Networkers Tour Guide

Episode 36: Help Your Clients Refer You

❇️ Download Faithann's free guide to make your introduction or pitch stand out❇️

Eight Ways To Make Your Introduction Stand Out

 

Are you doing great work for your clients but still not getting consistent referrals? In this solo episode, Faithann breaks down exactly how to help your clients help you—by giving them the right words, confidence, and cues to refer you effectively. Learn how to remove the mental barriers around asking for referrals, ditch assumptions, and take ownership of the referral process.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why clients often don’t refer—even when they want to

• How to gently bring up referrals without sounding pushy

• The two types of referral language every business owner should have ready

• Sample scripts you can customize and share with clients

• How to follow up in a way that keeps the process comfortable and respectful

Quote from Faithann:

“Let’s not be afraid to offer our clients the language to use. You’re not bragging—you’re making it easier for them to speak up on your behalf.”

🎁 Free Download:
Grab Faithann’s “Eight Ways to Make Your Introduction Stand Out” — designed to help you confidently introduce yourself at your next networking event.
👉 Download here

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Mentioned in this episode:

• Creating specific referral language

• What to say to a client after a project is complete

• Helping your clients know who to refer to you

• How to offer follow-up in a respectful way

🔗 Share this episode with someone who's ready to grow their business through networking the smart way.

Episode 35: Taking Care of the Underdogs-Building Lasting Relationships with Mendy from The Honey Do Checklist

❇️ Download Faithann's Free Resource Below and Make Your Next Networking Introduction Memorable❇️

 

FREE 8 Ways to Stand Out in Your Introduction

 

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, host Faithann welcomes long-time collaborator and friend, Mendy, the powerhouse behind The Honey Do Checklist. The two dive into the journey of their professional relationship—how it started at an Oklahoma City Mix and Mingle, and how Mendy’s trustworthy and consistent back-office support has helped Faithann’s business thrive.

They discuss what holds entrepreneurs back from outsourcing key tasks like bookkeeping and admin (spoiler: it’s about control, vulnerability, and trust). Mendy shares how she helps solo entrepreneurs and micro-businesses feel seen and supported—not just with services, but with small, meaningful gestures that build loyalty. From handwritten cards to themed mailers filled with gifts from fellow small businesses, she explains why intentional thoughtfulness is her secret to client retention.

Mendy also explains the challenges of hiring too many service providers at once and the importance of growing relationships over time, both in terms of communication style and expectations.

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Key Topics:

• How Faithann and Mendy met through networking and built a working relationship over four years

• What inspired the launch of The Honey Do Checklist in 2020

• The emotional weight of outsourcing business finances

• Why client retention is rooted in visibility, not perfection

• The importance of making clients feel seen with intentional gifting

• How hiring too many providers at once can overwhelm new business owners

• The difference between vendors and partners—and why language matters

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Takeaways:

✅ Trust takes time—especially when it comes to your business finances
✅ Small gestures (like a packet of seeds) can leave a lasting impression
✅ Be mindful of how many roles you outsource at once—build relationships gradually
✅ Supporting others starts with communication, consistency, and care

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Connect with Mendy:
🌐 The Honey Do Checklist – Website 
📷 On Facebook 

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Mentioned in the Episode:
📝 Faithann’s blog post: Take Care of the Underdogs – Read Here

Join Faithann's private networking support facebook here.

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Rate & Review!
If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with a fellow business owner who needs to hear this message.

Episode 34: Treat It Like a Business: MLM Success with Lupita Linda

❇️ Download Faithann's Free Resource Below and Make Your Next Networking Introduction Memorable❇️

 

FREE 8 Ways to Stand Out in Your Introduction

 

In this episode of The Networker's Tour Guide Podcast, host Faithann sits down with the energetic and inspiring Lupita Linda, a successful entrepreneur with Park Lane Jewelry. Lupita shares her journey from being a lifelong saleswoman—starting at her family's restaurant at age 11—to building a full-time business in direct sales.

They dive into what it truly takes to treat an MLM like a real business, the value of consistency, and how networking fuels sustainable growth. Lupita gives practical, actionable advice on how to schedule income-producing activities, build loyalty with customers, and creatively engage your audience—plus a behind-the-scenes look at her signature “12 Square” promotion.

