Business Networking & Referrals with Faithann Basore

Episode 14 Exploring Networking Groups-Find the Perfect Fit for Your Business

Welcome to the Networkers' Tour Guide Podcast!
Hi there, I’m your host, Faithann. This podcast is all about helping you create opportunities for others and learning how to ask for opportunities when you need them.

In Episode 14, we’re diving into networking groups—what they are, how they work, and how to choose the right ones to help you grow your business.

Grab the "First Impressions" resource mentioned in the episode here.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Types of Networking Groups:

Membership-Based vs. Non-Membership Groups:

Membership groups often have a fee and require a commitment, which fosters consistency and trust.

Non-membership groups are typically free and more flexible but may lack consistency

 

Paid vs. Free Groups:

Paid groups encourage regular attendance and deeper connections.

Free groups are great for new business owners starting on a budget.

Industry-Exclusive Groups:

 

Learn how groups like BNI, Gold Star, and Centrasphere limit competition by allowing only one person per industry.

Discover the pros and cons of joining industry-exclusive groups.

Local vs. National/International Groups:

Local groups are easier to connect with but may lack larger referral networks.

National and international groups offer wide-reaching referrals but often have more rules.

What Makes a Good Networking Group?

Clear expectations and guidelines.

A welcoming atmosphere that fosters fun and growth.

Supportive members who encourage referrals and collaboration.

 

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Key Takeaways:

• Be intentional when choosing a networking group—ensure it aligns with your goals and values.
• Networking is about building genuine relationships. Look for groups that inspire gratitude, encouragement, and collaboration.
• Start with a mix of paid and free groups to find what works best for you.

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Resources Mentioned:

• First Impressions Download-Grab this today to make a powerful first impression at your next networking meeting.
• Tour 11: Networking in OKC at a Glance 
• Visit The Networker’s Tour Guide Blog for tips and resources on building your network.

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Let’s Connect!

• Subscribe to the podcast for weekly tips on building your networking skills.
• Follow Us on social media for updates.
• Share Your Feedback: We’d love to hear about your favorite networking groups and tips!  Email faithann@thenetworkerstourguide.com.

Remember, networking is all about helping others and finding joy in the process. If a group doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to explore new options.

Go network, my friend—your opportunities are waiting!

Episode 13: Four Networking Habits We Overlook, but Shouldn't

In this episode of The Networkers' Tour Guide, Faithann dives into four simple but powerful habits that can make networking easier and more effective. These tips are perfect for anyone who wants to grow their business connections and build meaningful relationships:

 

1️⃣ Ask for Introductions: Don’t be shy about asking people you trust to introduce you to others. Giving them the exact words to use can make it even easier!

 

2️⃣ Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Look for ways to help others by connecting them with the right people, even if it feels a little scary. Kindness goes a long way in building trust.

 

3️⃣ Confirm Your Appointments: A quick email or text 24 hours before a meeting can save time and prevent last-minute cancellations.

 

4️⃣ Network with a Plan: Be intentional by connecting with people who serve the same clients as you but aren’t your competitors. Think florists and wedding photographers, or realtors and lenders.

 

Faithann reminds us that networking is about helping others first so they’ll want to help you in return. With consistent effort, small habits like these can lead to big results over time.

 

Tune in to learn how to make your networking efforts more successful, one habit at a time!

 

Visit The Networker's Tour Guide blog for more Mini-Tours and tips.

 

Want a list of engaging questions that lets the person you are having coffee with at your 1-2-1 meeting feel important

⬇️Get your complimentary download here.⬇️

https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/questions

 

Email your questions to faithann@thenetworkerstourguide.com

 

Keywords: networking tips, how to network, build business relationships, networking habits, grow your network

 

 

 

12: Networking Mistakes That Cost You Referrals (and How to Fix Them)

Networking doesn’t just happen in formal meetings—and sometimes the biggest opportunities show up in everyday moments.
When you know how to navigate those moments well, you can build relationships and create referrals almost anywhere.
In this episode, Faithann Basore shares common networking missteps (what she calls “soup spilling” moves) and what to do instead so you can show up confidently in both traditional and non-traditional networking environments.

You’ll learn how to avoid awkward moments, recognize opportunities around you, and become someone others naturally think of when referrals come up.

When you approach networking with awareness and intention, even casual interactions can turn into meaningful connections.

Want to feel more confident in your conversations?
👇 10 Questions to Ask in a One-to-One 👇

https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/resources

Want to go deeper on these ideas?
👉 Learn how small networking moments can lead to bigger opportunities:
https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/blog/b/mini-tour-eleven

👉 Discover simple ways to show up more confidently in everyday interactions:
https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/blog/b/mini-tour-nine-1847

 

For more networking insights and strategies, visit https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/blog.

