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Powerful First Impression Download

In this solo episode of the Networker’s Tour Guide Podcast, host Faithann Basore unpacks one of the most overlooked but essential elements of networking: tact.

Faithann uses the analogy of a five-story building to show how networking success builds step by step:

Tact – the ground floor

Rapport – building genuine connection

Trust & Credibility – becoming reliable and respected

Referrals – receiving introductions and opportunities

Profit – the rewards that flow from it all

But here’s the truth: without tact, you’ll never get off the ground floor.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why tact is less about what you do and more about what you avoid doing

How small assumptions can quietly close doors before rapport even starts

The importance of language—why vulgarity or careless complaints can cost you opportunities

What to do when someone in your industry visits your networking group (and how not to panic about “seat protection”)

How to be aware of your words during quiet moments when everyone in the room can suddenly hear you

Faithann offers practical examples, from introducing new guests to handling awkward situations, all with the goal of helping you stay tactful, approachable, and open to new opportunities.

Takeaway:

Resources & Links:

Join Premium OKC Networking and be a part of Faithann's online networking hub for all the great places to network in OKC.

❇️ Download Faithann's FREE Resource Below and Deliver Your Next Introduction Like a Pro

Powerful First Impression Download

In this episode of the Networker’s Tour Guide podcast, Faithann sits down with multi-passionate entrepreneur Danielle Throckmorton—business revenue strategist, retreat host, and co-owner of T5 Plumbing. Danielle shares her insights on networking, entrepreneurship, and building sustainable businesses through community.

✨ Key Quotes from Danielle:

“I am what you would call a multi-passionate entrepreneur. I wear several different hats... a strategist, a retreat host, and a co-owner of T5 Plumbing.”

“For myself, I’m naturally an introvert. So I can extrovert really hard and almost overcompensate for the nervousness I feel inside, and then I feel like I need to recharge my batteries.”

“Sustainability comes from the community that’s around you—that’s sharing your name in a room you’re not in.”

“The environment and the culture you create can make or break an event.”

🎧 Listen in as Danielle shares how she navigates her different business roles, the importance of authentic community, and her intentional approach to curating powerful retreat experiences.

Join Premium OKC Networking and be a part of Faithann's online networking hub for all the great places to network in OKC.

Are you a business owner or employee who needs to network but feels anxious about walking into a room full of strangers? Maybe you worry about being left out of conversations—or worse, feeling awkward in the ones you do join. Your tour guide, Faithann Basore, is here to walk with you through the networking terrain, offering real-world tips and tricks to help you network with ease.

This special “Best Of” episode is a compilation of the first 10 guests on The Networkers’ Tour Guide Podcast. Each guest answered the same two questions:

What do you like to see when you network?

What do you not like to see when you network?

You’ll hear a wide range of honest, practical answers—from the importance of authenticity and intentional conversations to the pitfalls of card-shoving, sitting on your phone, or making it all about yourself.

These insights highlight one powerful truth: networking is about generosity, connection, and creating opportunities for others. When done well, it builds relationships that can truly expand your business and career.

If you’re a local Oklahoma City networker, don’t forget to check out Premium OKC Networking—my curated calendar and community forum designed to help you find the best events and connections in town. Join for only $65 for an entire year membership.

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why authenticity is one of the most important traits in networking

Simple ways to make others feel welcome and included

What behaviors leave a bad impression at events

How to build deeper relationships through intentional follow-ups

Why generosity and collaboration should guide your networking efforts

🎧 Listen in to hear the best networking wisdom from our first 10 guests—and see if you agree with their answers!

Featured Guests' Links to Their Full Episode

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

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

Episode 22 The Experts We Meet Part 1 with Nikki Rausch

Episode 23 The Experts We Meet Part 2 with Amy Singleton

Episode 25 How to Set Your Employees Up for Networking Success with Tara Waddle

Episode 26 How to Successfully Network as an Employee with Debra Walker

Episode 27 The Experts We Meet Part 3 with Danielle Baily

Episode 28 The Experts We Meet Part 4 with Will Yarbrough

Episode 30 The Long Game of Networking: How Building Relationships Pays Off For Years with Evonne Barrier

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

❇️ Download Faithann's FREE Resource Below and Deliver Your Next Introduction Like a Pro

8 Ways to Stand Out in Your Introduction

In this jam-packed episode of The Networker’s Tour Guide, host Faithann Basore sits down with powerhouse marketer and business strategist MacKenzie Morris. From building a snack brand at age 12 to growing an international wedding business and now coaching others to elevate their marketing systems, MacKenzie shares both her entrepreneurial wins and the mindset that fuels them.

This episode is for anyone who wants to learn how to confidently sell, network intentionally, and turn content into cash flow. MacKenzie also drops a complete five-email funnel strategy that every business owner should steal immediately.