Whether you’re in MLM, direct sales, or any kind of small business, this episode is packed with motivation and tools to keep showing up and building relationships the right way.

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What You'll Learn:

• Why consistency is the cornerstone of Lupita's success

• How to balance sales with customer care and admin work using the 80/20 rule

• The power of monthly promotions to keep momentum and visibility

• How in-person networking provides better business feedback than social media alone

• Tips for using simple systems to track follow-ups and customer engagement

• Why relationship-building is essential for any business—MLM or otherwise

• An inside look at Lupita’s creative “12 Squares” offer using hostess benefits

• How Park Lane’s top-notch training and tools help their sellers thrive

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Quotable Moments:

“You have to treat it like a real business. That $250 kit doesn’t come with a ticket to Hawaii.” — Faithann

“My three keys to success are consistency, loyalty, and relationship-building.” — Lupita Linda

“Networking helps you fine-tune your message in real time. You can’t get that from just posting online.” — Faithann

“Make friends first. The sale will follow.” — Lupita Linda

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👤 Guest: Lupita Linda
Independent Partner with Park Lane Jewelry
With over 40 years in direct sales, Lupita brings depth, warmth, and a business-savvy mindset to the MLM space. She treats her business like a career and shares her expertise to help others do the same.

📱 Follow Lupita: Facebook

🌐 Website: Park Lane

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🎧 Subscribe to The Networker’s Tour Guide
Never miss an episode! Follow us on Spotify and stay inspired to build relationships that build your business.

✳️ Grab More Networking Tips and Tricks at the Networker's Tour Guide blog.

✳️ Join Faithann's Private Facebook Group, The Networker's Tour Guide to connect with others who use networking as a tool to grow their businesses.

 

Ask Faithann a specific networking question by emailing faithann@thenetworkerstourguide.com.

Episode 33: Rewiring Your Brain for Confidence and Connection In Networking with Brandi Gilstrap

✅ Grab Your "8 Ways to Stand Out During Your Introduction" Resource HERE!

 

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Faithann and Brandi dive deep into how our mindset and nervous system affect the way we show up—especially in high-pressure situations like networking events. Brandi shares her process of helping clients use neuroplasticity to rewire their thoughts and improve their emotional resilience.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

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🧠 Neuroplasticity & Thought Work

• The Unintentional vs. Intentional Thought Practice
  Brandi guides her clients to write down unintentional (negative) thoughts and intentionally reframe them into positive truths. From there, they explore the new feelings and actions those thoughts can create.

• How Long Does it Take to “Rewire” a Thought?
  On average, 21–30 days of consistent practice on one thought pattern helps weaken the emotional charge behind negative thoughts. Over time, this process becomes internalized, reducing the need to write it down—but starting with pen to paper is key.

• “New Levels, New Devils”
  Growth brings new challenges. As soon as one mindset block is cleared, a new one may surface. Recognizing this is part of the journey and not a sign of failure is essential.

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🧊 Functional Freeze & the Nervous System

• Faithann’s Vulnerable Story
  Faithann shares a personal moment from 2019, overwhelmed as a caregiver and business owner, when she cried over forgetting her bio at a BNI meeting. Brandi identifies this as “functional freeze”—you’re showing up physically, but emotionally and mentally frozen due to stress overload.

• Burnout Among Entrepreneurs
  Brandi reflects on her entrepreneurial family legacy and how neglecting emotional resilience can cause even successful businesses to crumble. Focusing only on strategy isn't enough—we must also prioritize mental and emotional health.

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🧍‍♀️ Authenticity in Networking

• Why Nervous System Regulation Matters at Networking Events
  When dysregulated, we show up inauthentically, act from survival mode, and focus only on what we can get. Regulated people give and grow, creating more genuine and effective connections.

• Showing Up as Yourself
  The best strategy in any networking space is to be your real self. That means understanding your own thoughts, emotions, and triggers—then entering rooms ready to contribute, not just to collect.

