From Overlooked to Consistently Booked with Meaghan Chitwood

Meaghan Chitwood
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From Overlooked to Fully Booked is the podcast for small business owners who are ready to grow through relationships instead of burnout. Hosted by Meaghan Chitwood — executive director of BNI Alabama and a long-time expert in connection-driven business growth — each episode teaches practical strategies for building a referral-driven business that lasts. You’ll hear real conversations with real business owners, honest stories about what actually works, and simple frameworks you can apply immediately. If you’re tired of chasing customers and you’re ready to build a business people naturally talk about, this is your new weekly habit.

  1. 6d ago

    You Don’t Have to Be Good at Networking to Get Better at It | FOTCB feat. Tammy Brannen

    You started a business because you're good at what you do. But what happens when growing that business requires you to get good at marketing, networking, and business development too? In this episode of From Overlooked to Consistently Booked, Meaghan Chitwood sits down with Tammy Brannen, owner of BV Medical Solutions and a member of BNI’s Strictly Business chapter, to talk about what happens when business development doesn't come naturally. Tammy knew early on that marketing was one of her weak points. She didn't consider herself a salesperson, and when she first explored BNI, the weekly time commitment didn't fit where she was in her business. Eventually, she gave it another try. This time, things looked different. Through weekly conversations, one-to-ones, educational moments, events, and feedback from other business owners, Tammy began learning practical ways to talk about her business, identify potential target audiences, create new opportunities, and become more comfortable with business development. In this episode: • Why Tammy initially decided BNI wasn't the right fit for her schedule • What changed when she decided to give it another try • Why marketing and business development were challenging for her as a business owner • How conversations with other members gave her new ideas for reaching potential customers • What happened when she tested a highly specific outreach strategy targeting real estate professionals • How regularly talking about her business helped Tammy refine her pitch • Why one-to-ones can be valuable even when there's no obvious referral opportunity • How networking has helped Tammy become more confident with business development • Why relationships, friendships, and support have become an important part of her BNI experience • Tammy's advice for someone considering visiting a BNI chapter for the first time One of the most valuable parts of Tammy's story is that she didn't walk into business ownership already loving sales and marketing. She learned. Sometimes business development isn't about naturally being the best person in the room at promoting yourself. It's about getting enough practice, feedback, relationships, and opportunities to become better at something your business needs you to do. Ready to build stronger business relationships and a referral network of your own? Find a BNI chapter near you: https://bnialabama.com/ Subscribe to From Overlooked to Consistently Booked for more conversations with Alabama business owners about networking, referrals, relationship building, and the lessons they're learning as they grow.

  2. Oct 11

    What Changes When Other People Start Promoting Your Business | FOTCB feat. Robin Emanuel

    What changes when you stop being the only person promoting your business? In this episode of From Overlooked to Consistently Booked, Meaghan Chitwood sits down with Robin Emanuel, owner of Inspirations by Robin and a member of BNI’s Rocket City Referrals chapter, to talk about business networking, referrals, follow-up, confidence, and what can happen when you build a community of people who genuinely want to see your business succeed. Robin was already networking before joining BNI. But she quickly discovered something different: structure. Instead of constantly putting herself out there alone, she began building what she describes as a “cheerleading team”—people who understood what she did and could advocate for her when she wasn't in the room. That shift helped Robin become more intentional about follow-up, strengthen customer relationships, grow her confidence, and pursue opportunities that once felt like distant goals. In this episode: • Why structured networking changed the way Robin approached business • How a referral network can become your “cheerleading team” • Why follow-up can lead to stronger relationships and more business • How networking helped Robin become more confident as a business owner • Why talking about your dream referral matters • How business growth helped Robin pursue a dream she’s had since childhood • Why the way you welcome someone into a community can determine whether they stay • What Robin would tell someone considering BNI for the first time One of the biggest lessons from Robin’s story is simple: growing a business doesn't have to mean doing everything alone. When people know you, trust you, and understand what you do, they can become advocates for your business—and sometimes those relationships can help open doors you couldn't have opened by yourself. Subscribe to From Overlooked to Consistently Booked for more conversations about business networking, referral marketing, relationship building, and the real lessons Alabama business owners are learning as they grow. Ready to build a stronger referral network? Find a BNI chapter near you: https://bnialabama.com/

