In this episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott sits down with Josh Thomas, co-founder of Anabots AI and host of two podcasts, to uncover a game-changing strategy for generating leads and building relationships through targeted podcasting. Josh shares how his unique conversational funnel system turns 12-minute interviews into meaningful connections and revenue-generating opportunities.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The Power of Conversational Funnels: How to leverage short, targeted podcast interviews to build relationships with ideal clients or referral partners.
• Why Relationships Matter More Than Reach: Why focusing on the relationship with your guest is far more impactful than chasing listeners or downloads.
• Turning a Podcast into a Revenue Machine: How to structure your podcast to transition naturally from storytelling to genuine business opportunities.
• Practical Steps to Start Your Own Funnel Podcast: Tips for creating a system that saves time, builds authority, and delivers measurable results.
• Scaling Your Efforts with Intentionality: Why this method is more efficient, cost-effective, and scalable compared to traditional lead generation tactics.

Join Scott and Josh for a deep dive into creating meaningful, value-driven connections through podcasting, and learn how you can transform your conversations into lasting partnerships and exponential business growth.

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Episode Markers:
(0:00) - Intro to Josh Thomas
(1:15) - Conventional & Unconventional Leads
(2:25) - Streamlined Conversation
(3:35) - Jump & Figure It Out
(5:45) - Intentional About Creating Opportunities
(6:30) - Laser Focusing on What's Relevant & PINO Concept
(10:30) - Become Your Own Sponsor
(12:50) - Can I Pick Your Brain?
(14:30) - Insurance Agent Examples
(16:15) - Legendary Mortgage Brokers
(18:00) - Just Show Up, Talk & Close
(18:30) - Anchor Offer
(20:25) - Investing in Referral Partners & Follow Up Opportunities
(21:10) - Love Living Local 315
(22:30) - Logistics & Extra Touches
(24:00) - How Josh Can Help
(27:00) - Custom Plan From Josh
(30:50) - Multipurpose Podcasts


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Scott Grates' Links:
Referrals Done Right Book Pre Sales - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com
Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332
Insurance Agency Optimization - https://www.agencyoptimization.com
Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Love Living Local  - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates

Josh's Links:
Conversations Funnels - https://conversationalfunnels.com
Anabots - https://anabots.ai
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtliterally
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jtliterally
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jtliterally
The Do Zone - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-do-zone-business-growth-and-productivity/id1607168144
Basic Business AI - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/basic-business-ai/id1759009825

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The Referrals Done Right Podcast is sharing the secrets to creating infinite opportunities to grow your small business. Hosted by Scott Grates.

In this episode of Referrals Done Right, host Scott Grates dives into the counterintuitive yet powerful concept of using rest as a cornerstone for business success. Reflecting on his own experiences, Scott shares actionable insights on how intentional rest and reflection can fuel creativity, sharpen focus, and strengthen relationships for long-term growth.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The Importance of Rest: Why rest isn’t a reward but a tool to help you reach your business and personal goals.
• Simplicity Over Complexity: How simplifying your processes and doubling down on what works can lead to higher impact results.
• The Power of Focus: Why diluted focus leads to diluted results and how to prioritize fewer, more meaningful goals.
• Reflection for Clarity: How stepping back can help you evaluate what truly matters in your business and align your actions with your core values.
• Strengthening Relationships: Why strong relationships require intentionality and how rest helps identify and nurture the connections that drive success.

Tune in to learn how to build a strategy for 2025 centered around clarity, focus, and the often-overlooked power of rest. This episode will leave you inspired to recalibrate your approach and achieve sustainable success.

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Scott Grates Links:
Referrals Done Right Book - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com
Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332
Insurance Agency Optimization - https://www.agencyoptimization.com
Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Love Living Local  - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates

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The Referrals Done Right Podcast is sharing the secrets to creating infinite opportunities to grow your small business. Hosted by Scott Grates. Scott is the co-founder of Insurance Agency Optimization & owner of multiple insurance agencies.

In this episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott Grates interviews Marian Saint, founder of The Marion Method and consultant with Agency Ignites. Marian shares her journey from corporate consulting to entrepreneurial success, offering actionable advice for building meaningful connections, scaling businesses, and leading with authenticity.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Leadership and Vision: How to lead your business and team with clear intentions, balance, and purpose while adapting to different work styles.
• The Power of Relationships: Why genuine connections and community-building are essential for both personal and professional growth.
• Focus and Discipline: Strategies to avoid distractions, narrow your focus, and grow your business by perfecting one core offering before expanding.
• Building Systems for Success: The importance of laying a strong foundation with systems and processes to support sustainable growth and scalability.
• Ethical and Authentic Marketing: Tips on staying true to your values, maintaining a strong reputation, and leveraging meaningful relationships for long-term success.

