In this episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott Grates speaks with Julia Arpag, founder of Aligned Recruitment, about the journey of starting her own business, building strong relationships, and staying mission-driven in a competitive industry. Julia shares invaluable insights on recruitment, business growth, and fostering a strong company culture.

Key Takeaways:

• Taking the Leap: Julia reflects on her decision to start Aligned Recruitment and the key strategies that helped her business succeed from the start.
• The Power of Relationships: Discover why genuine relationship building, asking the right questions, and a servant’s heart are central to Julia’s recruitment success.
• Mission-Driven Recruitment: Julia emphasizes the importance of aligning with clients who share her values and maintaining integrity throughout the recruitment process.
• Cultivating a Strong Personal Brand: Learn Julia’s approach to building a memorable brand on LinkedIn and the importance of consistency in staying top-of-mind.
• Attracting Top Talent: Julia discusses practical ways to create an attractive workplace culture and the benefits of embracing flexibility to appeal to the modern workforce.

Tune in to gain actionable advice on recruitment, relationship-building, and establishing a mission-driven business.

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Episode Markers:
(0:00) - Intro & Overview
(1:00) - Show Start
(1:30) - Making the Leap & Starting the Business
(4:30) - Hiring an Executive Coach
(6:00) - Being Hilariously Frugal
(8:10) - Cultivating Relationships
(9:30) - Asking a Lot of Questions
(11:00) - Increase the Quality of Your Questions
(12:30) - Strategy Around Connecting & Linkedin
(14:15) - Mission Driven Focus
(18:30) - Auditing Companies For Recruitment
(21:00) - Public Speaking Focus
(22:00) - Everyone Wants the Quick and Easy Fix
(23:10) - One Piece of Advice
(24:15) - Hiring For Potential
(25:30) - Personal Brand
(26:30) - Blocking Time For Social Media
(27:25) - One Skill Every Recruiter Needs



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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

Julia's Links:
Website - https://www.alignedrecruitment.com
Personal Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-arpag
Company Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/aligned-recruitment-co/

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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 dives into the four types of referrals and how to leverage each for business success. Drawing from a recent three-day personal branding workshop, Scott explains the key elements of building a referral-based business.

Key Takeaways:

• The Four Types of Referrals: Learn about referrals by asking, referrals without asking, referrals by accident, and referrals by design—and how to effectively implement each in your business strategy.
• The Value Equation: Discover why focusing on adding value (the numerator) over cost (the denominator) is critical for creating strong, lasting customer relationships that lead to referrals.
• Consistency is Key: Scott emphasizes the importance of building a trusted personal brand and remaining consistent in your efforts to see long-term success in generating referrals.

Tune in for actionable insights on how to build and optimize your referral strategy.

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.

In this episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott Grates welcomes relationship marketing strategist Janice Porter for an insightful conversation on building meaningful business relationships. They explore the importance of focusing on connections, leveraging LinkedIn, and the power of nurturing relationships through thoughtful outreach.

Key Takeaways:

• Relationship Marketing Fundamentals: Janice emphasizes the importance of focusing on the "relationship" aspect of marketing, suggesting that 80% of the time should be spent building genuine connections.
• Leveraging LinkedIn for Business Growth: Learn how to optimize your LinkedIn profile, build strategic connections, and engage with content to expand your network and influence.
• Curiosity is Key: Janice shares practical tips on how to start conversations by being genuinely curious about others, using small details from their profiles to build rapport.
• The Power of Follow-Up: Nurturing relationships through personalized, thoughtful touches—such as handwritten cards or gifts—can keep you top of mind and deepen professional connections.

Tune in to discover actionable strategies for growing your network and business through authentic relationship marketing.


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Episode Markers:
(0:00) - Introduction & Overview
(1:30) - What Does Relationship Marketing Mean to You?
(2:40) - Where to Start?
(4:00) - Get People Talking
(5:00) - Power of Linkedin
(6:40) - Janice's Strategies
(11:10) - Free vs. Paid
(13:15) - Groups
(14:00) - Audience Size & Connections
(16:30) - Practical Ways to Start on Linkedin
(19:30) - Commenting on Bigger Posts
(22:00) - Consistency & Cultivating
(24:00) - Cocktail Party Concept
(25:10) - Top of Mind Awareness
(26:10) - Sending Real Cards
(32:20) - Power of Personalization
(33:30) - Element of Surprise


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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

Janice's Links:
Website - https://www.janiceporter.com/
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/
IG - https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/
FB - https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1/
Relationships Rule Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relationships-rule/id1467446457

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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 reflects on the universal power of relationships in business success. Scott shares insights from speaking with entrepreneurs across various industries and highlights the impact of trust and personal connections.

Key Takeaways:

• Relationships, not algorithms, are the foundation of lasting business success.
• Referred customers tend to be less price-sensitive and have higher retention rates due to the trust transfer from their referrers.
• Technology is a powerful tool, but the real power lies in building human-to-human connections that cannot be automated.

For more insights or to explore how Scott can assist you during this planning season, visit his website at www.scottgrates.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.

In this episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott Grates is joined by certified life coach and podcast host Shanenn Bryant. Together, they dive deep into how limiting beliefs and lack of self-confidence can hinder personal and professional growth, and how to reprogram your mindset for success.

Key Takeaways:

• Self-confidence & Sales: Shanenn shares how low self-confidence can impact sales performance and why addressing deep-rooted insecurities is key to achieving success.
• Subconscious vs. Conscious Mind: Learn how 95% of your actions stem from your subconscious mind and how reprogramming limiting beliefs can unlock your potential.
• Overcoming Rejection & Jealousy: Explore how to handle rejection and use jealousy as a tool for personal growth, turning these emotions into opportunities to rewrite your narrative.

