Business Networking & Referrals with Faithann Basore

Faithann
  • 5.0 (4)
  • How To
  • Updated Weekly

Learn how to network with confidence, build real business relationships, and generate more referrals—even when networking doesn't come naturally. Business networking doesn't have to feel awkward, intimidating, or salesy. Whether you're an entrepreneur, salesperson, business owner, or professional who wants to build stronger relationships and generate more referrals, this podcast gives you practical networking strategies you can use the very next time you walk into a room. Hosted by Faithann Basore, Business Networking & Referrals breaks down the invisible parts of networking that most people never teach—from creating better conversations and asking memorable questions to improving your elevator pitch, building credibility, following up naturally, reading buying signals, and turning introductions into lasting business relationships. When networking makes you nervous, you're not alone. Many episodes are designed specifically to help you feel more confident in networking rooms by giving you simple frameworks, conversation starters, and mindset shifts that make connecting with people feel more natural. You'll learn how to enter conversations with confidence, overcome networking anxiety, and become someone people genuinely enjoy talking with. You'll also hear live coaching sessions, real networking examples, referral strategies, communication tips, and interviews with successful professionals who share what's actually working to grow their businesses through relationships. Whether you're attending your first networking event or you've been networking for years, you'll discover how to: Build authentic business relationships Create conversations that lead to referrals Deliver an elevator pitch people remember Improve your follow-up without sounding pushy Build trust and credibility faster Become more confident in networking rooms Generate more referrals through genuine connection When your goal is to stop collecting business cards and start building meaningful business relationships that create real opportunities, you're in the right place. Because great networking isn't about talking more. It's about creating opportunities for others that they would not have except for you, so you have standing to ask for opportunities when you need them.

  1. 6d ago

    96: How to Make Your Networking Pitch Memorable, Specific and Easy to Refer

    Are you making it easy for the people in your networking group to recognize and connect you with the right referrals? In this episode of Business Networking and Referrals, Faithann coaches Denise Maples, owner of Backbone Operations, through creating a clearer and more effective networking pitch. Together, they turn a broad request for “any business owner who needs a virtual assistant” into a specific picture of the client Denise can help, the problem that person may be experiencing and the words a referral partner can use to introduce her naturally. You’ll learn: Why a short testimonial can build credibility and help people picture your ideal referral How to focus on the result you provide instead of listing everything you do Why specific referral requests are more effective than casting a wide net How to identify what your ideal client may be doing, feeling or saying What question your networking partners can ask to bring you into the conversation naturally Why permission-based introductions create warmer referrals When you paint a clear picture, your network can recognize more opportunities for you. Start narrow, and the people listening can broaden the possibilities from there. Connect with Denise Maples and Backbone Operations: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisemaples Website: https://backboneops.net Schedule a Discovery Call with Denise: https://schedule.backboneops.net/discovery-call Ready to make it easier for your network to recognize and refer the right people to you? Book a Discovery Call with Faithann to talk about where your networking and referral strategy may need more clarity:  FAITHANN’S DISCOVERY CALL LINK

  2. Sep 7

    95: What Networking Group Organizers Wish You Knew Before Your Next Event

    What do the organizers of networking groups wish you knew before you walked through the door? In this episode, Faithann shares honest advice from several successful networking organization leaders about what actually helps business owners build meaningful relationships and earn referrals. You’ll hear why the networking meeting itself is only the first step, why you do not need to speak to everyone in the room, and how a few genuine conversations can lead to stronger, more personal follow-up. You’ll also learn: Why one-to-one conversations are not sales appointments How to choose two or three meaningful connections instead of collecting a stack of business cards Why your 30- or 60-second introduction needs to be clear and specific How self-doubt can keep you from recognizing opportunities Why networking communities provide more than referrals How becoming a resource makes introductions feel natural What could happen when you invest intentionally in your relationships for the next eight months The business owners who organize networking events want you to succeed. Their advice makes one thing clear: showing up matters, but what you do after the meeting is where relationships, referrals, and opportunities begin to grow. Ready to become a stronger resource for the people in your network? Schedule a discovery call with Faithann to explore whether a coaching session could help you use your networking time more intentionally and get more people talking about your business. Book your discovery call here. Featured networking leaders: Sybil Hale, Mix & Mingle Business Networking Danielle Throckmorton, Reach Retreats, Coffee & Connection, and Believers in Business Cori, OKC Women in Business Pam, Wine, Women & Wealth