🧠 Whether you're struggling with visibility, feel misunderstood as an entrepreneur, or want to up your email game—this episode delivers.

🔥 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Why talking about your goals in networking spaces can open surprising doors

The origin story of Granana Bites and how early sales instincts shaped her path

How MacKenzie grew a wedding product business from $125 orders to $1800 average orders using strategic partnerships

What most people get wrong about webinars—and how to fix it

A complete breakdown of a 5-email sequence every business should use after a lead magnet or webinar

How to make your networking presence more approachable (even if you’re not an extrovert)

Tips for uncovering client pain points through conversation—not pitches

Her two powerful client transformation stories (including one that generated $20K in 5 days!)

💡 MacKenzie's Funnel Email Formula (Save this!):

Delivery Email – Send the lead magnet or freebie

About Me Email – Build authority and connection

Integration Email – Teach how to use what you gave them

Testimonial Email – Show real results and client wins

Offer Email – Share how to work with you (calls to action included)

👩‍💼 About MacKenzie Morris:

💻 Work with MacKenzie or Learn More:

📚 Resources Mentioned:

Mendy’s Episode on Gift Giving & Vendor Relationships

Mini Tour 6: Six Questions to Ask that Send Awkward Silence Packing

Book: Worthy by Jamie Kern Lima

🧭 Faithann’s Takeaway Tip:

🗣️ Like this episode?

❇️ Download Faithann's FREE Resource Below and Deliver Your Next Introduction Like a Pro

8 Ways to Stand Out in Your Introduction

In this episode, Faithann is joined by two insightful guests—Garrett Hammonds, co-owner of Hammonds Media, and Nolan Clay Rogers, spiritual guide and storyteller—for a conversation about how storytelling, relationships, and even Google reviews are powerful tools in the world of networking.

This episode explores:

The link between storytelling and better networking

Why older generations get taken advantage of—and how better conversations can help

How to turn small talk into meaningful story-sharing

The psychology behind online reviews (and why present-tense language matters!)

How to request and respond to Google reviews effectively to boost your business credibility

The magic question: “What made you say yes to working with me?”

Whether you're a new networker or a seasoned connector, this episode is packed with perspective shifts you’ll want to apply at your very next event.

🎯 Spotlight: The Google Review Conversation

✅ Reviews = Stories: Every review is a story filled with emotion—positive or negative. Learn to mine them for language and sentiment.

🔦 Additional Highlights:

Why Nolan encourages you to ask people “What do you want?” instead of “What do you do?”

Faithann’s tip for skipping small talk: “Tell me the story of how that necklace ended up in your closet.”

Nolan and Faithann's reminder: stop saying “I am not good at networking.” Instead, try “Networking has been a challenge for me—until now.”

💼 Who You’ll Meet:

🎧 Tune in Now:

📲 Let’s Connect:

❇️ Download Faithann's FREE Resource Below and Deliver Your Next Introduction Like a Pro

8 Ways to Stand Out in Your Introduction

In this engaging episode, host Faithann Basore welcomes Dirk Houglum, Certified Master Inspector and BNI mentor from Central Florida. Dirk shares his energetic, people-first approach to home inspections, mentorship, and networking. Together, they explore the difference between leads and true referrals, how to train clients to see you as a resource, and why BNI’s structure offers business owners a powerful launchpad for relationship-based growth.

Dirk also talks about his role mentoring new inspectors across the country and how he uses BNI’s systems—like the Passport to Success—to help others thrive. You’ll hear practical advice on what to do (and what not to do) when networking, and how generosity and education are central to Dirk’s referral philosophy.

How Dirk discovered the Networker’s Tour Guide podcast through a chain of BNI-related content

The importance of BNI's framework-visibility, credibility, and profitability (VCP)- in networking

What truly makes a referral versus just a lead—and why the follow-up matters

Dirk’s passion for mentoring new inspectors and creating accountability within BNI

Why specificity matters in your 45–60 second BNI weekly presentation

Strategies for becoming a trusted referral resource to your clients

How to approach new members and help them understand that “networking is work”

The importance of asking your fellow BNI members: What can I look for this week?

The #1 thing Dirk loves to see at a networking event—and what he avoids

Dirk Houglum is the owner of D&P Home Inspection in Central Florida and a Certified Master Inspector. With over 1,000 home inspections under his belt, Dirk also trains and mentors inspectors nationwide. In his BNI chapter, he has served as mentor coordinator and is a strong advocate for building business through generosity, trust, and education.

“Networking is work. You have to show up, build visibility, and earn trust—then the referrals come.”

“If I’m not the right inspector for you, I’ll help you find someone who is. That’s what professionals do.”

“A referral isn’t just passing a name—it’s building a bridge between two people.”