  3. Oct 11

    Want More Referrals? Make It Easier to Refer You | FOTCB feat. Alison Stann

    What if networking stopped being something you hoped would work and became a system you could intentionally build? In this episode of From Overlooked to Consistently Booked, Meaghan Chitwood, Executive Director of BNI North Alabama, sits down with Alison Stann, founder of MetGen Health, to talk about relationship-based networking, referral systems, and what changed when she stopped relying on word-of-mouth and social media alone. With more than 13 years in the nutrition industry, Alison is now helping bring personalized, genetics-based nutrition into gyms, med spas, chiropractic offices, and other health and wellness settings. But this conversation goes well beyond nutrition. Alison shares how BNI changed the trajectory of her business, why she expanded her networking far beyond her local chapter, and the systems she uses to make it easier for other professionals to confidently refer her. In this episode: • Why relationships can outperform transactional networking • How Alison expanded her referral network beyond North Alabama • Why she believes in “getting the meeting at the meeting” • How giving referral partners the exact words to use makes referrals easier • Why the first 10 minutes of her one-to-ones are focused on the other person • How networking helped her learn to think like a business owner • Why being coachable, teachable, and willing to ask for feedback matters • How business relationships can create opportunities far beyond the initial introduction • Why community matters when entrepreneurship starts to feel lonely One of the biggest takeaways? Great networking isn't about walking into a room looking for your next customer. It's about becoming someone people know, trust, and want to refer. Whether you're a new entrepreneur, an experienced business owner, or someone trying to get more intentional about referral marketing, this conversation is packed with practical ideas you can put to work. Subscribe to From Overlooked to Consistently Booked for more conversations with North Alabama business owners about building stronger relationships, better referral networks, and businesses that grow through trust. Ready to build your own referral network? Find a BNI chapter near you: https://bnialabama.com

  4. Jul 26

    How to Stay Top of Mind Without Being Annoying | FOTCB feat. Hal Craig

    How to Stay Top of Mind Without Being Annoying | FOTCB feat. Hal Craig One of the biggest fears business owners have is following up too much. What if you're being annoying? What if they don't want to hear from you? In the final episode of this month's From Overlooked to Consistently Booked series, Meaghan Chitwood sits down with Hal Craig of HOV Pro to challenge that mindset and share practical ways to stay visible by adding value instead of adding noise. The conversation explores why thoughtful, intentional touchpoints build stronger relationships than constant sales messages, and how a simple gift, handwritten note, or creative idea can leave a lasting impression without feeling pushy. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why being valuable is different from being annoying  How thoughtful follow-up strengthens relationships over time  Why timing is just as important as the gift itself  Creative ways to surprise clients and referral partners throughout the year  The strategy behind "Box Day" and memorable branded gifts  How intentional touchpoints help you earn referrals and repeat business Hal also shares how businesses can think beyond traditional promotional products and instead create long-term impression strategies that keep them top of mind when opportunities arise. The goal isn't simply to stay in touch. The goal is to become unforgettable. About Hal Craig Hal Craig is the founder of HOV Pro, where he helps businesses create intentional impression marketing strategies through creative gifting, branded merchandise, and relationship-focused consulting. His mission is to help business owners stay memorable by creating meaningful experiences that build trust and generate referrals. Connect with Hal:  www.hovpro.com Find a BNI chapter near you:  https://northern.bnialabama.com/ Subscribe for weekly conversations with Meaghan Chitwood designed to help business owners and sales professionals build stronger referral networks, earn more trust, and become consistently booked. #BNI #ReferralMarketing #BusinessGrowth #Networking #RelationshipMarketing #CustomerExperience #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneur #ClientRetention

  5. Jul 19

    Creative Follow-Up Strategies That Actually Get You Remembered | FOTCB feat. Hal Craig

    Creative Follow-Up Strategies That Actually Get You Remembered | FOTCB feat. Hal Craig Meeting the right person is only the beginning. What happens next determines whether you build a relationship... or become someone they quickly forget. In this episode of From Overlooked to Consistently Booked, Meaghan Chitwood continues her conversation with Hal Craig of HOV Pro, exploring creative ways to stay visible after the first meeting without feeling salesy or pushy. Hal shares practical strategies for turning ordinary follow-up into memorable experiences by being intentional, personal, and valuable. From researching prospects to creating thoughtful gifts and strategic touchpoints, this episode is packed with ideas that help you stand out in a crowded marketplace. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why a CRM is one of the most important networking tools you can own  How a little research creates more meaningful conversations  The difference between generic follow-up and intentional follow-up  Creative ways to stay top of mind with prospects and referral partners  Why thoughtful gifts outperform expensive gifts  How to build a long-term strategy instead of relying on one interaction Hal also shares real-world stories of simple, inexpensive ideas that helped open doors, start conversations, and create lasting impressions with decision-makers. If you're looking for practical ways to strengthen relationships, build trust, and become more memorable, this episode will give you plenty of ideas you can start using immediately. About Hal Craig Hal Craig is the founder of HOV Pro, where he helps businesses create intentional impression marketing strategies that keep them visible long after the first conversation. Through thoughtful branded merchandise, creative outreach, and relationship-focused consulting, Hal helps organizations earn more referrals by becoming the business people remember. Connect with Hal:  www.hovpro.com Find a BNI chapter near you:  https://northern.bnialabama.com/ Subscribe for weekly conversations with Meaghan Chitwood designed to help business owners and sales professionals build stronger referral networks, earn more trust, and become consistently booked. #BNI #ReferralMarketing #BusinessGrowth #Networking #RelationshipMarketing #CustomerExperience #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneur

