REFERRALS PODCAST

Michael J Maher, Best Selling Author and Host of the Referral's Podcast

Get more referrals with the Referrals Podcast! Thought Leader, Best-selling Author, Referral Master, and Host Michael J. Maher brings you the best advice and insights on growing your business by referral and shows you how to take your repeat business and referrals to the next level. The Referrals Podcast is a weekly show where Michael J. Maher, author of (7L) The Seven Levels of Communication, interviews a top producing Realtor, lender, or small business owner about how they are implementing the (7L) system and winning! The Referrals Podcast is all about Real People. Real Stories. Real Referrals.

  1. 446 Strategic Event Planner Shares Secret to Hosting Award Winning Events with Host Michael J Maher and Guest Courtney Swope

    18h ago

    446 Strategic Event Planner Shares Secret to Hosting Award Winning Events with Host Michael J Maher and Guest Courtney Swope

    Title: Strategic Event Planner Shares Secret to Hosting Award Winning Events Host: Michael J. Maher Guest: Courtney Swope Description: The best events are not just planned. They are experienced. In this episode of the Referrals Podcast, Michael J. Maher welcomes Courtney Swope, a strategic events professional with experience managing complex corporate events, large-scale programs, multimillion-dollar budgets, national event logistics, and unforgettable guest experiences. Courtney shares what most people never see behind the scenes of event planning: the risk management, deadlines, vendor coordination, budget decisions, guest flow, registration details, and countless moving parts that make an event feel seamless. Michael and Courtney discuss why the best events start with one powerful question: Who is this event for? Instead of planning around what the host wants, Courtney explains how to design events around the people attending — their energy, comfort, schedule, demographics, needs, and experience from invitation to follow-up. They also dive into common event planning mistakes, how to avoid overpacking your agenda, why introverts need space to recharge, how better invitations create better events, and how sponsorships, charity components, and follow-up strategies can turn a simple gathering into a relationship-building, referral-generating experience. Whether you are planning a client appreciation event, community event, business event, charity event, or private gathering for your top relationships, this episode will help you create events where guests feel seen, valued, and excited to stay connected. (7L) Referral Strategies: Event Mastery Special Offer: Ready to host events that build connection, community, and referrals? Visit EventMastery.com to learn more about Event Mastery with Michael J. Maher.

    1h 9m
  2. 445 AI Can't Replace This: The Human Side of Referrals with Michael J Maher

    Jun 30

    445 AI Can't Replace This: The Human Side of Referrals with Michael J Maher

    Title: AI Can't Replace This: The Human Side of Referrals Host: Michael J. Maher Description: In this special JAM session episode, Michael J. Maher leads a powerful conversation about the future of referrals, relationships, and real estate in a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence. While AI can help with tasks, content, data, and efficiency, Michael makes one thing very clear: the professionals who master human connection will be the ones who win. Real estate agents, lenders, and business owners who know how to build trust, manage emotions, create authentic relationships, and serve at a high level are not being replaced by AI anytime soon. During this episode, Michael and the Generosity Generation community discuss favorite strategies from "The Seven Levels of Communication", including PowerNotes, First and 10 calls, Connecting with Connectors, the Triangle of Trust, the "With One Exception" response, and the power of being authentic in a marketplace full of automation. You'll hear real stories from members who are implementing these strategies right now and seeing real results, including stronger relationships, deeper referral partnerships, renewed motivation, and significant business growth. This episode is a reminder that referrals are not built by algorithms. They are built through love, generosity, appreciation, consistency, and real human connection. (7L) Referral Strategies: PowerNotes First and 10 Calls Connecting with Connectors The Triangle of Trust Networking Event Mastery Special Offer: Join us in July for 7 Levels Mastery, a special book club and masterclass experience focused on implementing the most powerful strategies from Michael J. Maher's book, "The Seven Levels of Communication." For a limited time, new members can join RMA and participate in 7 Levels Mastery and SummerFest for just $19 in July. Go to 7LMastery.com to get started.

    1h 12m
  3. 444 The Upstream Strategy for Getting More Referrals from Fewer People with Host Michael J Maher and Guest Justin Stoddart

    Jun 23

    444 The Upstream Strategy for Getting More Referrals from Fewer People with Host Michael J Maher and Guest Justin Stoddart

    Title: The Upstream Strategy for Getting More Referrals from Fewer People Host: Michael J. Maher Guest: Justin Stoddart Description: What if getting more referrals did not require building more relationships, but building the right relationships? In this episode, Michael J. Maher sits down with Justin Stoddart, author of *The Upstream Model* and host of *Built on Referrals*, to reveal how professionals can generate more referrals from fewer people. Justin explains how to identify "upstream" partners: trusted professionals who are already serving your future clients before those clients ever need you. For real estate agents, these partners may include financial advisors, CPAs, estate attorneys, lenders, architects, interior designers, roofers, and other professionals who learn about important life changes before an agent does. You'll discover how to approach potential partners without appearing transactional, use three-way text introductions to establish trust, uncover the problems your partners need solved, and progress from solicitor to vendor, peer, mentor, and ultimately, leader. Michael and Justin also explore why nurturing a powerful referral source can be more valuable than chasing individual referrals. Instead of constantly searching for the next "golden egg," you'll learn how to build meaningful relationships with the "golden geese" who can consistently introduce you to future clients. If you want a more strategic, predictable, and relationship-driven way to grow your business, this episode will show you why it is time to go upstream. (7L) Referral Strategies: Networking Special Offer: Discover the strength of your referral business and identify your greatest opportunities for growth by taking Justin's assessment at BuiltOnReferrals.com. To learn Michael J. Maher's proven strategies for generating referrals through generosity, relationships, and appreciation, visit ReferralMasteryAcademy.com.