Join Scott and Marian for a conversation packed with insights on leadership, marketing, and staying grounded in your personal values while achieving professional success. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how The Marion Method can transform your approach to business!

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Episode Markers:
(0:00) - Scott's Intro
(1:00) - Show Start & Background
(3:50) - Personal Branding & Empowering Women
(5:00) - Working with Female Business Owners
(6:50) - Common Pitfalls & Areas of Focus
(8:30) - Systems & Processes in Leadership Consulting
(9:00) - Seasons of Life & Progression
(13:00) - The Marian Method 
(15:00) - Connection Economy
(18:30) - People Want Social Interaction
(22:00) - Challenges
(22:35) - Shiny Object Syndrome & Diluted Focus
(26:30) - Planning & Vision
(27:30) - Clarity Around Goals
(31:00) - Connecting & Working with Marian
(31:35) - Pre Marketing Audit
(33:10) - One Thing to Remember



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Scott Grates' Links:
Referrals Done Right Book Pre Sales - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com
Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332
Insurance Agency Optimization - https://www.agencyoptimization.com
Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Love Living Local  - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates

Marian's Links:
Website - https://themarianmethod.com
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariandiop
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/themarianmethod_
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/msaint1000


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The Referrals Done Right Podcast is sharing the secrets to creating infinite opportunities to grow your small business. Hosted by Scott Grates.

This episode of Referrals Done Right features a segment from a recent Zoom call Scott hosted with a group of insurance agents last week. Host Scott Grates dives into the art and strategy of following up in sales. With actionable advice and real-world examples, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to turn more "maybes" into "yeses" by mastering the long game of relationship-building.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Follow-Up is Crucial: Discover why 70–80% of initial sales conversations end in a "no" and how a strong follow-up process can transform rejections into future opportunities.
• The Farmer’s Formula: Learn the "Plant, Cultivate, Harvest" approach to building lasting client relationships and nurturing leads over time.
• The Role of Detailed Notes: Understand the importance of taking meticulous notes and creating organized follow-up plans to ensure no lead falls through the cracks.
• Thinking Beyond Immediate Sales: Explore how even small transactions can be the start of a valuable, long-term customer relationship.
• Consistency Wins: Hear why playing the long game and maintaining a value-based approach will lead to sustainable success in sales.

This episode will equip you with the mindset and tools to transform your follow-up strategy and turn every interaction into an opportunity for growth.

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Scott Grates Links:
Referrals Done Right Book - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com
Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332
Insurance Agency Optimization - https://www.agencyoptimization.com
Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Love Living Local  - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates

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The Referrals Done Right Podcast is sharing the secrets to creating infinite opportunities to grow your small business. Hosted by Scott Grates. Scott is the co-founder of Insurance Agency Optimization & owner of multiple insurance agencies.

In this episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott sits down with top 1% real estate agent and referral expert DeAnn Dillard. DeAnn shares her inspiring journey from starting in a new city with no contacts to becoming a self-made leader in real estate through innovation, relationship-building, and pivoting in the face of challenges. Get ready for actionable insights and motivational advice on growing your referral-based business.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to Build a Business Through Referrals: DeAnn explains why referrals are the highest-converting pillar of any business and how to create relationships that sustain your career.
• Networking with a Purpose: Discover how to approach networking events and partnerships with a value-driven mindset that sets you apart from competitors.
• Standing Out in a Crowded Market: Learn how DeAnn’s mantra, “Different is better than better,” helped her dominate her industry by doing what others wouldn’t.
• Creating a Wealth Team: Find out how to partner with service providers, lenders, and other professionals to build a network that grows everyone’s business.
• The Power of Pivoting: Hear DeAnn’s inspiring advice on adapting to challenges, staying resilient, and continuously evolving your approach to achieve success.

Don’t miss this episode packed with inspiration and strategies for leveraging relationships to create long-term business success!

