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Learn how to network and grow your business through referrals with Faithann Basore, the Networker’s Tour Guide.
Episodes
13 hours ago
13 hours ago
If you’ve ever thought:
“I don’t want to sound salesy.”
“I struggle to know what to say when they show interest.”
“I leave networking events with nothing concrete.”
You're invited to be part of the Buying Signals for Networkers 8 week mastermind, based on Nikki Rausch's book, Buying Signals.
Enrollment is now open, and it’s a live, practice-based experience focused on clarity, confidence, and knowing what to say when it comes to issuing next step invitations.
You can participate either virtually or in person, and you’ll have access to my Premium OKC Networking community for the entire mastermind, plus one month after it ends.
👉 Join Buying Signals for Networkers at $325 and start recognizing real interest in your networking conversations.
Learn more and enroll here: https://thenetworkerstourguide.com/buysignals
In this episode of The Networker’s Tour Guide, host Faithann Basore welcomes back returning guest Dirk Houglum of DMP Home Inspections for a candid conversation as part of the Realtor-Ready Networker Series.
Networking in the real estate industry can feel especially overwhelming when you’re surrounded by others who offer the same services. Dirk shares what it really takes to build trust with realtors, why honesty and integrity matter, and how staying true to your values strengthens long-term relationships.
Together, Faithann and Dirk discuss common challenges trades professionals face when networking with realtors, including navigating competition, providing value beyond the sale, and earning trust over time. Dirk also explains why collaboration with others in your industry can lead to stronger relationships, increased confidence, and better referral opportunities.
This episode is a must-listen for home inspectors, roofers, lenders, and other real estate-adjacent professionals who want to become truly realtor-ready and build relationships that last.
⭐ Big Takeaway
Becoming realtor-ready means showing up with integrity, providing real value, and allowing trust to build over time. When you focus on honesty, collaboration, and service, strong and lasting realtor relationships naturally follow.
Listen to Dirk's first episode appearance on the podcast here.
Follow Dirk-
Follow Faithann-
Instagram: @thenetworkerstourguide
Join Premium OKC Networking for $65 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
Monday Jan 12, 2026
Monday Jan 12, 2026
In this episode, Faithann Basore kicks off The Realtor-Ready Series, designed to help realtors and real-estate-adjacent professionals—such as inspectors, roofers, and lenders—build stronger referral relationships.She’s joined by Jackie Benjamin to explore how strategic social media engagement can build rapport before you ever meet in person, making real-life networking feel familiar instead of forced.
Jackie shares a simple engagement strategy that takes just 15 minutes a day and helps business owners create visibility, trust, and connection before showing up to events.
What You’ll Learn
1. Why online engagement creates a head start in person
When relationships are warmed up online, in-person introductions feel easier and more natural. Faithann explains that once trust is built digitally, you simply need to show up—without overthinking it.
2. The ATQ engagement framework (simple + not “icky”)
Jackie introduces a repeatable way to engage genuinely on social media:
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A – Acknowledge the post with specificity
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T – Tip add a helpful insight from your expertise
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Q – Question invite conversation
This approach increases replies, visibility, and real connection.
3. Follow the right people (not everyone)
This is not a “follow everyone” strategy. Jackie emphasizes focusing on:
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primary referral partners who serve the same clients
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secondary visibility partners whose audiences include homeowners
Consistent visibility builds familiarity—and familiarity builds trust.
4. The bare minimum for busy contractors
If posting feels overwhelming:
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aim for one post per week
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spend 15 minutes a day engaging
With the right people in your feed, engagement becomes faster and more effective.
Download Jackie's 15 Minute Social Media Checklist here.
5. A powerful differentiator
Faithann encourages professionals to stay aware of what’s happening in their partners’ industries. Understanding industry shifts builds credibility and leads to better conversations and stronger relationships.
Resource Mentioned
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Jackie’s 15-minute daily engagement checklist
Connect with Jackie
- Website - https://www.weassistbusiness.com/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/weassistmarketing
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackiebenjamin/
Join Faithann's Buying Signals for Networkers Mastermind, designed to help networkers recognize buying signals and invite next steps with confidence—without sounding pushy.