  3. Aug 31

    94: Struggling to Grow Your Network? 5 Tips to Become a Go-To Resource

    Are you showing people that you are a valuable resource, even when they are not ready or able to hire you? The business owners who build strong networks and earn referrals understand that resourcefulness should not be reserved only for paying clients. When you help people, share what you know, and create opportunities for others, you give them meaningful reasons to remember you and mention your name in rooms you are not in. In this solo episode, Faithann shares two important areas to audit when your network is not growing. You will learn how small etiquette mistakes may be quietly turning people away and how becoming a resource can help you build trust, strengthen relationships, and create more referral opportunities. Faithann discusses: How networking etiquette affects people’s willingness to build a relationship with you Who should offer an alternate date when a meeting must be rescheduled Why you should tell someone when another person will be joining your meeting How to become a trusted source of business recommendations The relationships to build with professionals who serve your clients before or after you Why hosting meetups, webinars, or educational events can grow your network How volunteering and serving on nonprofit boards build trust Ways to share your expertise without giving away too much How your own professional development can become a resource for others Why people who may never hire you can still become valuable cheerleaders for your business You will also leave with a practical networking exercise: identify five types of professionals you wish your clients knew before working with you and five they may need afterward. Then begin building the relationships that allow you to confidently make those introductions. When you become someone who consistently helps people move forward, you become someone they remember, trust, and recommend. Mentioned in This Episode Episode 10: How to Invite Someone to a Networking Event Like a Pro Episode 15: Think of Everything Episode 48: TACT: The First Floor of Networking Success T5 Meetup Fri Sep 25th from 9-11a: RSVP (OKC business owners) Join the Curiosity Workshop Learn how to talk about your business naturally in networking meetings, volunteer settings, community events, and everyday conversations. The Curiosity Workshop includes four weeks of instruction followed by in-person and virtual conversation practice. You can join from anywhere. The first class begins Friday, September 4. Registration is $125 and closes on Tuesday Aug. 1st. Register for the Curiosity Workshop here.

  4. Aug 24

    93: Why the Best Networking Groups Create Value from the First Visit with Dirk Neitzel

    What should you say during your 60-second networking pitch so people know exactly who to refer to you? In this coaching episode, Faithann works with Dirk Neitzel, founder of ThinkBiz Referral Clubs, to build a networking pitch that does more than describe his organization. Together, they create language that helps people recognize an ideal referral, introduce ThinkBiz without criticizing other networking options, and confidently take the next step. Dirk also shares how ThinkBiz grew from one referral club to eight across the Oklahoma City metro and why in-person networking remains so powerful in an increasingly digital world. You’ll learn: • How to make one business the “star” of your networking pitch when you own multiple businesses • Why a short, specific testimonial builds credibility quickly • How to describe your ideal referral without asking for “anyone” • The difference between networking acquaintances and true referral partners • How to give people a curiosity-building question they can use to introduce your business • Why every 60-second pitch needs a clear next step • How staying after a networking meeting can lead to conversations and one-to-one appointments • Why ThinkBiz aims to give visitors value, and even referrals, from their first visit Dirk’s ideal referral is not simply a business owner who wants more referrals. It is someone who wants a core group of referral partners they can get to know, support, and confidently refer to others. Whether you are writing your first elevator pitch, refining your weekly networking presentation, or trying to generate more business referrals, this episode will help you give your networking partners language they can actually remember and use. Learn more about ThinkBiz Referral Clubs, including club locations, meeting times, current members, and available industry seats: https://thinkbiz.solutions Need help creating a 60-second networking pitch that makes your ideal referral easier to recognize? Schedule a discovery call here: Discovery Call with Faithann  Would you rather create your referral-driving pitch in a supportive group setting? Join the Creating Credibility Workshop to develop a 60-second networking pitch that clearly communicates who you help, makes your ideal referrals easier to recognize, and gives your networking partners language they can confidently use to introduce you. Learn more and register: Creating Credibility Workshop

