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Learn how to network and grow your business through referrals with Faithann Basore, the Networker’s Tour Guide.
Episodes
Monday May 12, 2025
Monday May 12, 2025
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.
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
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.
Links & Resources Mentioned:
- Learn more about Patricia here.
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Find out how well your voice and tone align with your audience's needs and expectations, take this quiz today.
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Faithann's “Referrals in 60 Seconds” manual
- Grab your free "Impressions" guide from Faithann and stand out at your networking meetings.
Connect with Us:
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Gain more networking insight at the Networker's Tour Guide blog.
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Subscribe to Networker’s Tour Guide wherever you listen to podcasts
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Leave Faithann a review — we’d love to hear what topics help you the most!
Monday Apr 28, 2025
Monday Apr 28, 2025
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:
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What Barrier Consulting offers: VA placement, operations support, SOP creation, and more.
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SOPs explained: Why documenting your processes is like building scaffolding around your business.
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Networking as a catalyst: How Evonne's BNI experience led to sustained business growth, even after she stopped active weekly networking.
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Long game of networking: Building trust and relationships can take years, but the investment pays off over time.
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Practical advice for new networkers: Your first year is about learning, not expecting immediate returns.
Connect with Evonne Barrier:
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Website: barriervirtualassistants.com
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barrierconsulting/
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-barrier-40627747/
Connect with Faithann:
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Website: www.thenetworkerstourguide.net
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenetworkerstourguide/
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Get Your Free "Impressions" Guide and start making confident, memorable connections at every networking event!
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Monday Apr 21, 2025
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!