Both in-person and virtual options are available. The mastermind is 8 Weeks and begins in early Feb. 2026.
Connect with Faithann:
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Instagram: @thenetworkerstourguide
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Join Premium OKC Networking for $65 for a 1 year access to Faithann's networking calendar, community forum, and networking courses.
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Join the Private Community: The Networker’s Tour Guide on Facebook
Monday Jan 05, 2026
Monday Jan 05, 2026
In this episode, Faithann is joined by Molly Zang, owner of Novel Optical in downtown Oklahoma City, to talk about how business owners can collaborate with non-competing professionals who serve the same audience—and why those partnerships are one of the most overlooked networking opportunities.
Rather than chasing new audiences from scratch, this conversation explores how collaboration, education, and thoughtful referrals can expand reach, build rapport, and bring the right people together in a natural, non-salesy way.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
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Why collaborating with professionals who don’t compete but serve the same clients is one of the smartest ways to grow your network
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How Molly’s approach to eyewear begins with deep lifestyle questions, not products
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Why photographers, graphic designers, estheticians, and other creatives often have unique optical needs they don’t realize can be supported
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How education-based collaborations (webinars, lunch & learns, PDFs) build credibility and trust faster than traditional networking
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Why brick-and-mortar businesses should invite people into their space even when they don’t need the service yet
Key Networking Takeaway
You don’t need more people—you need better alignment.
When you collaborate with professionals who already have the trust of the audience you want to reach, everyone wins.
About the Guest
Molly Zang is the owner of Novel Optical, a woman-owned, independent optical shop in downtown Oklahoma City specializing in handcrafted, toxin-free eyewear. Novel Optical focuses exclusively on eyewear—offering highly personalized fittings, thoughtful recommendations, and a welcoming, colorful experience that feels anything but clinical.
Connect with Molly & Novel Optical
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Website: noveloptical.com
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Instagram & Facebook: @NovelOptical
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Location: Corner of 9th & Hudson, Midtown Oklahoma City
Connect with Faithann:
Instagram: @thenetworkerstourguide
Join Premium OKC Networking for $65 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
Join Faithann's Buying Signals for Networkers Mastermind, designed to help networkers recognize buying signals and invite next steps with confidence—without sounding pushy.
Both in-person and virtual options are available. The mastermind is 8 Weeks and begins in early Feb. 2026.
Join the Buying Signals HERE.
Final Thought
As you listen, ask yourself:
Who serves the same people I do—but in a different way?
That might be your next best collaboration.
If you’d like help identifying or structuring collaborations like the ones discussed in this episode, Faithann invites you to reach out via email or message her on Facebook. Email Faithann at faithann@thenetworkerstourguide.com.
Monday Dec 29, 2025
Monday Dec 22, 2025
Monday Dec 22, 2025
In this solo-style episode, Faithann switches things up by having her daughter step in as the interviewer, guiding a thoughtful conversation about one of the most overlooked networking skills: adjusting your introduction based on the time you’re given.
Faithann reflects on two networking meetings she attended back-to-back—one where she had a full minute to speak, and another where she could only share her name and business. From those experiences, she breaks down how confident networkers tailor their words to fit the moment.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
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Why your introduction should change based on whether you have 5 seconds, 30 seconds, or a full minute
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How to think of your intro like gift wrapping—matching the words to the size of the opportunity
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When a short descriptor or tagline can add clarity without breaking the rules
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Why visibility in the room still matters, even when you can’t say much
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Why networking during the holidays can actually create stronger referral opportunities
Featured Invitation
Faithann also shares details about her upcoming Buying Signals for Networkers Mastermind, designed to help networkers recognize buying signals and invite next steps with confidence—without sounding pushy.
Both in-person and virtual options are available. The mastermind is 8 Weeks and begins in early Feb. 2026.
Hop on the Buying Signals waitlist for first access + special pricing.
👉https://thenetworkerstourguide.com/buyingsignals
Connect with Faithann:
Instagram: @thenetworkerstourguide
Join Premium OKC Networking for $65 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
Previous Episodes Mentioned:
Episode 55: Networking in Unbridled Potential
Episode 17: Your Perfect Elevator Pitch (Part 2) with Nate Howell
Go and network, my friend—and make every interaction count.