    1h 1m
  4. 443 Its Never Too Late to Become a Referral Generating Machine with Host Michael J Maher and Guest Stacy Luna

    Jun 16

    443 Its Never Too Late to Become a Referral Generating Machine with Host Michael J Maher and Guest Stacy Luna

    Title: It's Never Too Late to Become a Referral Generating Machine Host: Michael J. Maher Guest: Stacy Luna Description: In this episode of the Referrals Podcast, Michael J. Maher sits down with Stacy Luna, a mortgage professional with more than 30 years of experience, to talk about her journey back into the Generosity Generation and Referral Mastery Academy. Stacy first discovered The Seven Levels of Communication back in 2012, but it wasn't until 2025 that she fully stepped back in and started implementing the system one piece at a time. After completing Event Mastery, Stacy hosted a successful Pi Day event where she gave away 50 pies and learned the power of creating connection, not just hosting events. Then she stepped into Time Mastery, where the daily planning system helped her finally take control of her calendar, her priorities, and her influential zone. Stacy shares how focusing on phone calls, face-to-face conversations, PowerNotes, and intentional client follow-up helped her have one of her best months ever, even in a challenging market. She also shares her quarterly "You've Got the House, Now What?" Zoom calls for past clients. If you've ever felt behind, overwhelmed, inconsistent, or like it's too late to build a referral-based business, this episode is for you. (7L) Referral Strategies: Events and Seminars, Phone Calls, Handwritten Notes, One-on-One Meetings Special Offer: Join Referral Mastery Academy for just $99/month and start building your referral-based business one step at a time. Learn more at ReferralMasteryAcademy.com

    1h 6m
  5. 442 From New in Town to Top 10: How Events Built a Referral Business with Christine Pandolf and Michael J Maher

    Jun 9

    442 From New in Town to Top 10: How Events Built a Referral Business with Christine Pandolf and Michael J Maher

    EPISODE TITLE: From New in Town to Top 10: How Events Built a Referral Business HOST: Michael J. Maher GUEST: Christine Pandolf DESCRIPTION: What if you moved to a brand-new city, knew almost nobody, and had to build a thriving referral-based business from scratch? That's exactly what Christine Pandolf did. After relocating from Upstate New York to the Lake Norman area of North Carolina, Christine obtained her real estate license during COVID and began searching for ways to build relationships and generate referrals. Through Referral Mastery Academy and the Event Mastery system, she discovered a repeatable process for creating meaningful events that bring people together, strengthen community connections, support local charities, and generate business. Today, Christine hosts multiple annual events including Spring Fling, Pie Day, community pool parties, and a monthly book club that has become one of her most consistent sources of referrals and revenue. In this episode, Christine shares how she plans events 6-8 weeks in advance using the Event Mastery system, uses formal snail-mail invitations combined with personal video texts, leverages sponsors to offset costs, and creates experiences people genuinely want to attend. You'll also hear the incredible story of the event she couldn't attend because she was sick—yet the event still ran flawlessly, generated referrals, and proved that a great system can work even when the host isn't present. Most importantly, Christine shares the emotional moment she realized she had built an incredible community around her business after moving to North Carolina knowing only her son. If you've ever wondered whether events really work, this episode is proof that they do. (7L) REFERRAL STRATEGIES AND PODCAST TOPICS: New City, Event Mastery SPECIAL OFFER: Want to learn the exact Event Mastery system Christine used to build her business and community? Event Mastery is included with your membership in Referral Mastery Academy. Visit ReferralMasteryAcademy.com to learn more. Visit ReferralsPodcast.com to download the invitation, door prize entry form, drink ticket, and signage from this episode.

