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Learn how to network and grow your business through referrals with Faithann Basore, the Networker’s Tour Guide.
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
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:
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What it really means to create opportunities for others — and why that gives us standing to ask for opportunities when we need them.
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How we can be intentional about lifting up and supporting those who lead networking organizations.
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Actionable ways leaders can prevent burnout and make sure members feel welcomed, recognized, and appreciated.
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The ripple effect of support: more connection, more referrals, more growth.
Highlights & Takeaways:
💡 Part 1: Supporting Networking Leaders
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Say thank you with intention: Go beyond a generic "thank you" — share specific reasons why their leadership matters to you.
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Be the person they can rely on: Show up early, anticipate needs, offer help without being asked, and bring guests.
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Make their life easier: Gift cards, thoughtful notes, or simply noticing what they do can go a long way.
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Offer feedback before you quit: If you're not seeing results, ask your leader for insight. Vulnerability opens doors.
💡 Part 2: Leaders Supporting Members
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Clear communication is kindness: Always post accurate times, locations, parking details, and meeting lengths — no surprises.
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Respect attendees' time: Start and end on time to honor everyone's schedule.
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Public recognition builds culture: Celebrate the members who go above and beyond — the greeters, the helpers, the connectors. What gets recognized gets repeated.
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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.
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A personal story about how small, gradual tweaks to a meeting agenda made a big impact — and helped build trust and consistency.
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The #1 thing you can do to make your members feel supported: Create a culture where newcomers feel welcome.
🔗 Resources & Mentions:
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Download this free PDF to make a powerful First Impression.
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Here's another impactful resource for you: 10 Questions to Ask in a One-to-One
📬 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.
Monday Apr 14, 2025
Monday Apr 14, 2025
In this episode of The Networker's True Guide, we're continuing our "Experts We Meet" series with special guest Will Yarbrough of Yarbrough & Sons. Will shares the story of his family’s HVAC business—started by his father in 1988—and how it grew into a successful, people-focused company of over 50 team members. We dive into the role that networking and relational capital play in building a trusted business, especially in the trades. From BNI involvement to showing up consistently, Will talks about the surprising and lasting benefits of being part of a networking community.
In This Episode:
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The evolution of Yarbrough & Sons and what it's like working with family
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Why tradespeople should make time for networking
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The return on relationships vs. just return on investment
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How trust is built through consistent presence in the community
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The value of laughter, recognition, and relational connection in business groups like BNI
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What to look for—and avoid—when entering a networking room
Guest: Will Yarbrough
📍 Company: Yarbrough & Sons Heating & Air
🔧 Industry: HVAC, Family-Owned Trades Business
🌐 Website: https://yarbroughandsons.com/
📱 Connect with Will/Yarbrough & Sons: YouTube Channel
Connect with Your Host:
Love the episode? Follow the journey, join the conversation, and learn how to build genuine business relationships that last.
LinkedIn: Faithann Basore
Private Facebook Group: Join Here
Email: faithann@thenetworkerstourguide.com
Newsletter Sign-Up: Join Here
💬 Leave Us a Review!
Enjoying the podcast? Help us reach more people by leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. We appreciate your support and look forward to growing with you!
Monday Apr 07, 2025
Monday Mar 31, 2025
Monday Mar 31, 2025
In this episode, Faithann explores networking from an employee’s perspective with Debra, a business development professional at Armstrong Company. Debra shares her experience of building relationships and representing her company through networking. Faithann and Debra discuss how employees can leverage networking to grow their business, the benefits of intentional relationship-building, and how employers can support their employees in these efforts.
Download Your FREE First Impressions Guide HERE.
Key Topics Covered:
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Introduction to Deborah & Armstrong Company:
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How Debra got into networking.
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Overview of Armstrong Company’s relocation services.
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The Power of Networking for Employees:
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How networking benefits both employees and their companies.
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The importance of intentionality in building professional relationships.
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Debra's Networking Journey:
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How she transitioned from Ohio to Oklahoma City and built her network.
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Her introduction to Business Networking International (BNI).
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The impact of finding a community and establishing her own chapter.
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Employer Support & Permission for Networking:
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How Debra approached her company for permission to join BNI.
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The financial investment companies make in networking and its ROI.
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Why Armstrong Company values employee networking.
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The Value of Exclusive Networking Groups:
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How BNI’s seat-specific structure fosters strong professional relationships.
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The difference between referrals and leads.
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Why exclusivity in networking enhances credibility and trust.