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🌐 Online Networking Tips from Brandy

Brandy excels at online networking and offers three key strategies:

1. Storytelling That Connects
   People are 22x more likely to remember you when your content includes stories. Focus on the Hero’s Journey and include:

   • Credibility (Why you're the expert)

   • Authenticity (Relatable moments)

   • Vulnerability (Honest struggles)

2. Clear, Memorable Elevator Pitch
   Especially important online, where attention is scarce. Make it concise, clear, and compelling.

3. Facebook Groups Are Goldmines
   Don’t go in pitching. Go in building relationships, answering questions, offering value, and sharing helpful tools. These spaces are full of people actively seeking the solutions you provide.

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🗣️ Faithann’s Community Highlight

Faithann shares the success of her Networker's Tour Guide Facebook Group and the popular weekly post:
“Where are you networking this week?”
This simple question sparks connection, accountability, and increased visibility within the group.

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🔗 Resources Mentioned

• Brandi’s Free Storytelling Guide 

• The Networker’s Tour Guide Facebook Group 

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💬 Memorable Quotes

“New levels, new devils.” – Brandi

“The two greatest things we can do in life are to give and to grow.” – Brandi

“When we’re dysregulated, we show up as someone we’re not.” – Brandi

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🙌 Connect with Us

Brandi Gilstrap 
[Instagram / Website / Free Story Telling Guide

Faithann Basore
[Instagram / Free Networking Resources 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Episode 32: Help Me Help You: How to Get Better Referrals by Being Specific and Memorable

Are your networking pitches too vague to generate meaningful referrals? In this episode, Faithann dives into why being crystal clear and specific about who you're looking for is the key to unlocking real referral success. Using a fun Rose Parade analogy, she explains how positioning your referral ask as "anyone with a house" or "anyone with skin" just doesn't cut it—and what to do instead.

You'll learn:

• How to help your referral partners identify your ideal client by painting vivid, relatable pictures.
  
  
• Why the way you ask for referrals needs to feel natural, not salesy.
  
  
• Tips for making your networking introductions stand out using program interruptors—from quirky phrases like “tippity-top” to holding a microphone or even wearing your name tag upside down.
  
  
• Why inviting conversation after the meeting could be the most powerful part of your introduction.
  
  

💡 Plus: Don’t forget to grab your free download: 8 Ways to Make Your Introduction Stand Out

If you're ready to turn vague introductions into unforgettable impressions, and vague referrals into the perfect connections, this episode is your guide.

Visit the Networker's Tour Guide blog for even more networking tips and tricks.

Join Faithann's free private facebook group for online networking support and weekly live educational videos here.

Which tips stood out to you?  Email your thoughts to faithann@theneworkerstourguide.com.

Episode 31: Authenticity Across Platforms: Why Your Brand Voice Must Match with Patricia Viscount

In this episode, Faithann explores the less direct — but just as powerful — networking path with guest Patricia, a conversion copywriter who helps service providers like coaches and consultants attract ideal clients through authentic brand voice and messaging.

Faithann and Patricia unpack how they connected through the Sales Maven Society (shoutout to Nikki Rausch!) and trace the threads of networking that brought them together.

Together, they discuss:

✅ Why consistent brand voice matters across your website, social, emails, and in-person networking

✅ How passion and energy help build stronger relationships and attract the right clients

✅ The magic of voice-of-customer research and why it’s key to differentiating yourself in a crowded market

✅ Why testimonials and “what made you say yes?” stories are gold in your networking pitches

✅ Tips for helping your referral partners know exactly when and how to refer you

You’ll leave this episode inspired to align your messaging, show up authentically, and fine-tune the way you describe your value, so your network can confidently advocate for you.

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Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Learn more about Patricia here.

• Find out how well your voice and tone align with your audience's needs and expectations, take this quiz today.

• Nikki Rausch, Salesmaven Society 

• Faithann's “Referrals in 60 Seconds” manual 

• Grab your free "Impressions" guide from Faithann and stand out at your networking meetings.

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Connect with Us:

• Gain more networking insight at the Networker's Tour Guide blog.

• Subscribe to Networker’s Tour Guide wherever you listen to podcasts

• Leave Faithann a review — we’d love to hear what topics help you the most!

