building a 35-Year Career Through Authentic Networking

    FEB 17

    Networking Is NOT About Sales; Building a 35-Year Career Through Authentic Networking

    John Bradford shares 35 years of networking wisdom from the event industry. Learn why being genuine beats being salesy, the 24-hour follow-up rule, and how to build relationships that naturally lead to business without the hard sell. Discover how to build a successful career through authentic networking with John Bradford, Director of Sales at Station West, who has spent 35 years mastering relationship-based business development in the event industry. What You'll Learn:  ✅ The "farmer vs hunter" networking philosophy and why relationships beat transactions  ✅ The 24-hour follow-up rule that keeps you memorable  ✅ How to ask the right questions beyond "what do you do?"  ✅ Why industry-specific associations are networking goldmines  ✅ Creating multiple touchpoints without being pushy  ✅ Building trust that turns contacts into friends who refer business  ✅ Evaluating if you're in the right networking groups for ROI  ✅ The power of being a resource, not just a vendor John's Journey: Starting in high school doing AV work, John never planned on a 35-year event industry career. From concert production to audio-visual services to event rental, and now as Director of Sales for Station West (which includes Spurline Creative coworking, Platform Coffee and Kitchen, and Acacia Events), John proves that genuine relationship-building creates sustainable business growth. 🎙️ Subscribe to Network Build Grow for weekly insights on building better business relationships! #Networking #EventIndustry #RelationshipSelling #BusinessDevelopment #Hospitality 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on networking, leadership, branding, and business growth 🌐 Join the Network Build Grow community at networkbuildgrow.com

    23 min
  4. How to Network Effectively: Follow-Up Strategies & Building Business Relationships That Convert

    FEB 10

    How to Network Effectively: Follow-Up Strategies & Building Business Relationships That Convert

    Learn proven networking strategies from ITEX's Maria Stone on building valuable business relationships, effective follow-up techniques, and turning connections into clients. Discover why quality beats quantity and how to organize your network for maximum ROI. Master the art of business networking with proven strategies that actually work. In this episode of Network Build Grow, host Melissa Taylor sits down with Maria Stone from ITEX to reveal the secrets of building meaningful business relationships that drive revenue. What You'll Learn:  ✅ The number 1 mistake people make when introducing themselves at networking events  ✅ How many times to follow up before moving on (hint: it's not what you think) ✅ Quality vs. quantity: Why meeting fewer people produces better results  ✅ The immediate action technique for making powerful introductions  ✅ How to choose which networking events deserve your time  ✅ Multi-channel follow-up strategies (email, text, social media, phone)  ✅ Building strategic alliances that lead to cash referrals  ✅ The conversation starter that gets real responses (not "what do you do?") About ITEX: Discover how group bartering platforms create networking opportunities and help small businesses access services without cash outlays while building valuable business connections. Perfect for entrepreneurs, small business owners, sales professionals, and anyone looking to grow their professional network strategically. 🔗 Connect with Maria Stone:  Phone/Text: 704-965-7569  Email: MariaStone@itex.net  Website: charlotte.itex.com 🎙️ Subscribe to Network Build Grow for weekly networking and business growth strategies! #Networking #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #SalesStrategies 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on networking, leadership, branding, and business growth 🌐 Join the Network Build Grow community at networkbuildgrow.com

    19 min
  5. Building Trust, Not Just Contacts: A Smarter Way to Network

    FEB 3

    Building Trust, Not Just Contacts: A Smarter Way to Network

    In this episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast, host Melissa Taylor interviews John Sanchez, Managing Partner of FPA Group and a communication coach for finance professionals. John shares how developing strong communication skills transformed his career from a technical financial analyst to a sought-after speaker and trainer. They discuss the importance of consistent networking, avoiding the feast-or-famine business cycle, and how professionals can use platforms like LinkedIn to build real relationships that drive growth. John also explains why communication is a learnable skill and how mastering it can become your unfair advantage in business. If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or professional looking to strengthen your networking strategy, improve your communication skills, and grow your influence, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on networking, leadership, branding, and business growth 🌐 Join the Network Build Grow community at networkbuildgrow.com