  5. Aug 17

    92: Why Successful Networkers Don't Quit When Networking Gets Discouraging

    Networking can bring referrals, relationships, opportunities, and clients into your business. It can also bring no-shows, bad referrals, awkward mistakes, criticism, and a whole lot of “no.” In this episode of Business Networking and Referrals, we’re talking about the emotional resilience required to stay in the networking game for the long haul. Because some things are simply inevitable. You’ll probably get stood up for a one-to-one. You may double-book yourself and have to apologize. Eventually, someone may send you a referral that’s a terrible fit. Someone may misunderstand you or even speak poorly about you. And when you keep putting yourself and your business out there, you’re going to hear no. But guess what? There’s another side to what’s inevitable. You’ll be mentioned in rooms you aren’t in. You could be one introduction away from one of the best clients you’ve ever had. You’ll receive messages from people telling you that your work made a difference. People will trust you enough to share what’s really going on. And along with all those no’s, you’re going to get some pretty incredible yeses. In this episode, we’ll talk about: Why expecting some networking disappointments can make them easier to handle When to give someone who stands you up a second chance The right way to handle it when you’re the one who has to reschedule How to respond when someone sends you a bad referral What to remember when you hear that someone has spoken poorly about you Why you don’t have to take sides when two networking relationships collide How to keep issuing invitations without becoming attached to the answer Why learning to forgive yourself is part of becoming a more resilient networker Networking means building relationships with humans, and humans are sometimes messy. The goal isn’t to network perfectly. It’s to keep moving your conversations, your relationships, and yourself forward. Ready to create more curiosity in your networking conversations? The Creating Curiosity Workshop begins September 4th. You’ll learn how to answer the questions you already get asked in networking conversations in ways that help people lean in, ask more, and become genuinely curious about what you do. The workshop includes four virtual trainings, an in-person practice session for those in the Oklahoma City area, and a virtual practice session the following week, so you can participate from anywhere. Join the Creating Curiosity Workshop Go and network, my friends. Keep moving forward. Keep moving your conversations forward. Keep moving your relationships forward. And practice forgiving yourself.

  6. Aug 10

    91: Networking With Imposter Syndrome - What to Say When You Feel Put on the Spot

    Have you ever been asked a question at a networking event and suddenly felt like you had to prove you belonged in the room? For newer business owners, introverts, or anyone who struggles with imposter syndrome, even common networking questions like “What sets you apart?” or “How long have you been in business?” can feel more like a quiz than the beginning of a conversation. In this episode of Business Networking and Referrals, Faithann shares a different way to approach those moments. Instead of searching for the technically perfect answer, you'll learn how to make the star of your answer something you feel comfortable and proud to say. Faithann shares two common networking questions that can trigger imposter syndrome and shows you how to answer them in a way that creates a better conversation. You'll learn: Why “What sets you apart?” can be especially difficult for newer business owners How to answer by talking about what you love about working with your clients How client feedback can help you talk confidently about the results you create The “fast forward button” approach to describing what your clients gain from working with you A better way to answer “How long have you been in business?” without making the number of months or years the star How experienced networkers can ask better questions that make conversations easier for everyone Why you can walk into a networking room as a tourist instead of feeling like you're the one being judged You don't have to tap dance your way through every networking conversation with the perfect answer. You get to decide what the star of your answer will be. Ready to feel more comfortable in networking conversations? The next Creating Curiosity Workshop begins Friday, September 4. During four weeks of virtual training plus a practice session, you'll learn how to become a better listener, give stronger answers to common networking questions, and create curiosity about your business without slipping into auto-reply. Investment: $125 Join the waitlist to be the first to know when registration opens, receive a bonus resource, and get access to the pre-workshop welcome call. Creating Curiosity Waitlist Connect with Faithann: Instagram: @thenetworkerstourguide Join Premium OKC Networking for $95 for a 1 year access to Faithann's networking calendar, community forum, and networking courses. Join the Private Community: The Networker’s Tour Guide on Facebook

  7. Aug 3

    90: Podcast SEO - How the Right Name Can Double Your Downloads with Adam Schaeuble

