REFERRALS PODCAST

Title: He Gives Away 200 Pies Every Thanksgiving - Here's Why

Host: Michael J Maher

Guest: Dan Luigs

Description: What if one simple Thanksgiving tradition could strengthen client relationships, generate organic referrals, engage your employees, and remind the people in your world how much you appreciate them?

In this episode, Michael J. Maher welcomes insurance broker Dan Luigs back to Referrals Podcast to explore Dan's annual Thanksgiving Pie Day. Each year, Dan gives away more than 200 pies from local bakeries at his St. Louis office, creating an experience where guests can quickly pick up their pie or stay, reconnect, and enjoy meaningful conversations.

Dan shares how he transitioned away from buying online leads and began building his insurance business through relationships, events, and genuine appreciation. He walks listeners through the practical details of his Pie Day, including when to order the pies, how to establish a budget, why a local bakery matters, and how his team uses email, phone calls, and text messages to personally invite guests.

Michael and Dan also discuss why events overcome perceived indifference, how appreciation creates natural referral opportunities, and the emotional reunions and memorable moments that have happened during Dan's event.

If you have ever considered hosting a Thanksgiving Pie Day, this conversation will give you the inspiration and practical advice you need to get started.

(7L) Referral Strategy: Event Mastery, Pie Day

A successful Pie Day is much more than a pie giveaway. It creates an intentional opportunity to bring people together, show genuine appreciation, renew relationships, and generate referrals naturally. Dan's multi-channel invitation strategy also incorporates electronic communication and phone calls to ensure the people in his world feel personally remembered and valued.

Special Offer: Ready to create your own unforgettable Thanksgiving Pie Day?

The next Event Mastery Class "The Great Pie Day Giveaway" starts October 13th. You'll learn how to plan, promote, execute, and follow up on an event that creates stronger relationships, meaningful appreciation, and referrals.

The best way to join is through the Referral Mastery Academy for only $99 per month.

Visit ReferralMasteryAcademy.com to get started.

Title: Thinking About Doing a Pie Day? Listen to This First

Host: Michael J. Maher

Description: Is Pie Day overdone? Is it too expensive? What if nobody shows up? How many people should you invite? Where should you host it? And most importantly, can handing out pies really generate referrals?

In this special Just Ask Michael (JAM) episode, Michael J. Maher answers those questions and breaks down exactly why events—and Pie Day events in particular—can be one of the most powerful referral strategies you implement all year.

Michael shares the systems behind a successful event, including choosing the right venue, finding sponsors, creating an invitation strategy, confirming guests, generating referrals before and during the event, and following up afterward.

You'll also hear real-world examples from professionals who have used these strategies to generate dozens of referrals, thousands of dollars in sponsorships, new relationships, and business opportunities.

And if you're worried your event needs to be big, expensive, or perfect, Michael has a very different message: start where you are.

Whether this will be your first Pie Day or your tenth, this episode will help you think differently about what your event can accomplish—and why now is the time to start planning.

(7L) Referral Strategy: Events, Pie Day Event

A Pie Day isn't really about the pies. It's about creating an opportunity to bring people together, show appreciation, introduce great people to one another, support local businesses and strengthen relationships. Michael explains how one event can create multiple opportunities for referrals through sponsors, invitations, confirmations, conversations, door prizes and intentional follow-up.

The event may last only a few hours. The referral opportunities begin long before the first guest arrives and continue long after the last pie is handed out.

Special Offer: Ready to stop thinking about doing a Pie Day and actually create one?

Event Mastery: The Great Pie Day Giveaway Edition begins October 13th.

Michael will walk you through the Event Mastery system and help you plan and execute your Thanksgiving Pie Day—from the venue and sponsors to invitations, confirmations, the event experience and follow-up.

Event Mastery is included for current Referral Mastery Academy members.