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Networking Beyond BNI:
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Other industry-specific networking groups Debra participates in.
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The importance of continuous learning and connections within an industry.
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Tracking & Reporting Networking Results:
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How Debra demonstrates ROI to her employer.
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The value of tracking referrals, closed business, and engagement metrics.
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How businesses can measure the effectiveness of employee networking efforts.
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Final Takeaways:
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Why networking is a long-term investment.
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The importance of tracking results and being proactive.
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Encouragement for employees to seek employer support for networking.
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Resources Mentioned:
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Armstrong Company OKC Website
- Debra on LinkedIN
Connect with The Networker's Tour Guide:
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@thenetworkerstourguide
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Faithann on LinkedIN
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Email your questions to faithann@thenetworkerstourguide.com
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us bring more valuable networking insights to our listeners.
Monday Mar 24, 2025
Monday Mar 24, 2025
In this episode of The Networker's Tour Guide Podcast, host Faithann welcomes Tara Waddle, founder of Waddle It Be LLC. Tara shares her expertise in fractional operations and HR support for small to mid-sized businesses. They discuss the importance of networking done right, the value of referrals, and how businesses can better equip their employees to represent them at networking events. If you've ever wondered how to make networking work for you and your business, this episode is packed with insights and actionable strategies.
Key Takeaways:
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Networking Happens Over Time: Tara and Faithann met through a referral partner, showcasing the power of building relationships over time.
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The Role of a Fractional COO: Tara explains what a fractional COO is and how outsourcing operational support can benefit small businesses.
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Equipping Employees for Networking Success: Many employees struggle with networking because they lack clear goals and guidance. Employers must prepare them to effectively represent the company.
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Making Networking Less Intimidating: Tara shares her approach to overcoming networking fears, including gamification and confidence-building exercises.
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The Importance of Practice: Networking is a skill that improves with experience. Every event provides an opportunity to refine your message and build credibility.
Notable Quotes:
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"Networking is done right when you're intentionally building relationships and providing value over time."
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"A fractional COO is essentially an outsourced COO—providing strategy and operational support without the commitment of a full-time hire."
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"Employees should never walk into a networking event unsure of why they're there or what they should say. Employers must prepare them for success."
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"Every networking event is practice. Whether you find a client or not, you’re refining your ability to communicate your value."
More about Tara Waddle:
At the core of everything Tara does are three values: communication, community, and curiosity. She believes that clear communication builds strong business relationships, community fuels sustainable growth, and curiosity – the willingness to ask the right questions – opens doors to new opportunities.
Tara has spoken at OK Women in Technology events, DisruptHR, SHRM chapter events, and the National Native American HR Association annual conference, helping businesses at every stage rethink how they operate from the inside out.
Today, she’s here to share how the right workflows, mission alignment, and operational clarity aren’t just internal necessities; they’re the key to making networking truly work for your business.
Connect with Tara:
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Website: https://www.waddleitbe.com/
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tararwaddle/
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Instagram: @waddleitbe.llc
Connect with Faithann:
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Free First Impressions Download: https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/resources
- Instagram: @thenetworkerstourguide
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The Networker's True Guide Podcast and leave a review! Share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur or business owner who could benefit from networking insights. Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more tips on building meaningful connections!
Monday Mar 17, 2025
Monday Mar 17, 2025
In this solo episode, Faithann dives into how you can gain valuable networking benefits from industry-exclusive groups even before officially joining. While she always recommends becoming a member as soon as possible, there can be valid reasons for delays, such as cost or scheduling conflicts. This episode outlines seven actionable strategies you can implement to stay engaged and build relationships while waiting for the right time to join.
Key Takeaways:
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Arrive Early – The most committed members are there early, making it a great time to connect with engaged individuals in the group.
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Have a Curiosity-Driving Introduction – Prepare a response that sparks interest when asked, “Who are you? What’s your business?”
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Prepare a Strong 60-Second Presentation – Even as a visitor, be ready to clearly communicate who you are looking for in a referral.
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Be Open About the Cost – Membership fees reflect the value these groups provide. Consider the return on investment before dismissing the cost.
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Connect with Members Online – Use provided member lists or business cards to follow up via LinkedIn or email and schedule one-on-one meetings.
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Engage with the Speaker on LinkedIn – If the meeting includes a speaker, endorse their skills on LinkedIn as a way to build rapport.
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Offer to Be a Substitute – Many networking groups allow substitutes for absent members. Volunteering for this role can keep you involved and visible.