    What if the biggest reason your podcast isn't growing has nothing to do with your content? In this episode of Business Networking & Referrals, Faithann Basore sits down with podcast growth expert Adam Schaeuble, founder of Podcasting Business School, to uncover one of the most overlooked strategies in podcasting: making your show searchable. Adam shares how a simple name change transformed his own podcast from struggling for downloads to becoming one of the most recognized podcasting shows in his niche. You'll also hear the story behind why Faithann renamed her own podcast—and the results that followed. Whether you're just launching a podcast or looking to grow an existing one, this conversation is packed with practical, easy-to-implement strategies that can help more of the right listeners find your show. In this episode you'll learn: Why your podcast title is your most important SEO tool How the first word of your podcast name affects discoverability Why branding can sometimes hurt podcast growth The simple process for rebranding a podcast without confusing listeners How Adam grew from virtually no income to replacing his full-time business through podcasting Why newsletters often outperform traditional lead magnets A simple content strategy that turns old podcast episodes into weekly newsletters Why consistent, valuable content builds trust faster than constant promotion How networking led Faithann to one of the most influential mentors in her podcasting journey The mindset shift that helps podcasters finally see themselves as real content creators Memorable Quote "We can't have business-level goals with hobby-level effort." -Adam Schaeuble Connect with Adam: Podcasting Business School with Adam Schaeuble Episode 608 of Podcasting Business School (Podcast SEO) Skool Community  Connect with Faithann Join her free Facebook Community here. Join Premium OKC Networking for deeper networking connections and the vetted places to network in OKC. Grab Free Resources for Easier Networking at Faithann's website here.

  8. Jul 27

    89: Coaching Episode - Stop Asking for "Anyone Buying or Selling" with Michelle Spurlock

    Elevator Pitch Coaching: Stop Asking for "Anyone Buying or Selling" Episode 89 | Business Networking & Referrals Podcast How do you make your elevator pitch memorable when you're in an industry where everyone says the same thing? In this live coaching episode, Faithann Basore works with REALTOR® Michelle Spurlock of Spearhead Realty to transform a broad referral request into a clear picture of the exact client she's looking for. Instead of asking for "anyone buying or selling," Michelle discovers how to help her networking partners recognize the conversations that happen long before someone ever asks for a Realtor. You'll also hear the answer Michelle developed to one of the hardest networking questions: "What makes you different?" Whether you're in real estate or any service-based business, this coaching session will help you become easier to remember, easier to refer, and more confident in the way you talk about your business. In This Episode You'll Learn: ⭐ Why "anyone buying or selling" is one of the weakest referral asks. ⭐ How to build an elevator pitch around one star instead of a star-studded list of services. ⭐ Why your networking partners need to know what people are already saying before they realize they need you. ⭐ How to teach people to listen for referral opportunities instead of waiting for someone to ask for a recommendation. ⭐ A practical strategy for answering the question: "What makes you different?" ⭐ How setting healthy boundaries can actually make clients trust you more. ⭐ Why life changes often create better referral opportunities than asking who needs your service today. ⭐ A simple conversation strategy that naturally leads people toward talking about buying or selling a home. Connect with Michelle Spurlock 📧 mDiscovery Call to explore how a customized Pitch Strategy Session can help you confidently describe what you do, attract better referrals, and make your conversations more memorable. Connect with Faithann Basore 🌐 The Networker's Tour Guide 💬 Premium OKC Networking, Faithann's online community

See All (96)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Learn how to network with confidence, build real business relationships, and generate more referrals—even when networking doesn't come naturally. Business networking doesn't have to feel awkward, intimidating, or salesy. Whether you're an entrepreneur, salesperson, business owner, or professional who wants to build stronger relationships and generate more referrals, this podcast gives you practical networking strategies you can use the very next time you walk into a room. Hosted by Faithann Basore, Business Networking & Referrals breaks down the invisible parts of networking that most people never teach—from creating better conversations and asking memorable questions to improving your elevator pitch, building credibility, following up naturally, reading buying signals, and turning introductions into lasting business relationships. When networking makes you nervous, you're not alone. Many episodes are designed specifically to help you feel more confident in networking rooms by giving you simple frameworks, conversation starters, and mindset shifts that make connecting with people feel more natural. You'll learn how to enter conversations with confidence, overcome networking anxiety, and become someone people genuinely enjoy talking with. You'll also hear live coaching sessions, real networking examples, referral strategies, communication tips, and interviews with successful professionals who share what's actually working to grow their businesses through relationships. Whether you're attending your first networking event or you've been networking for years, you'll discover how to: Build authentic business relationships Create conversations that lead to referrals Deliver an elevator pitch people remember Improve your follow-up without sounding pushy Build trust and credibility faster Become more confident in networking rooms Generate more referrals through genuine connection When your goal is to stop collecting business cards and start building meaningful business relationships that create real opportunities, you're in the right place. Because great networking isn't about talking more. It's about creating opportunities for others that they would not have except for you, so you have standing to ask for opportunities when you need them.

Information

You Might Also Like