Learn more and register at EventMastery.com

Title: 39 Referrals… But That Wasn't the Best Part

Host: Michael J. Maher

Guest: Brenda Conyn, REALTOR® | Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Description: What could happen if you stopped thinking about hosting an event…and finally just did one?

In this episode of Referrals Podcast, Michael J. Maher sits down with Brenda Conyn to talk about the very first event she ever hosted; a Thanksgiving Pie Day.

Brenda had recently moved to a new community, had a very small local database, and was determined to build her business differently. Instead of relying on paid leads from paid sites, she decided to put the Event Mastery system to work.

She mailed approximately 350 invitations, partnered with six sponsors, welcomed 22 attendees (more than half of whom she had never met before) and generated 39 total referrals.

Pretty incredible for a first event.

But that's not even the best part.

After the event, Brenda had a few leftover pies. She delivered the final one to her doctor's office, introduced herself to the woman behind the desk and casually mentioned that she was a Realtor.

Her response?

"You're a Realtor? I need a Realtor!"

Days later, Brenda was showing her a condo. An offer followed and that unexpected connection became Brenda's first closed client in her new community.

Michael and Brenda break down exactly how she planned the event, generated referrals for her sponsors before the event even began, incorporated generosity into the experience and overcame the fear that had kept her from hosting events for years.

And perhaps most importantly, Brenda shares what changed after she finally did it: her confidence.

If you've ever thought, "I want to host an event, but I don't know where to start," Brenda's story may be exactly the push you need.

(7L) Referral Strategy: Event Mastery, Pie Day Event

Special Offer: Event Mastery – The Great Pie Day Giveaway Edition

Ready to create your own Pie Day success story? Event Mastery: The Great Pie Day Giveaway Edition begins October 13th.

Michael and the Event Mastery team will walk you through the system for creating a memorable Thanksgiving Pie Day event designed to deepen relationships, appreciate your database, generate referrals and create opportunities for your sponsors.

Whether this will be your first event or your fiftieth, you'll have a step-by-step system to help you plan it, promote it, execute it and follow up afterward.

Learn more and register at ReferralMasteryAcademy.com

Title: How One Pie Day Generated 45 Referrals

Host: Michael J. Maher

Guest: Brenda Miertschin, Associate Broker with eXp Realty in Arizona

Description: What happens when you stop overthinking, stop trying to reinvent the wheel, and simply follow a proven system?

In this episode of Referrals Podcast, Michael J. Maher sits down with Brenda Miertschin to break down how she used the Event Mastery system to turn a Thanksgiving Pie Day into an incredible referral-generating event.

Brenda had taken Event Mastery before, but like many agents, she felt overwhelmed and never fully implemented what she learned. This time, she committed to the process, hired a coach, followed the system, and kept things simple.

The results were remarkable.

Brenda welcomed 65 attendees, generated 32 outgoing referrals for her six sponsor partners, and received 13 real estate referrals for herself. That's a total of 45 referrals connected to one event.

You'll hear how Brenda selected the right sponsors, why she believes coaching made such a difference, how she tracked her results, and why she says events are now one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to stay connected with her sphere.

If you've ever wanted to host a client event but felt overwhelmed, Brenda's story is proof that you don't have to create something complicated. Sometimes the best strategy is simply to follow the system that already works.

(7L) Referral Strategy and Podcast Topics: Event Mastery, Pie Day

Special Offer: Ready to create your own referral-generating event?

Visit EventMastery.com to learn more about Event Mastery and discover the step-by-step system for planning, promoting, executing, and following up on events that build relationships and generate referrals at your own Pie Day event the week of Thanksgiving. Michael will walk you through week by week how to execute this referral generating event.

Title: The Right Room: How to Network for More Referrals

Host: Michael J. Maher

Description: Are you spending time networking… but still not getting the referrals you expected?

The problem may not be how much you're networking. It may be the room you're in.

In this special episode pulled from Michael J. Maher's recent Just Ask Michael (JAM) session, Michael breaks down his "Right Room" strategy for building a referral-based business through intentional networking.