  6. Jul 12

    Your Best Customers Deserve More Than a Thank You | FOTCB feat. Hal Craig

    Your Best Customers Deserve More Than a Thank You | FOTCB feat. Hal Craig Most business owners spend all their time trying to win new customers. But what if the biggest opportunity for growth is taking better care of the customers you already have? In this episode of From Overlooked to Consistently Booked, Meaghan Chitwood sits down with Hal Craig of HOV Pro to discuss how intentional follow-up creates loyal customers, generates more referrals, and keeps your business top of mind long after the sale. From welcome gifts and client appreciation to the psychology of timing, Hal shares practical strategies for building stronger relationships without feeling transactional. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why retaining customers is often more profitable than constantly finding new ones  The "5% Rule" for investing in your existing clients  Why timing matters more than the size of the gift  How thoughtful appreciation creates long-term loyalty  Creative ways businesses stay top of mind without becoming annoying  Why memorable experiences outperform generic follow-up Whether you're a service professional, sales leader, or business owner, this conversation will challenge the way you think about customer relationships and show you how intentional follow-up can become one of your greatest competitive advantages. About Hal Craig Hal Craig is the founder of HOV Pro, where he helps businesses create meaningful impressions through intentional branded merchandise and strategic relationship marketing. Rather than simply providing promotional products, Hal helps organizations develop creative ways to stay visible, strengthen customer relationships, and become the business people remember when it matters most. Connect with Hal:  www.hovpro.com Find a BNI chapter near you:  https://northern.bnialabama.com/ Subscribe for weekly conversations with Meaghan Chitwood designed to help business owners and sales professionals build stronger referral networks, earn more trust, and become consistently booked. #BNI #ReferralMarketing #CustomerRetention #BusinessGrowth #RelationshipMarketing #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneur #ClientExperience

  7. Jul 5

    People Don't Refer Who They Like—They Refer Who They Remember | FOTCB feat. Hal Craig

    People Don't Refer Who They Like—They Refer Who They Remember | FOTCB feat. Hal Craig Being great at what you do isn't enough. If people don't remember you when someone asks for a recommendation, you won't get the referral. In this episode of From Overlooked to Consistently Booked, Meaghan Chitwood sits down with Hal Craig of HOV Pro to explore one of the biggest challenges facing business owners: staying top of mind long after the first conversation. Together they discuss why visibility is more than marketing, how intentional impressions build trust, and why the right promotional item can become a long-term business strategy instead of another giveaway destined for the trash. You'll learn:  Why people refer who they remember—not just who they like  What an "impression" really means in marketing  Why most promotional products fail  How intentional physical touchpoints create lasting visibility  Creative ways businesses use branded items to open doors and generate referrals  Simple strategies to stay memorable without constantly selling Whether you're growing a referral network, building a personal brand, or looking for creative ways to stay visible, this conversation will change how you think about marketing. About Hal Craig Hal Craig is the owner of HOV Pro, where he helps businesses create meaningful impressions through intentional branded merchandise, promotional strategies, and relationship-focused marketing. Rather than simply selling promotional products, Hal works with business owners to develop memorable experiences that keep their brand top of mind long after the first interaction. Connect with Hal Craig: www.hovpro.com Find a BNI chapter near you:  https://northern.bnialabama.com/ Subscribe for weekly conversations with Meaghan Chitwood designed to help business owners and sales professionals build stronger referral networks, earn more trust, and become consistently booked. #BNI #ReferralMarketing #BusinessGrowth #Networking #SmallBusiness #RelationshipMarketing #MarketingStrategy #BrandAwareness #Entrepreneur

  8. Jun 28

    Why People Like You But Still Don’t Refer You | FOCB Feat. Dawn Gayge

    A lot of business owners have this problem: People like them… but they still don’t know who to refer to them. In this episode of From Overlooked to Consistently Booked, Meaghan Chitwood sits down with Dawn Gayge of Tracer Strategy Marketing to talk about why most businesses struggle to clearly define their “perfect person” — and why that lack of clarity makes referrals harder. Because when your messaging is too broad… people can’t identify who you’re actually for. In this conversation, Dawn breaks down: why people resist niching down why “everyone” is not a target market how clarity actually creates MORE opportunity how to identify your favorite clients and why the best messaging usually comes from understanding experiences and emotions — not demographics One of the strongest lines in this episode: “Aim small, miss small.” The clearer you are about who you help… the easier it becomes for people to: trust you remember you and refer you Dawn also shares practical ways to identify your ideal client, including: describing your favorite customer understanding how they want to feel identifying long-term relationship clients and using real-world observation to improve your messaging If your marketing feels too broad… or people struggle to explain what you do… this episode will help. Want to grow your business through referrals and relationships? Visit a BNI chapter near you: https://northern.bnialabama.com/en-US/index

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From Overlooked to Fully Booked is the podcast for small business owners who are ready to grow through relationships instead of burnout. Hosted by Meaghan Chitwood — executive director of BNI Alabama and a long-time expert in connection-driven business growth — each episode teaches practical strategies for building a referral-driven business that lasts. You’ll hear real conversations with real business owners, honest stories about what actually works, and simple frameworks you can apply immediately. If you’re tired of chasing customers and you’re ready to build a business people naturally talk about, this is your new weekly habit.

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