Business Networking & Referrals with Faithann Basore

Episode 22: The Experts We Meet Part 1 with Nikki Rausch

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⬇️

https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/resources

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:

1. Introduction – Make a great first impression.

2. Create Curiosity – Get people interested in what you do.

3. Discovery – Have a conversation to understand their needs.

4. Proposal – Offer a solution that fits their needs.

5. 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

• Networking isn’t just about meeting people—it’s about building relationships.

• Creating curiosity is key! Instead of overwhelming people with information, give short, interesting answers that make them want to learn more.

• Avoid "word vomiting"—talking too much without letting the other person engage.

• Think of conversations like a game of catch—both people should take turns asking and answering questions.

Fun Tip: Dog Calling vs. Cat Calling

• Dog Calling (Too Pushy!) – Being overly excited and overwhelming people with information.

• Cat Calling (Creating Curiosity!) – Giving just enough information to make someone want to ask more.

Key Takeaways

• Sales and networking go hand in hand.

• Take your time and follow the steps of the Selling Staircase to build trust.

• Make networking conversations fun and engaging by creating curiosity.

• 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.

• Listen to The Sales Maven Podcast for more tips!

• 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!

 

Episode 21: Who's in Your Fair? Building Strategic Referral Partnerships

In this solo episode, Faithann dives into the importance of building relationships with other business owners who naturally align with your client’s journey. Before that, Faithann revisits Episode 20, where she worked with Amy Thurman to craft a clear, compelling elevator pitch that helps her attract the right referrals. Faithann reads the final version they created together and breaks down its structure so you can apply the same approach to your networking strategy.

Next, Faithann explores the concept of a business “fair”—how clients move from one service to the next and how you can position yourself as the natural next step in their journey. Whether you’re a real estate professional, contractor, or coach, understanding where your clients come from and where they go next can help you build strong referral partnerships and grow your business.

⬇️Download Your First Impressions Guide Below⬇️

https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/resources

 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to structure a compelling elevator pitch (featuring Amy Thurman’s pitch from Episode 20)
• Why networking is more than just collecting business cards—it’s about strategic partnerships
• The concept of the “business fair” and how different service providers fit together
• How to identify who your clients see before and after you, and how to build relationships with them
• Smart questions to ask clients to uncover referral opportunities
• How to proactively create opportunities for others so they’ll return the favor

Key Takeaways:

• A well-structured elevator pitch makes it easy for people to refer you.
• Your clients don’t make purchases in isolation—each step leads to another.
• Identify businesses that naturally align with yours and form partnerships.
• Asking clients “What’s next?” helps you anticipate their needs and connect them with the right people.
• Providing referrals builds trust and increases the likelihood of receiving referrals in return.

Resources & Mentions:

• Episode 20: Crafting the Perfect Elevator Pitch with Amy Thurman
• Episode 3: Understanding Referral Partners

Connect With Me:

• https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/faithann-basore/
• Tour 53: At The Fair at The Networker’s Tour Guide blog

If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more business owners looking to grow through strategic networking.

Episode 20: Your Perfect (Pitch Part 5) with Guest Amy Thurman

Welcome to Episode 20!

In this episode, Faithann talks with her special guest, Amy Thurman. Amy is a best-selling author, speaker, and transformation coach who helps people live more authentically and overcome fear. She also shares her personal journey of recovering from a traumatic neck injury.

⬇️Download your free Powerful First Impressions guide⬇️

https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/questions

 

How Faithann and Amy Met

• Faithann and Amy met at a networking event.
• Faithann reached out to Amy before the event, making her feel welcomed.
• A great tip for networking leaders: Send a message to new attendees to make them feel comfortable before they arrive!

Amy’s Inspiring Story

• Amy lived with an undetected broken neck for six months.
• She turned her trauma into a message of empowerment.
• She wrote her book Finding My Hero Within to share her journey from pain to strength.
• She chose to publish her book on the anniversary of her accident to change the way she saw that day—from tragedy to victory.

Helping People Find Their Authentic Self

• Amy teaches people how to be their true selves.
• When you are authentic, life flows more easily, and you don’t have to try so hard to find joy and purpose.
• Her work helps people improve their relationships, careers, and overall happiness.

Making a Stronger Elevator Pitch

• Instead of just saying what you do, describe the kind of person you help.
• Use clear examples to make it easy for others to refer you to the right people.
• For example, Amy helps people who feel stuck in their roles and want to discover who they truly are.

Final Thoughts

• If you want to improve your elevator pitch, focus on who you help and how you help them.
• If you want to read Amy’s book, you can find it on Amazon and her website.
• Thanks for listening, and don’t forget to subscribe for more great networking tips!