Business: D&P Home Inspection 

Location: Central Florida

Specialties: Home inspections, mentoring, and referral-based business building

Find this episode of The Networker’s Tour Guide on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen—and if you're in BNI or looking to build stronger referral relationships, don’t miss this conversation!

❇️ Download Faithann's FREE Resource Below and Deliver Your Next Introduction Like a Pro

8 Ways to Stand Out in Your Introduction

In this solo episode, host Faithann Basore uses a morning of literal dusting as a metaphor for what often happens in our professional lives: the slow buildup of “relational dust” between us and our business contacts. Whether it’s unspoken frustrations or unexpressed appreciation, this episode encourages listeners to refresh and reconnect with those in their network.

Faithann explores:

What “relationship dust” is and how it forms

Why it’s worth saying the awkward but honest things

How appreciation, when expressed, strengthens referral relationships

The importance of reconnecting with contacts before you need something

How to revive dormant relationships with intention and integrity

Practical ways to systematically maintain your network

Whether you’ve lost touch with referral partners or just need to say, “thank you,” this episode will inspire you to dust off those connections and keep your relationships vibrant and valuable.

Key Quote:

“Let integrity and the desire to see others win be the force that guides you when you want to have weird and awkward conversations.”

Links Mentioned:

Faithann’s Challenge for You:

Share This Episode With:

A fellow business owner who’s in a weekly networking group

A new entrepreneur asking, “Where should I be networking?"

❇️ Download Faithann's FREE Resource Below and Deliver Your Next Introduction Like a Pro

8 Ways to Stand Out in Your Introduction

In this solo episode, Faithann tackles two powerful questions every networker should be prepared to answer:

These aren’t just nice questions—they're signals that you’re surrounded by the right people. Faithann dives deep into the kind of clear, specific language you need to equip your network with so they can refer you easily and naturally, even when a need isn’t obvious. She also shares a deeply relatable story about being caught off guard by kindness, and how every business owner can benefit from being ready when support is offered.

🧰 In This Episode You’ll Learn:

Why vague answers like “I can help anyone” hurt your chances of being referred

How to teach your network to spot subtle referral cues in everyday conversation

Practical examples of what referral language actually sounds like

Why it’s essential to have a go-to answer when someone asks how they can support you

📌 Related Episodes Mentioned:

Ep. 36 – Help Your Clients Refer You

Ep. 16–20 – A five-part series on crafting a powerful, specific introduction for networking

📤 Faithann’s Challenge to You:

📲 How You Can Support This Podcast:

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 question do you already have an answer to?  Email your thoughts to [email protected].

❇️ Download Faithann's FREE Resource Below and Deliver Your Next Introduction Like a Pro

8 Ways to Stand Out in Your Introduction

In this special episode, Faithann invites her husband and business partner, Dave, to the mic for a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to grow a business through networking—together.

Dave shares his candid thoughts about the early days of Window Cleaning Plus, how he felt about Faithann joining BNI back in 2018, and the pressure of showing up to those first jobs that came from networking referrals. From tackling large residential jobs to learning how to stay professional even when a hose gets stuck, Dave offers real-world advice for anyone in the trades trying to grow their business with integrity and excellence.

You’ll hear how networking relationships formed by Faithann translate into customer loyalty, trust, and glowing testimonials—and how Dave and their team uphold that trust every time they step foot into a client’s home.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

💡 Why networking paid for itself before they even joined

🧼 What it’s like to walk into a client’s home as “the husband of Faithann”

💬 How one referral changed the trajectory of their business

📹 Why service professionals should always assume there are cameras (and microphones)

🧠 The mental shift from frustration to gratitude in the field

👥 How teamwork between the networker and the technician makes the whole operation stronger

🛠️ Practical advice for new tradespeople who want to build rapport and confidence

Memorable Quotes:

“If you’re in the trades and one of you networks while the other delivers the service—realize both roles affect the outcome. You’re building something together.”

“Just because you’re not the one networking doesn’t mean the relationship building stops when you get to the job.”

“They talk about Faithann like they’ve known her forever—and that trust gets extended to me when I show up.”

For Service-Based Business Owners:

Resources & Links:

Thanks for listening!

Download Faithann's FREE 8 Ways to Make Your Introduction Stand Out

here.

https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/resources

In this solo episode, Faithann follows up on a powerful insight from last week's guest, Rodger Taylor, who reminded us not to write people off so quickly.

What do you do when you're invited to a one-to-one and your immediate thought is, “No thanks”? Maybe it’s someone whose industry doesn’t seem relevant, or maybe you feel too busy. Before you decline, Faithann shares four practical strategies that will help you say yes with purpose—or no with intention.

Question Your First Reaction:

Redefine the Meeting Terms:

Delay Without Guilt:

Come Prepared:

For more networking tips and tricks visit:

https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/blog