Business Networking & Referrals with Faithann Basore

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

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.

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

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.

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

📧 michelle.lee.spurlock@gmail.com

📞 (405) 204-7266

If you reach out, let her know you heard her on the Business Networking & Referrals Podcast!

Ready to Become More Referral Worthy?

Would a clearer, more memorable pitch help you create more opportunities every time you network?

Schedule a Discovery 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

Many business owners unintentionally damage new relationships because they confuse a networking one-to-one with a sales discovery call.

In this episode of Business Networking and Referrals, Faithann Basore explains the difference between these two important conversations, why each has a different purpose, and how knowing when to use each one can strengthen your referral network instead of creating awkward sales pressure.

You'll learn why one-to-one meetings are designed to build trust, uncover referral opportunities, and deepen relationships, while discovery calls are meant to determine whether your product or service is the right solution for someone's specific problem.

Faithann also shares practical advice for handling uncomfortable situations when someone invites you to what sounds like a networking conversation but turns it into a sales presentation.

Whether you're new to networking or you've been attending meetings for years, understanding this distinction will help you build stronger relationships, earn more referrals, and know exactly when it's appropriate to move into a sales conversation.

In this episode you'll learn:

• The true purpose of a networking one-to-one
• What makes a discovery call different from a networking meeting
• When to invite someone to each type of conversation
• How one-to-ones help you become more referable
• Why curiosity builds stronger referral relationships than pitching
• What to do when a "one-to-one" unexpectedly becomes a sales presentation
• How to politely redirect the conversation without damaging rapport

Resources Mentioned

• The Selling Staircase by Nikki Rausch
• Premium OKC Networking

Connect with Faithann

If you're ready to build stronger referral relationships and create more opportunities in every networking conversation, connect with Faithann Basore at The Networker's Tour Guide.

Enjoying the podcast?

If this episode helped you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who's growing their business through referrals.

Question for listeners:

Have you ever shown up expecting a one-to-one, only to realize it was really a sales presentation? Share your experience in the comments!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What if the biggest thing holding your networking back isn't your confidence...it's a few everyday phrases you're using without even realizing it?

In this solo episode of Business Networking and Referrals, Faithann Basore shares four common phrases she's completely removed from her networking conversations, emails, and business communication—and explains what to say instead.

These small language shifts create clearer invitations, stronger relationships, and more opportunities because they keep conversations moving forward instead of leaving them stuck.

If you're growing your business through referrals, networking, or relationship marketing, this episode will help you communicate with greater confidence and intention.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Why "Let me know if..." often stops conversations instead of starting them.
• A better alternative that naturally moves people toward the next step.
• Why "I hope..." weakens your emails more than you realize.
• The surprising problem with saying, "I know you're busy..."
• Why apologizing for asking questions can quietly undermine your confidence.
• Simple phrases that create momentum instead of hesitation.
• How to become the person who creates opportunities instead of waiting for them.

One of the biggest ideas from this episode is this:

Be the current that moves conversations forward—not the stagnant water that leaves opportunities waiting.

Whether you're inviting someone to coffee, following up after a networking meeting, asking for a referral, or simply writing better emails, these communication shifts can change the way people respond to you.

Ready to Strengthen Your Networking Communication?

Would clearer, more confident communication help you create more opportunities from your networking conversations?

Schedule a Discovery Call to explore how we might work together to improve your networking emails, strengthen your follow-up, and create conversations that naturally lead to more referrals.

 

Connect with Faithann:

• The Networker's Tour Guide
• Discovery Call
• Premium OKC Networking

Are you making the most of every conference, networking summit, or large business event you attend?

Whether you're walking in as an attendee or stepping onto the stage as a speaker, conferences create some of the biggest relationship-building opportunities in business. But simply showing up isn't enough.

In this solo episode of Business Networking & Referrals, Faithann Basore shares practical networking strategies that help you create meaningful conversations, build referral relationships, and leave every conference with real momentum instead of a stack of business cards you'll never use.

You'll learn how to prepare before you arrive, make stronger connections throughout the event, follow up more effectively, and maximize every opportunity—whether you're sitting in the audience or speaking from the stage.

In this episode you'll discover:

• Why conferences attract some of the most intentional business owners you'll ever meet
• How to prepare the night before so you arrive calm, confident, and ready to connect
• The Three Question Reset that prepares you for networking success before you walk through the door
• Why arriving early creates better networking opportunities
• Why you should ask speakers questions—and how it can accelerate your learning
• The One-Two-Three Method for deciding who to spend your networking time with
• How to schedule follow-up meetings before you ever leave the conference
• Why leaving your calendar light after a conference helps you capitalize on everything you learned
• Speaker tips for earning repeat invitations, creating memorable presentations, and making it easy for attendees to work with you
• Why lingering after your presentation often creates your best business opportunities

Episodes Mentioned

• Episode 74 – Buying Signals with Nikki Rausch
• Episode 75 – The One-Two-Three Method for Networking in Large Groups
• Episode 76 – The Three Question Reset
• Episode 81 – How to Walk Into a Networking Event Alone
• Episode 47 – Creating Business Retreats & Community with Danielle Throckmorton

Resources Mentioned

Buying Signals Workshop

Learn how to recognize when someone is ready for your next step—and how to confidently invite them to work with you. This live workshop includes practical teaching, guided practice, and real-world application so you can leave networking conversations knowing exactly what to listen for.

Join us on July 10th, 2026, virtually.  Save your spot here.