Links:

• Amy’s book: Finding My Hero Within
• Amy's website: getamyshelp.com
• More resources at:thenetworkerstourguide.net

 

Episode 19 Your Perfect Elevator Pitch (Part 4) Three Examples

In this solo episode, Faithann talks about elevator pitches—those short, powerful introductions that help you stand out in networking meetings. She shares three real examples of elevator pitches from business owners and gives helpful tips on how to create your own!

⬇️Download your free Powerful First Impressions guide⬇️

https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/questions

 

📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ What an elevator pitch is and why it matters
✅ Three great examples of elevator pitches from different industries
✅ How to confidently tell people who you’re looking to meet
✅ Tips to make sure your pitch is memorable and effective

📝 Key Takeaways:
🔹 A great elevator pitch starts with a short success story
🔹 Be specific about the type of person you’re looking to meet
🔹 Give your listeners a clear action step (like introducing you to a friend!)
🔹 If you’re in a room with others in your same profession, make your pitch stand out!

💡 Bonus Tips for Networking Meetings:
✨ Pick a seat where you can see the whole room when speaking
✨ Stay focused—even if there’s a distraction, keep going
✨ If others in the room do the same job as you, sit separately and make your pitch unique

📚 Resources Mentioned:
📖 Referrals in 60 Seconds Playbook – Get it at networkerschewerguide.net/products

🎧 Missed the last episodes? Check out:
🔹 Episode 17 & 18 – Guest interviews on crafting great elevator pitches

🔗 Connect with Faithann & Learn More:
💻 networkerschewerguide.net

Take Action! Use these tips to improve your elevator pitch and stand out at your next networking event! 

Episode 18: Your Perfect Elevator Pitch (Part 3) with Guest Nate Howell

In this episode, Faithann welcomes Vice President of Sales and Development Nathan Howell with Advantec Solutions to talk about how making friends is key in business, not just finding customers. When you trust people, it’s easier to work together and help each other succeed.

❇️Grab your "First Impressions" Guide mentioned during the show here.❇️

What You’ll Learn:

• Friends Over Customers: In business, strong friendships lead to better opportunities.
• The Power of Testimonials: Sharing kind words about someone’s work can make their day and boost their confidence.
• The Magic of Stories: Using real-life stories helps people understand what you do and remember you better.
• Elevator Pitches: Learn how to make the most of your 60 seconds when introducing your business. Be specific, tell a story, and make it easy for people to connect with you.
• Knowing Your Audience: Adjust what you say depending on who’s listening. The more relatable your story, the more people will respond.

Key Tip: When sharing, use phrases like “for example” to grab attention. People love hearing stories that they can imagine themselves in.

Whether you’re new to networking or a pro, this episode will help you build stronger connections and feel more confident in any room.

Where to find Nathan from Advantec Solutions:

LInkedIN

Website

Youtube 

Purchase Faithann's "Referrals in 60 Seconds" playbook to create an impactful elevator pitch of your own that makes it easy for others to bring you referrals here.

Episode 17: Your Perfect Elevator Pitch (Part 2) with Guest JoAnne Stiles

Get your free "How to Make a Great First Impression" download mentioned in the show: 

❇️Powerful First Impression Download❇️

 

Welcome to Episode 17 of the podcast! This episode is extra special because Faithann welcomes her very first guest, JoAnne Stiles, from Stiles Realty Group. JoAnne has been in real estate for over 20 years, and she’s here to share her expertise about crafting the perfect elevator pitch to stand out in networking meetings.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

1. What Makes a Great Elevator Pitch

• JoAnne explains why specificity is key. A great pitch should be clear and make it easy for others to help you.
• Learn how to avoid being too broad and how a specific request can lead to actionable referrals.

Creative Examples from JoAnne’s Pitches

• Garage Sale Tip: JoAnne shares how she uses garage sales as a way to identify potential home sellers and why it works so well.
• Holiday Decorating Tip: Discover why decorating for Christmas might hurt your home sale and how JoAnne uses fun topics like Christmas trees to make her pitches memorable.

Engaging Your Audience

• Using fun and relatable questions to grab attention, like asking if people are on “Team Real Christmas Tree” or “Team Fake Christmas Tree.”
• Why participation and interaction make your pitch more memorable.

Networking Do’s and Don’ts

• DO: Be genuinely interested in others and mix up who you talk to at meetings.
• DON’T: Repeat the same pitch every time without adding something new or helpful.

Bonus Tips for Advanced Networkers

• How to adapt your pitch on the fly based on who’s in the room.
• Tying your message to current events or shared experiences to make a lasting impression.

