4.2K
Downloads
92
Episodes
Learn how to network with confidence, build real business relationships, and generate more referrals—even when networking doesn't come naturally.
Business networking doesn't have to feel awkward, intimidating, or salesy.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, salesperson, business owner, or professional who wants to build stronger relationships and generate more referrals, this podcast gives you practical networking strategies you can use the very next time you walk into a room.
Hosted by Faithann Basore, Business Networking & Referrals breaks down the invisible parts of networking that most people never teach—from creating better conversations and asking memorable questions to improving your elevator pitch, building credibility, following up naturally, reading buying signals, and turning introductions into lasting business relationships.
When networking makes you nervous, you're not alone. Many episodes are designed specifically to help you feel more confident in networking rooms by giving you simple frameworks, conversation starters, and mindset shifts that make connecting with people feel more natural. You'll learn how to enter conversations with confidence, overcome networking anxiety, and become someone people genuinely enjoy talking with.
You'll also hear live coaching sessions, real networking examples, referral strategies, communication tips, and interviews with successful professionals who share what's actually working to grow their businesses through relationships.
Whether you're attending your first networking event or you've been networking for years, you'll discover how to:
- Build authentic business relationships
- Create conversations that lead to referrals
- Deliver an elevator pitch people remember
- Improve your follow-up without sounding pushy
- Build trust and credibility faster
- Become more confident in networking rooms
- Generate more referrals through genuine connection
When your goal is to stop collecting business cards and start building meaningful business relationships that create real opportunities, you're in the right place.
Because great networking isn't about talking more. It's about creating opportunities for others that they would not have except for you, so you have standing to ask for opportunities when you need them.
Episodes
Jun 1, 2026
Jun 1, 2026
35 min
Have you ever walked into a networking event, looked around the room, and realized you didn't know a single person?
In this episode of Business Networking and Referrals, host Faithann Basore sits down with Kelly Burton, owner of Boards by Kelly, to tackle one of the most common fears networkers face: how to confidently enter conversations when you're attending an event alone.
Kelly shares a real-life experience from a recent networking event where the friends she expected to see never showed up, leaving her to navigate a room full of strangers. Together, Faithann and Kelly discuss practical networking strategies that help turn awkward moments into meaningful connections.
You'll learn how to identify approachable groups, use curiosity to overcome self-consciousness, give genuine compliments that spark conversation, and gracefully exit conversations when it's time to meet new people. They also discuss the importance of building authentic relationships, networking with competitors, and creating positive interactions that lead to referrals over time.
Whether you're brand new to networking or simply looking to feel more confident in unfamiliar rooms, this episode offers actionable advice you can put to work at your very next event.
In This Episode You'll Learn:
- What to do when you arrive at a networking event and don't know anyone
- How the "Three Question Reset" can help calm networking anxiety
- How to identify "open twos" and "open threes" and confidently join conversations already in progress
- How to enter existing conversations without feeling intrusive
- Why curiosity is one of the most powerful networking tools
- Conversation starters that create genuine connection
- How to gracefully leave a conversation and meet new people
- Why networking is about positive interactions, not immediate referrals
- The value of building relationships with competitors
About Kelly Burton
Kelly Burton is the owner of Boards by Kelly, an Oklahoma-based charcuterie board business that creates memorable food experiences for weddings, corporate events, graduations, engagement parties, and special celebrations. Alongside her sister Abby, Kelly has built a thriving business focused on making the event planning process effortless for clients while delivering beautiful, customized charcuterie displays.
Resources Mentioned
- Boards by Kelly: Boards by Kelly Website
- Instagram: @boardsbykelly.okc
- Subscribe to Kelly's newsletter, The Gouda Life
- Listen to Faithann's episode: The Three Question Reset
- Learn more about the We Rise Conference: We Rise Conference
Interested in personalized networking support? Schedule a discovery call with Faithann to explore ways to make networking easier, more enjoyable, and more effective for your business.
Connect with Faithann Basore
If you're ready to become more confident in networking rooms, strengthen your referral strategy, or develop a memorable introduction that opens doors, connect with Faithann Basore through The Networker's Tour Guide.
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 $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
No comments yet. Be the first to say something!