Resources Mentioned:
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Free Resource: Guide to Making a Great First Impression –Download today!
Final Thoughts:
You don’t have to wait to start benefiting from networking groups. By using these strategies, you can build relationships, gain insights, and prepare yourself for membership when the time is right. Go network, my friend!
Connect With Me:
Monday Mar 10, 2025
Monday Mar 10, 2025
In this episode of The Networkers Tour Guide Podcast, Faithann Basore welcomes Amy Singleton, owner and CEO of Hite Digital Norman. Amy shares her journey from being a nurse to becoming a leader in digital marketing and business growth. She discusses the power of networking, the importance of authenticity, and how stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to incredible personal and professional transformation.
Key Takeaways
- Networking as a Two-Way Street – True networking isn’t just about gaining clients; it’s about forming valuable connections and offering support.
- Business Growth through Messaging – Many businesses struggle not with marketing, but with unclear messaging and broken systems.
- Overcoming Fear in Networking – Amy shares how she went from being terrified of networking to becoming a sought-after speaker and mentor.
- The Importance of Finding the Right Room – If you’re the most knowledgeable person in the room, it might be time to find a new space for growth.
- Intentional Networking – Asking thoughtful, personal questions fosters deeper relationships and leads to more meaningful connections.
Notable Quotes
💡 “Growth does not happen when we’re comfortable. Forget your comfort zone—kick the door down and get uncomfortable.” – Amy Singleton
💡 “The more accomplished people become, the more they are willing to share. It's the people who haven't done much that are often the most guarded.” – Faithann Basore
Resources & Mentions:
- Connect with Amy Singleton: amysingleton.net
- Follow Amy on social media: @TheRealAmySingleton
- Faithann’s blog: The Networker’s Tour Guide
- Free Resource: First Impressions Download at networkerstourguide.net/resources
Connect with Faithann:
🎙 Subscribe to the Podcast – Never miss an episode!
📱 Follow on Social Media – @The Networker's Tour Guide
Monday Mar 03, 2025
Monday Mar 03, 2025
Welcome to the first episode of Faithann's special series, Meet the Experts! In this series, she talks with experts who can help us become better at networking and building strong business relationships.
⬇️Download Your First Impressions Guide Below⬇️
Visit the Networker's Tour Guide blog here.
Meet Our Guest: Nikki Rausch
Nikki Rausch is a sales expert, coach, and the creator of The Selling Staircase. She teaches business owners how to sell in a way that feels natural and comfortable. Nikki has helped many people, including our host, understand sales better and use it to grow their businesses.
How We Met
Faithann first discovered Nikki through Business Networking International (BNI), an organization that helps people connect and learn about networking. After watching Nikki’s Selling Staircase training, she became a fan and later joined Nikki’s Sales Maven Society—a group that offers coaching and support for business owners who want to improve their sales skills.
The Selling Staircase: A Simple Way to Sell
Nikki created The Selling Staircase to help people understand how to have successful sales conversations. Just like you wouldn’t jump to the top of a staircase in one step, you shouldn’t rush into selling without taking the right steps first!
The 5 Steps of the Selling Staircase:
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Introduction – Make a great first impression.
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Create Curiosity – Get people interested in what you do.
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Discovery – Have a conversation to understand their needs.
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Proposal – Offer a solution that fits their needs.
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Close – Confidently ask for the sale.
Many people make the mistake of skipping steps, but following this process makes selling feel more natural and effective!
How This Relates to Networking
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Networking isn’t just about meeting people—it’s about building relationships.
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Creating curiosity is key! Instead of overwhelming people with information, give short, interesting answers that make them want to learn more.
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Avoid "word vomiting"—talking too much without letting the other person engage.
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Think of conversations like a game of catch—both people should take turns asking and answering questions.
Fun Tip: Dog Calling vs. Cat Calling
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Dog Calling (Too Pushy!) – Being overly excited and overwhelming people with information.
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Cat Calling (Creating Curiosity!) – Giving just enough information to make someone want to ask more.
Key Takeaways
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Sales and networking go hand in hand.
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Take your time and follow the steps of the Selling Staircase to build trust.
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Make networking conversations fun and engaging by creating curiosity.
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Anyone can learn how to sell with the right structure and approach.
Connect with Nikki Rausch
- Get Nikki's free e-book, Closing the Sale here.
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Listen to The Sales Maven Podcast for more tips!
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Join the Sales Maven Society for coaching and support.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and share it with someone who wants to improve their networking and sales skills!