Tune in to learn actionable steps to increase your confidence, reprogram your mindset, and achieve your goals!


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Episode Markers:
(0:00) - Introduction & Overview
(1:15) - Show Start & Shanenn's Background
(3:15) - Impact of Lack of Self Confidence on Performance
(4:40) - Self Awareness
(5:30) - Subconscious vs. Conscious Mind
(7:15) - Addressing Subconscious Thoughts
(9:55) - Rewriting Subconscious Programming
(10:30) - Taking Immediate Action
(11:20) - BTEA
(12:20) - What is the Worst Case Scenario?
(14:00) - Silence That Voice (TEDx Talk)
(14:45) - Methods in Reprogramming
(17:00) - Visualizations
(18:30) - Fear of Rejection
(19:45) - Dealing with Rejection
(23:30) - Comparison
(25:30) - Jealousy vs. Envy
(29:20) - Solution Not the Problem
(31:15) - Confidence
(32:00) - Learning New Things & Brain Plasticity


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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

Shanenn's Links:
Top Self Website - https://www.topself.com/
IG - https://www.instagram.com/topselfcoach/


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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 highlight reel of the Referrals Done Right podcast, we bring together insights from several recent episodes on how to maximize your referral network and grow your business.

Listen in as Katie Myers, Dave Ellis, Stephen Turnbull, James Bild, and Tyler Jensen share actionable advice on relationship building, networking, and community involvement. Whether you’re new to networking or looking for advanced strategies, this episode is packed with tips to help you take your referral game to the next level.

Key Takeaways:

• Ask for Referrals at Peak Moments: Tyler Jensen emphasizes the importance of asking for referrals when clients are most excited to increase your chances of success.
• Networking for Introverts: Dave Ellis & Katie Myers offers advice on overcoming discomfort in networking situations, suggesting structured groups like BNI to ease into the process.
• Leveraging Community Involvement: Stephen Turnbull explains how being involved in local organizations like Rotary Clubs can amplify your impact and build a strong local presence.
• Be Intentional with Your Brand: James Bild stresses the importance of building a genuine brand by staying consistent with your values and ensuring that your marketing, sales, and service reflect who you truly are, as people can easily detect inauthenticity.

Chapters:


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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, host Scott Grates reflects on the power of collaboration and learning from those around you. He shares an experience from a recent business conference he attended in Las Vegas that led to many valuable insights and actionable strategies.

Key Takeaways:

• Level Up by Association: Surround yourself with people who have already achieved the success you aim for. Learn from their experiences and follow in their footsteps.
• The Abundance Mindset: In a competitive space, an abundance mindset allows for the sharing of strategies, challenges, and solutions, leading to collective growth.
• Immediate Implementation: Scott applied several takeaways from the conversation with his peers, reinforcing the importance of acting on new knowledge right away for business success.

For more insights or to explore how Scott can assist you during this planning season, visit his website at www.scottgrates.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.

In this episode of the "Referrals Done Right" podcast, host Scott Grates explores how to effectively navigate challenges, or "storms," in both your personal and professional life.

Like a Buffalo in a storm, Scott illustrates the benefits of confronting difficulties head-on. He shares insights from his recent talks, emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement with challenges to foster resilience and achieve long-term success.

Key Takeaways:

• Facing Challenges Directly: Avoiding problems can prolong discomfort, whereas addressing them upfront can lead to quicker resolutions and personal growth.
• Building Momentum: Proactive planning and execution are crucial, especially during pivotal times like the fall planning season, to set the stage for a successful upcoming year.
• Strengthening Relationships: Cultivating and rekindling relationships, even when it feels uncomfortable, can lead to significant personal and professional development.

For more insights or to explore how Scott can assist you during this planning season, visit his website at www.scottgrates.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.

In this episode of RDR, Scott sits down with Penny Zenker, a world-renowned productivity expert and author of The Productivity Zone and The Reset Mindset. Penny shares her journey from experiencing a life-changing event at 19 to becoming a leading authority on focus and productivity.

She introduces her "Reset Moments" framework, explaining how both big and small resets can help us reduce stress, boost productivity, and stay aligned with our goals. Penny also offers practical tips for business owners on prioritizing tasks, avoiding the pitfalls of multitasking, and creating habits that foster intentional leadership.

Whether you're a small business owner or simply looking for ways to improve your focus, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you reset, refocus, and lead with clarity. Tune in to learn how you can transform chaos into clarity with Penny's proven strategies!


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Episode Markers:
(0:00) - Introduction & Overview
(1:00) - Reflecting on Accomplishments
(3:00) - Journaling and Self-Awareness
(4:45) - Introduction to Reset Moments
(7:45) - Daily Reset Moments & Their Importance
(8:30) - Perspective Shifts and Fear Cues
(9:50) - The Challenges of Multitasking
(12:00) - The Importance of Presence
(13:30) - Reset Moments for Small Business Owners
(16:30) - Prioritization and False Urgencies
(17:00) - Practical Hacks
(21:20) - The 80/20 Rule for Prioritization
(22:50) - Creating Consistency with Reset Moments
(24:00) - The Three Gatekeepers: Rules, Filters, and Environment
(30:00) - Building a Team Reset Culture
(34:00) - Strengths & Weaknesses
(35:20) - The Power of Language and Reset Moments



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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

Penny Zenker's Links:
The Reset Mindset Book - https://pennyzenker360.com/the-reset-mindset
Penny's Website - https://pennyzenker360.com
FB - https://www.facebook.com/PennyzPerspective


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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.

On this episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott shares his thoughts & a few stories around the power of simply "asking"


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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.