 

Email Faithann at faithann@thenetworkerstourguide.com.

11: How to Stack One-to-One Meetings to Create More Referrals

One of the easiest ways to create referrals is by connecting the right people—but most networkers don’t do it consistently.
When you’re intentional about how you introduce people, you strengthen relationships and become a valuable connector in your network.
In this episode, Faithann Basore shares a simple strategy for stacking your one-to-one meetings so you can naturally introduce others and create more referral opportunities.

You’ll learn how to look for alignment between people, make meaningful introductions, and position yourself as someone others trust to connect them.

When you consistently connect the right people, your network becomes stronger—and your value inside it grows.

Want to feel more confident leading one-to-one conversations?
👇 10 Questions to Ask in a One-to-One 👇 

https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/resources

Looking for more ways to strengthen your networking strategy?
👉 Explore additional insights and practical tips on the blog:
https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/blog

Want to go deeper on today’s concept?
👉 True Networking Inspires It — a look at how meaningful connections naturally lead to introductions and opportunities:
https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/blog/b/stack

 

Questions or want help refining your networking strategy?
📩 faithann@thenetworkerstourguide.com

10: How to Invite Someone to a Networking Event Like a Pro

The way you invite someone to a networking event can completely shape their experience before they ever walk in the room.
When you give the right direction, people show up calm, curious, and ready to connect.
In this episode, Faithann Basore shares how to guide others into networking conversations in a way that builds confidence, trust, and better outcomes for everyone involved.

You’ll learn how to set expectations, reduce pressure, and help others feel more comfortable—so they can show up as their best selves and engage more meaningfully.

When you’re intentional about how you invite people into a room, you don’t just help them—you strengthen the entire network.

Want to feel more confident guiding your own networking conversations?

👇 10 Questions to Ask in a One-to-One 👇

Grab your copy

 

Looking for more ways to strengthen your networking strategy?
👉 Explore additional insights and practical tips on the blog:
https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/blog

Want to go deeper on today’s concept?
👉 Give Directions Like a Superhero — learn how to guide others into networking spaces so they feel confident and ready to connect:
https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/blog/b/superhero

 

Have a question or want help refining your networking strategy?
📩 faithann@thenetworkerstourguide.com

 

9: How to Stay Calm in Networking Situations (And Stop Overthinking Conversations)

It’s easy to overthink what to say in networking conversations—and that pressure can hold you back.
But most networking moments aren’t high-stakes, even if they feel that way.
In this episode, Faithann Basore shares how to stay calm, think clearly, and approach conversations with confidence.

You’ll learn how to manage your mindset and show up more relaxed and present in networking environments.

When you want more structure in your conversations:
👇 10 Questions to Ask in a One-to-One 👇
https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/resources

 

For more networking insights and strategies, visit https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/blog.

 

Want to go deeper on this concept?
👉 Save the Amygdala for the Rattlesnakes — a simple way to understand how your brain reacts in networking situations and how to manage it:

Read now

Join Faithann's Facebook community here.

Questions or want help refining your networking strategy?
📩 faithann@thenetworkerstourguide.com

8: The Networking Sweet Spot: How to Know Which Events Are Worth Your Time

Not every networking event is worth your time—and knowing the difference can change your results.
When you find the right rooms, conversations feel easier and opportunities happen more naturally.
In this episode, Faithann Basore explains how to identify your networking sweet spot so you can be more intentional about where you show up.

You’ll learn how to evaluate networking opportunities and choose rooms that align with your goals.

When you’re ready to make the most of those rooms:
👇 10 Questions to Ask in a One-to-One 👇

     Get your download here.

 

For more networking insights and strategies, visit https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/blog.

 

Read Tour 49, “The Networking Sweet Spot” here.

Join Faithann's Facebook community here.

Email: faithann@thenetworkerstourguide.com

 

7: Networking for Introverts: How to Overcome Shyness and Start Conversations

Feeling shy in networking rooms is more common than you think—and it can quietly hold you back from building connections.
Confidence in networking doesn’t come from being outgoing—it comes from having a simple approach.
In this episode, Faithann Basore shares how to move past hesitation and show up more comfortably in conversations.

You’ll learn how to reduce pressure, start conversations more easily, and build confidence over time.

Want a list of engaging questions that lets the person you are having coffee with feel important?

 

⬇️Get your list of questions here⬇️

 

https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/questions

 

For more networking insights and strategies, visit https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/blog.

 

If shyness has ever held you back in a networking room, this will help:
Read The Shyness Factor and discover how to move through it with confidence: here.

 

Email: faithann@thenetworkerstourguide.com