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Episode Markers:
(0:00) - Scott's Intro
(2:00) - Show Start
(4:00) - Why are Referrals so Important?
(4:45) - Starting in a New Town
(7:50) - Collaboration Happens at the Top
(8:15) - Common Mistake in Referrals
(10:45) - How Does DeAnn Stand Out?
(12:15) - Nationwide Referral Network
(16:40) - Top of Mind Awareness
(17:20) - Types of Relationships & Asset Partners
(20:40) - Strategies & Consistency
(23:15) - Pillars of Business
(24:45) - Advice to Someone Who is Struggling
(25:30) - Understanding Your Why & Getting Help
(26:55) - Getting to the Core & Legacy
(28:35) - Connecting with DeAnn
(30:00) - Self Made to Top 1%
(31:15) - Pivot


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Scott Grates' Links:
Referrals Done Right Book Pre Sales - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com
Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332
Insurance Agency Optimization - https://www.agencyoptimization.com
Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Love Living Local  - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates

DeAnn's Links:
Website - https://dianndillard.exprealty.com
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/deann-dillard-a48052b0
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/deanndillard.realestate
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/deann.dillard


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The Referrals Done Right Podcast is sharing the secrets to creating infinite opportunities to grow your small business. Hosted by Scott Grates.

In this heartfelt and reflective episode of Referrals Done Right, host Scott Grates shares powerful insights inspired by personal experiences of loss and legacy. This episode encourages listeners to embrace bravery, nurture relationships, and take meaningful action in both their personal and professional lives.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The Cost of Inaction: Why the regrets we carry are often tied to the opportunities we didn’t seize or the connections we didn’t foster.
• Fear vs. Connection: How fear of rejection holds us back and why overcoming it can lead to stronger relationships.
• Building a Meaningful Legacy: Insights on how small, intentional actions can create lasting impacts on the people around us.
• Practical Steps to Connect: Simple ways to reach out to clients, colleagues, and loved ones authentically and effectively.
• Embracing Courage in Business and Life: How taking chances and being vulnerable leads to growth, both personally and professionally.

Take the Challenge:
After listening, Scott challenges you to take one bold step—make a call, send a message, or visit someone on your mind—and experience the power of meaningful connection firsthand.

Don’t miss this episode filled with wisdom, encouragement, and actionable takeaways to help you grow your relationships and your impact.

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Scott Grates Links:
Referrals Done Right Book - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com
Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332
Insurance Agency Optimization - https://www.agencyoptimization.com
Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Love Living Local  - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates

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The Referrals Done Right Podcast is sharing the secrets to creating infinite opportunities to grow your small business. Hosted by Scott Grates. Scott is the co-founder of Insurance Agency Optimization & owner of multiple insurance agencies.

In this episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott Grates is joined by Jason Zygadlo, founder of Build Your Own Brand, to discuss the transformative power of personal branding. Jason shares his unique approach to helping professionals and job seekers stand out in competitive fields through creativity, confidence, and meaningful relationships.

Key Takeaways:

• Personal Branding Essentials: Jason emphasizes the importance of building a unique personal brand that makes you memorable and valuable in your industry.
• Differentiating Through Video: Learn how personalized video messages can set you apart from the competition and create a lasting impression on potential clients or employers.
• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Jason provides practical tips for breaking free from self-doubt, helping listeners approach new opportunities with confidence and clarity.
• Using LinkedIn Strategically: Jason explains how to use LinkedIn to connect with the right people, build professional relationships, and leverage your network to reach career goals.
• Creating a Legacy Binder: For students and professionals alike, Jason introduces the idea of a “legacy binder” to document achievements, recommendations, and experiences that validate your unique value.

Tune in to gain actionable insights on building an authentic personal brand and using innovative techniques to stand out in any industry.

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Episode Markers:
(0:00) - Intro & Overview
(0:50) - Show Start
(2:35) - Diagnosis & Shifting Perspective
(7:05) - Becoming Unique & Memorable
(9:20) - Personalized Videos
(12:05) - Power of Video
(20:50) - Influence on Publisher Decision
(22:50) - Starting Client Process
(23:35) - Leveraging Linkedin
(26:05) - Small Business Owner Example
(31:20) - Creative Tactics
(33:50) - Jason's Company
(37:20) - What Did You Do That You Didn't Have to Do?


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Scott Grates' Links:
Referrals Done Right Book Pre Sales - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com
Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332
Insurance Agency Optimization - https://www.agencyoptimization.com
Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Love Living Local  - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates

Jason's Links:
Website - https://www.careercoachbyob.com
Personal Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-a-zygadlo-9051311
Company Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/careercoachbyob
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/careercoachbyob
Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/people/Build-Your-Own-Brand-Career-Coach/61552421195690/

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The Referrals Done Right Podcast is sharing the secrets to creating infinite opportunities to grow your small business. Hosted by Scott Grates.