    27 min
  6. Confidence, Consistency, and Community: The Networking Formula

    JAN 27

    Confidence, Consistency, and Community: The Networking Formula

    In this episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast, host Melissa Taylor sits down with Corrine Brown, known as The Fresh Expert, to talk about how relationship-based networking builds real business growth without aggressive selling. Corrine shares how she grew a thriving Tupperware business by focusing on community, personal branding, and authentic connections, not pitches. From standing out at networking events to showing up consistently and being remembered, this episode is packed with practical networking strategies for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and direct sales professionals. You’ll learn: How to network without sounding salesyWhy showing up consistently matters more than pitchingHow personal branding helps people remember and refer youThe biggest networking mistakes business owners makeHow to add value to your network without expecting anything in returnWhether you’re new to networking or looking to grow your influence and referrals, this conversation will help you build relationships that actually convert into business. 🔗 Learn more about Network Build Grow: https://networkbuildgrow.com 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on networking, leadership, branding, and business growth 🌐 Join the Network Build Grow community at networkbuildgrow.com

    20 min
  7. Networking Lessons From 30+ Years in Business

    JAN 20

    Networking Lessons From 30+ Years in Business

    In this episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast, host Melissa Taylor sits down with Michael Barbero, Regional Vice President with Primerica, to explore how relationship-based networking fuels long-term business growth especially in financial services. Michael shares his journey from owning a bar and grill to building a thriving financial services business, highlighting how consistency, trust, and authentic conversations have shaped his success. From the power of word-of-mouth marketing to why “being interested, not interesting” wins in networking, this episode delivers practical insights entrepreneurs and professionals can use immediately. You’ll learn: Why networking is about conversations, not sellingHow trust is built through consistency and follow-upThe right way to follow up without being annoyingHow humor and authenticity strengthen business relationshipsWhy middle-income families and small business owners are often overlooked and how to serve them wellIf you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or financial professional looking to grow your network, your influence, and your impact, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom. 🎧 Subscribe for weekly conversations on networking, relationships, and business growth. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on networking, leadership, branding, and business growth 🌐 Join the Network Build Grow community at networkbuildgrow.com

    25 min
  8. From Referrals to Communities: How Networking Grows Your Business

    JAN 13

    From Referrals to Communities: How Networking Grows Your Business

    In this episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast, host Melissa Taylor sits down with Wayne Coolidge, founder of Wayne Coolidge Health Promotion, and Kim Twity Rodes, co-creator of Shield Maiden Life, to explore how networking, reputation, and community-building drive long-term business success. With decades of experience in personal training, health coaching, and now online membership communities, Wayne shares how his business grew almost entirely through word-of-mouth referrals and relationship-based networking long before social media or digital marketing existed. Kim adds her powerful personal journey, explaining how Shield Maiden Life empowers women in midlife to become healthy, confident, and fearless. Together, they discuss why networking isn’t about pitching or selling, but about building trust, delivering results, and protecting your reputation. The conversation also dives into common networking mistakes, the importance of follow-up, how to avoid overwhelming people with information, and why quality connections matter more than quantity. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why reputation is one of the most powerful networking toolsHow referrals and word-of-mouth fuel sustainable business growthThe role of networking in transitioning to membership-based businessesHow to network without selling or pressureWhy follow-up is critical and how to do it betterHow community-building strengthens trust and long-term relationshipsHow women can reclaim confidence and purpose through health-focused programsIf you’re an entrepreneur, coach, consultant, or business owner looking to grow through authentic relationships instead of cold marketing tactics, this episode offers practical insights you can apply immediately. 🔗 Learn more about Wayne Coolidge Health Promotion & Shield Maiden Life  🎧 Subscribe for weekly conversations on networking, leadership, and business growth  🌐 Join the community at networkbuildgrow.com 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on networking, leadership, branding, and business growth 🌐 Join the Network Build Grow community at networkbuildgrow.com

    23 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

“The Network Build Grow Podcast showcases the stories, insights, and strategies of business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals from our community. Each episode dives into the ‘why’ behind their work, hard-won lessons from their journey, and actionable tips on how to authentically build relationships, expand their circle of influence, and create meaningful business connections. Our goal is to inspire, educate, and empower listeners to grow both personally and professionally through smarter, more intentional networking.”

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