    1h 1m
  6. 441-  65 Referrals - One Event - $44 Out of Pocket with Allen Smith and Michael J Maher

    Jun 2

    441- 65 Referrals - One Event - $44 Out of Pocket with Allen Smith and Michael J Maher

    Title: 65 Referrals. One Event. $44 Out of Pocket. Host: Michael J. Maher Guest: Allen Smith Description: What if you could host a memorable event, strengthen relationships, support a local charity, generate dozens of referral opportunities, and do it all for less than the cost of taking a client to dinner? In this episode of Referrals Podcast, Michael sits down with Allen Smith, Realtor with Team Encompass in Raleigh, North Carolina, to unpack the story behind his "Fiesta with Friends" Cinco de Mayo event. After listening to Referrals Podcast for several months, Allen enrolled in Referral Mastery Academy and jumped into Event Mastery. Even though he joined the class late, he immediately took action. The result? An event that brought together clients, referral partners, sponsors, local businesses, and a charitable cause while creating an incredible experience for everyone involved. Allen shares how he selected the venue, secured sponsors, incorporated a charitable component, confirmed attendees, facilitated connections throughout the event, and executed a follow-up strategy designed to maximize relationships and referrals. If you've ever thought events were too expensive, too complicated, or too risky, this episode may completely change your perspective. (7L) Referral Strategies and Podcast Topics: Event Mastery Special Offer: Want to see the actual materials Allen used for this event?  Visit ReferralsPodcast.com to download Allen's Event Resource Bundle, including his invitations, venue flow map, door prize entry form, sponsor materials, and more. You'll also get access to dozens of additional downloads from past Referrals Podcast guests and proven referral-generating strategies from the Generosity Generation community. For more information on Event Mastery and the Referral Mastery Academy, visit ReferralMasteryAcademy.com.

    1h 14m
  7. May 26

    440 He Hosted 2 Events...One Generated 20 Referrals with Bryan Coward and Michael J Maher

    Title: He Hosted 2 Events...One Generated 20 Referrals Host: Michael J. Maher Guest: Bryan Coward Description: What's the difference between an event that creates a little buzz… and an event that creates REAL referrals? In this episode of Referrals Podcast, Michael sits down with Tampa Bay Realtor Bryan Coward to break down two real-life events he hosted using the Event Mastery system. One event generated an incredible 20 referrals from just 35 attendees. The second event had even MORE people show up… but produced far fewer referrals. So what changed? Bryan shares the behind-the-scenes lessons he learned about relationship-building, personalization, VIP experiences, sponsorships, follow-up systems, and why deeper connections will always outperform broader marketing. You'll also hear how Bryan combined charity, community, and strategic event planning to create memorable experiences that strengthened trust and generated measurable ROI for both sponsors and attendees. If you've ever wondered how to stop "networking" and start creating meaningful referral relationships, this episode is packed with practical wisdom you can implement immediately. (7L) Referral Strategies & Podcast Topics: Event Mastery Special Offer: Want to learn how to create referral-generating events for your business? Join Michael Maher's next Event Mastery Class that starts on June 9th and learn the exact system top referral-based business owners are using to build relationships, create unforgettable experiences, and generate referrals before, during, and after every event. Visit EventMastery.com to learn more.

    1h 1m
  8. May 19

    439 What do Michael Jackson, Marijuana, and Michael J Maher Have in Common

    Title: What do Michael Jackson, Marijuana, And Michael J Maher Have in Common Host: Michael J. Maher Guest: Thommy Sandvick and Jonathan Alvarez Description: What happens when a referral coach, a holistic wellness entrepreneur, and the founder of the Generosity Generation sit down together? One of the MOST unique and surprisingly powerful conversations we've ever had on the Referrals Podcast. In this episode, Michael J. Maher sits down with Thommy Sandvick and Jonathan Alvarez to unpack how they created wildly successful community events that generated referrals, packed venues, deepened relationships, and created authentic connection…without relying on traditional marketing. From a SOLD OUT Michael Jackson movie experience…to Puff Puff Bingo…to wellness retreats and transformational community events…this episode reveals why the future of business belongs to people who know how to create EXPERIENCES. You'll discover: * How Thommy generated referrals and real estate leads from a Michael Jackson event * Why Jonathan's "Puff Puff Bingo" event created massive engagement and community buzz * The power of collaboration over competition * Why authenticity attracts opportunities * How events create referrals BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER the event * The secret to building a business that feeds BOTH your family and your soul * Why generosity is becoming the ultimate marketing strategy This conversation is funny, inspiring, unconventional, and packed with practical referral strategies for entrepreneurs, small business owners, real estate agents, coaches, wellness professionals, and anyone wanting to build deeper relationships in business. If you've ever wondered how to stand out in a noisy world…this episode might completely change the way you think about networking, events, and referrals. (7L) Referral Strategies: Event Mastery, Sponsor Partnerships, Networking, Influential Zone Business Activities Special Offer: Ready to create referrals through events, relationships, and community? Join the Referral Mastery Academy and discover the exact systems Michael teaches to entrepreneurs and real estate professionals across the country. Visit ReferralMasteryAcademy.com to learn more. And don't miss Event Mastery Summer 2026 where you'll learn how to create unforgettable events that generate referrals before, during, and after the event.

    1h 2m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Get more referrals with the Referrals Podcast! Thought Leader, Best-selling Author, Referral Master, and Host Michael J. Maher brings you the best advice and insights on growing your business by referral and shows you how to take your repeat business and referrals to the next level. The Referrals Podcast is a weekly show where Michael J. Maher, author of (7L) The Seven Levels of Communication, interviews a top producing Realtor, lender, or small business owner about how they are implementing the (7L) system and winning! The Referrals Podcast is all about Real People. Real Stories. Real Referrals.