About Our Guest:

JoAnne Stiles is a real estate broker based in Norman, Oklahoma. She owns Stiles Realty Group and has six agents on her team. Joanne also manages Stiles on Gray, a beautifully renovated office and co-working space in a historic building. Her expertise in real estate and networking makes her a go-to resource for anyone looking to grow their business connections.

The Networker's Tour Guide Blog

Read Tour 31: Trust in 60 Seconds? as a great compliment to this episode.

Final Takeaway:

Your elevator pitch is not about impressing others; it’s about involving them. By being specific and fun, you make it easier for people to remember you and refer you.

Action Step:
Next time you create a pitch, ask yourself: “Does this paint a clear picture? Will it stick in people’s minds?”

Thanks for tuning in to Episode 17! Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with a friend who wants to improve their networking skills.

Grab your free "Powerful First Impressions" download here.

Episode 16 Your Perfect Elevator Pitch (Part 1) Make the Most of 60 Seconds

Welcome to Episode 16! This is the first part of our series on creating your perfect elevator pitch. If you’ve ever felt unsure about what to say during that short introduction at networking events, this episode is for you.

              ❇️ Grab Your FREE First Impressions Resource ❇️

An elevator pitch is a 30-60 second introduction where you share who you are, what you do, and who you help. Think of it as your chance to grab the room’s undivided attention and make a memorable first impression. But, there’s a right way—and a wrong way—to use this precious time.

Host Faithann shares the importance of painting a clear picture of your ideal client or referral. Using an analogy called "looking loud," she explains why you should describe your ideal client in specific, memorable terms. When you do this well, the people listening will know exactly who to refer to you—or even recognize themselves as your perfect client!

Key Takeaways:

• Paint a Clear Picture: Don’t just say what you do; describe the type of person you're looking to connect with. For example: “I’m looking for someone who’s struggling to find the perfect Mother’s Day gift.”
• Focus on One Thing: If you have multiple businesses, pick one to highlight during your pitch.
• Don’t Waste Time: Avoid buzzwords, acronyms, or unnecessary details (like how long you’ve been in business). Stay focused on what matters.
• Make It Easy to Refer You: Teach others how to bring you up in conversation by using specific examples and language.

Why It Matters:
Your elevator pitch isn’t just about you—it’s about helping others see how they can help you. When you create curiosity and make it easy for people to connect you with your ideal clients, you’ll get better results from your networking efforts.

Tune in to learn how to master your 60 seconds and stand out in any room! Don’t miss the next episode in this series, where Faithann shares real-life examples and invites special guests to workshop their pitches live.

Free Resource:
Want to make a great first impression? Faithann has a free guide to help you leave a lasting impact. Get it now.

Email Faithann at faithann@thenetworkerstourguide.com.

Episode 15 Think of Everything

Welcome to the Networkers' Tour Guide Podcast

Host: Faithann

Are you a business owner or professional struggling with networking? Does walking into a room full of strangers feel overwhelming? Faith Ann, your tour guide through the networking terrain, is here to help! In this episode, she shares tips to make networking easier and brings insights from the world of business success. Get ready to learn how to network like a pro and build meaningful relationships!

✳️ Grab your free "First Impressions" download here.

Episode Highlights:

• Networking is about creating opportunities for others so they’ll feel empowered to return the favor when you need it. It’s about generosity and connection.
• Faithann emphasizes: Relationships are at the heart of networking, and generosity is the key to success.

 Lessons from Joe Rogan’s Comedy Club

• Joe Rogan’s "Mothership" comedy club was designed with the needs of comedians in mind. From the stage setup to backstage comforts, everything was intentional.
• Networking takeaway: Think of ways to prioritize the needs of those you’re connecting with. When you go the extra mile, you’ll earn respect and trust.

 

 Small Gestures Make a Big Impact

• Faithann shares relatable examples, like Sam’s Club providing convenient trash cans. Small details create memorable experiences.
• Networking tip: Pay attention to small gestures that show consideration, like confirming appointments or being mindful of time limits.

Practical Networking Tips:

Appointments:

• Confirm appointments 24 hours in advance.
• If you need to reschedule, propose an alternative time right away.
• Respect others’ time by checking in at the start of a meeting about time constraints.

Conversations:

• Be the “tour guide” of group conversations. Fill in context so no one feels left out.
• Make introductions when people you know haven’t met.
• Compliment others sincerely, especially during introductions.

General Tips:

• Always carry useful items (gum, ibuprofen, pens) that others might need.
• Be mindful when sharing photos from events; ensure they’re flattering.
• Reflect on your interactions to identify areas for improvement. Small changes can make a big difference!

Read Tour 15 of The Networker's Tour Guide blog here.