Monday Dec 15, 2025
Monday Dec 15, 2025
Saying no doesn’t have to damage relationships. In this solo episode, Faithann shares practical ways to decline invitations, events, and discovery calls with grace—while still building trust and rapport. You’ll learn how thoughtful networkers listen generously, keep conversations moving forward, and leave doors open even when the answer isn’t yes.
Faithann also shares why recognizing buying signals matters just as much as declining with grace. When you know how to listen for curiosity and readiness in conversation, you won’t miss natural opportunities to invite the right people to take the next step. Details about the upcoming Buying Signals for Networkers Mastermind—based on Nikki Rausch’s Buying Signals—are included for listeners who want guided practice and deeper confidence in these conversations.
Hop on the Buying Signals waitlist for first access + special pricing.
👉 https://thenetworkerstourguide.com/buyingsignals
Previous Episodes Mentioned in This Episode:
Episode 61: The Race to Positive Interactions- Networking When Others Do What You Do
Free Resource for Listeners:
✨ Download Faithann’s 10 Questions to Ask in a One-to-One — a free guide to deepen your networking conversations and leave a lasting impression.
Grab your copy here ➡️ https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/resources
Connect with Faithann:
Instagram: @thenetworkerstourguide
Join Premium OKC Networking for $65 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
Monday Dec 08, 2025
Monday Dec 08, 2025
This solo episode was inspired by a question that popped up inside Premium OKC Networking, my online platform where local business owners can find vetted places to connect across the metro. Members can ask questions, share offers, and access the Learning Tab — complete with courses and videos of every organizer featured on the networking calendar.
This week, a member asked:
“What should someone do when there are several people in their same industry at a networking meeting?”
That question sparked today’s episode.
To answer it, I walk through what I’d say to a coaching client facing that same frustration — someone like “Beth,” a photographer who feels overshadowed in rooms where two or three other photographers regularly show up. Before talking strategy, we start with mindset. And yes… that mindset comes with a very Faithann version of the Cinderella story — fairy godmother included — to help reframe the idea of “competition.”
Because here’s the truth:
You’re not competing with the title on someone’s name tag. You’re building relationships through the kinds of positive interactions only you can create.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
✨ Why your title doesn’t define your value
Your identity isn’t “photographer,” “planner,” “inspector,” or “agent.” Your value is your problem-solving perspective — the one thing that can’t be copied, xeroxed, or duplicated.
✨ How to win the “race to positive interactions”
Networking isn’t about eliminating competition. It’s about stacking enough positive interactions that people begin to think:
“I trust you with this referral.”
✨ The Cinderella analogy that shifts your mindset instantly
If everyone in the room has the same “blue eyes,” what truly sets you apart is everything else you bring into the room — your voice, your rapport, your curiosity, your generosity, your approach.
✨ What to do when there really are too many people who do what you do
You’ll hear practical strategies including:
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Joining an industry-exclusive group (and the mindset required once you do)
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Starting your own group if no seat opens
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Using paid membership tiers within open groups to increase exposure
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Serving in leadership to create more natural interactions
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Building abundance-based relationships with others in your same industry
✨ What not to do when you’re sharing a room with your “competition”
You’ll learn:
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Why badmouthing or subtly undercutting others will always backfire
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How scarcity energy repels referrals
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How to acknowledge peers with abundance and tact
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A simple seating strategy to make pitch time more comfortable
Links & Resources
Join my Facebook community:
The Networker’s Tour Guide on Facebook — I go live every week at 5 PM with networking tips and strategies.
Explore Premium OKC Networking:
If you're local to Oklahoma City and want one trusted place to find vetted networking events, discussion threads, organizer videos, and networking courses — membership is just $65/year.
✨ Download Faithann’s 10 Questions to Ask in a One-to-One — a free guide to deepen your networking conversations and leave a lasting impression.
Grab your copy here ➡️ https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/resources
Previous Episodes Mentioned in the Episode:
Monday Dec 01, 2025