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Episode 30: The Long Game of Networking: How Building Relationships Pays Off for Years with Evonne Barrier

In this episode of Networker's Tour Guide, Faithann welcomes Evonne Barrier, founder of Barrier Consulting, a thriving virtual assistant agency. They dive deep into Evonne's journey — from her beginnings in the restaurant industry, through selling insurance and health products, to building a successful agency that supports entrepreneurs with administrative, operations, and SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) services.

Evonne shares a powerful analogy about SOPs being like scaffolding for a business, explains why they're critical even for solopreneurs, and highlights how strong documentation lays the foundation for scaling successfully.

The conversation turns to networking, where Evonne shares a heartfelt story about how her involvement in BNI (Business Networking International) helped her pivot careers and build a business that eventually allowed her family to achieve financial freedom. They discuss the long-term value of relationships, the patience required in networking, and how connections made years ago can still bear fruit today.

If you’ve ever doubted the lasting impact of genuine networking or wondered how to set your business up for sustainable growth, you won't want to miss this conversation!

Key Takeaways:

• What Barrier Consulting offers: VA placement, operations support, SOP creation, and more.

• SOPs explained: Why documenting your processes is like building scaffolding around your business.

• Networking as a catalyst: How Evonne's BNI experience led to sustained business growth, even after she stopped active weekly networking.

• Long game of networking: Building trust and relationships can take years, but the investment pays off over time.

• Practical advice for new networkers: Your first year is about learning, not expecting immediate returns.

Connect with Evonne Barrier:

• Website: barriervirtualassistants.com

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barrierconsulting/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-barrier-40627747/

Connect with Faithann:

• Website: www.thenetworkerstourguide.net

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenetworkerstourguide/

• Get Your Free "Impressions" Guide and start making confident, memorable connections at every networking event! 

 

Episode 29: Two Sides of the Connection Coin-Supporting Leaders & Members in Networking Groups

In this solo episode, Faithann dives into both sides of what keeps a networking group strong and thriving: how we support the leaders who organize and facilitate our favorite networking spaces — and how, in turn, leaders can better support their members. Think of this as two sides of the same "connection coin." When both sides feel valued, engaged, and seen, everyone wins — and so do our businesses.

She explores:

• What it really means to create opportunities for others — and why that gives us standing to ask for opportunities when we need them.

• How we can be intentional about lifting up and supporting those who lead networking organizations.

• Actionable ways leaders can prevent burnout and make sure members feel welcomed, recognized, and appreciated.

• The ripple effect of support: more connection, more referrals, more growth.

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Highlights & Takeaways:

💡 Part 1: Supporting Networking Leaders

• Say thank you with intention: Go beyond a generic "thank you" — share specific reasons why their leadership matters to you.

• Be the person they can rely on: Show up early, anticipate needs, offer help without being asked, and bring guests.

• Make their life easier: Gift cards, thoughtful notes, or simply noticing what they do can go a long way.

• Offer feedback before you quit: If you're not seeing results, ask your leader for insight. Vulnerability opens doors.

💡 Part 2: Leaders Supporting Members

• Clear communication is kindness: Always post accurate times, locations, parking details, and meeting lengths — no surprises.

• Respect attendees' time: Start and end on time to honor everyone's schedule.

• Public recognition builds culture: Celebrate the members who go above and beyond — the greeters, the helpers, the connectors. What gets recognized gets repeated.

• Why it's so important to ask for feedback from your members before making big changes to your group. Just because you’re the leader doesn’t mean you get to make changes “willy nilly” — like the day, time, or location of your meetings — without involving your members in the process.

• A personal story about how small, gradual tweaks to a meeting agenda made a big impact — and helped build trust and consistency.

• The #1 thing you can do to make your members feel supported: Create a culture where newcomers feel welcome.

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🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Download this free PDF to make a powerful First Impression.

• Here's another impactful resource for you: 10 Questions to Ask in a One-to-One

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📬 Stay Connected:

Loved this episode? Be sure to subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review.
Got a question or a networking story to share? Email me at faithann@thenetworkerstourguide.com or DM me on Instagram @thenetworkerstourguide.