In this episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott Grates shares insights from his experience working with LinkedIn expert Janice Porter. Scott explores how LinkedIn endorsements can significantly strengthen your professional brand and boost your visibility in the referral network. He provides practical tips for asking for endorsements, maximizing LinkedIn’s algorithm, and building a strong, credible profile.

Key Takeaways:

• Why LinkedIn Endorsements Matter: Discover the importance of endorsements as a form of social proof that can elevate your credibility and attract referral opportunities.
• How to Ask for Endorsements: Scott provides tips for asking colleagues, clients, and partners for endorsements in a non-pushy way and emphasizes the importance of reciprocity.
• Boosting Visibility with LinkedIn’s Algorithm: Learn how LinkedIn endorsements can help improve your profile’s search ranking, making you more discoverable to potential clients and referral partners.
• Using Specific Skills to Your Advantage: Scott explains the value of being specific with requested endorsements to align with your business goals and personal brand.
• Building a Strong Referral Network on LinkedIn: Understand how LinkedIn endorsements can turn connections into powerful referral sources, enhancing both your profile and professional network.

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Scott Grates Links:
Referrals Done Right Book - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com
Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332
Insurance Agency Optimization - https://www.agencyoptimization.com
Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Love Living Local  - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates

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The Referrals Done Right Podcast is sharing the secrets to creating infinite opportunities to grow your small business. Hosted by Scott Grates. Scott is the co-founder of Insurance Agency Optimization & owner of multiple insurance agencies.

In this episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott Grates breaks down the "Value Equation" and shares strategies for increasing customer satisfaction by adding value rather than simply focusing on cost. Drawing comparisons from personal experiences, Scott explains how focusing on what customers receive can transform their perception of value.

Key Takeaways:

• The Value Equation Explained: Learn how value is determined by what the customer receives (numerator) compared to the cost (denominator), and why focusing on the numerator can make all the difference.
• Price vs. Value: Scott emphasizes that customers are often willing to pay more if they perceive greater value, just as in the example of first-class travel vs. economy.
• Examples of Value-Driven Brands: Discover how brands like Apple, Starbucks, and Disney successfully charge a premium by offering unique, value-added experiences.
• Customer Satisfaction Through Service: Learn practical ways to enhance the customer experience by delivering top-tier service and benefits, even in competitive, price-sensitive markets.
• Adding Value Beyond Price: Scott offers actionable tips for creating a high-value experience that keeps customers returning, regardless of cost differences.

Tune in to uncover how adding value, rather than focusing solely on price, can set your business apart and drive long-term success.

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Scott Grates Links:
Referrals Done Right Book - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com
Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332
Insurance Agency Optimization - https://www.agencyoptimization.com
Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Love Living Local  - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates

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The Referrals Done Right Podcast is sharing the secrets to creating infinite opportunities to grow your small business. Hosted by Scott Grates. Scott is the co-founder of Insurance Agency Optimization & owner of multiple insurance agencies.

In this episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott Grates discusses the "give to get" principle and how leading with generosity can drive unexpected returns in business. He shares personal stories of how offering value without expectation has led to powerful opportunities and connections.

Key Takeaways:

• Lead with a Servant’s Heart: Scott emphasizes the importance of giving freely and genuinely, highlighting how a selfless approach can create long-term benefits.
• ROI Beyond the Dollar: By offering free training sessions, Scott found that many signed up for paid programs, illustrating that ROI can often come indirectly when you lead with value.
• The Connection Economy: Scott shares how a simple gesture of introducing podcast guests led to valuable connections, reinforcing the idea that giving first strengthens your network and brand.

Tune in to learn how giving without expectation can help build a reputation that attracts more opportunities and referrals.

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For more information on our on demand content visit www.agencyoptimization.com

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Scott Grates Links:
Referrals Done Right Book - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com
Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332
Insurance Agency Optimization - https://www.agencyoptimization.com
Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Love Living Local  - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates

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The Referrals Done Right Podcast is sharing the secrets to creating infinite opportunities to grow your small business. Hosted by Scott Grates. Scott is the co-founder of Insurance Agency Optimization & owner of multiple insurance agencies.