Michael takes us back to the beginning of his real estate career, from getting his first client through softball to struggling with cold calling and door knocking before discovering the power of relationships at a local Chamber of Commerce networking group.

But simply showing up at networking events isn't enough.

You need to find the right room, connect with the right people, and become the kind of person others want to know, trust, and refer.

Michael explains how to recognize when you're in a room with real referral potential, why you should stop networking for individual referrals and start networking for referral sources, and the five parts of networking that are completely within your control.

He also shares practical questions you can use to quickly determine whether someone you meet deserves a place on your calendar for a future one-on-one.

If networking sometimes feels random, awkward, or unproductive, this episode will help you approach every room with greater intention.

(7L) Referral Strategies and Podcast Topics: Networking Mastery

Special Offer: Want to become more confident, intentional, and effective every time you walk into a networking event?

Join Michael for Networking Mastery Class, where you'll learn how to find the right rooms, meet the right people, have better conversations, create stronger referral relationships, and turn networking into a predictable source of business.

For a limited time, you can get access to Networking Mastery plus two live mastermind sessions with Michael and access to Referral Mastery Academy for just $99.

Visit NetworkingMasteryClass.com to get started.

Title: The 12 Words That Trigger Real Estate Referrals

Host: Michael J. Maher

Description: What if the people in your database wanted to refer you but simply didn't know what to listen for?

In this solo episode of Referrals Podcast, Michael J. Maher reveals a simple way to make yourself more referable: teach the people in your sphere the trigger words and life events that often signal a real estate opportunity.

Michael shares his Core 9 "D" Words plus three bonus triggers that can help real estate professionals recognize conversations already happening around them every day.

The goal isn't to memorize all 12 or bombard your database with a giant list. Instead, Michael challenges you to choose just two or three trigger words that fit your business and begin weaving them into your texts, emails, social media posts, and everyday conversations.

When your sphere knows exactly what to listen for, referring you becomes easier.

(7L) Referral Strategies and Podcast Topics: 12 Words That Trigger Referrals

Special Offer: Want to surround yourself with real estate professionals and business owners who believe in growing through generosity, relationships, and referrals?

Join Michael and thousands of other members inside the Generosity Generation. Join FREE at: JoinGenGen.com

And if this episode gave you an idea you can immediately use in your business, please subscribe, rate, review, and share Referrals Podcast with another real estate professional. Your referrals help us spread the referral message, too.

Title: 21 Referrals Earned From ONE Event

Host: Michael J. Maher

Guest: Jamie Yezarski, Real Estate Agent - New Bern, North Carolina

Description: What if your next client event didn't cost you money… but actually made you money AND generated 21 real estate referrals?

In this episode of the Referrals Podcast, Michael J. Maher sits down with longtime real estate professional Jamie Yezarski to unpack the story behind Jamie's recent Gratitude and Gravy event.

Jamie had just four weeks to pull the event together. It was held on a Wednesday evening at a local sandwich shop. Around 40 people attended.

And the results?

21 real estate referrals.

18 partner referrals.

Four pieces of business already generated.

Less than $1,000 in event costs.

$1,450 in sponsorship revenue.

Jamie shares exactly how he made it happen, including how he invited guests, secured sponsors, incorporated a charitable toy drive, involved friends and community partners, and created an event that was both profitable and genuinely fun.

You'll also hear why Jamie believes the secret wasn't executing everything perfectly, it was simply taking action.

Michael and Jamie discuss how events can create a true community of influence, why sponsors can dramatically reduce your costs, how charity adds another layer of connection, and why even people who don't attend your event can become referral sources.

If you've ever thought events were too expensive, too complicated, or just "not your thing," this episode may completely change the way you look at them.

(7L) Referral Strategies and Podcast Topics: Event Mastery

Special Offer: Want to create events that deepen relationships, generate referrals, attract sponsors, and become something your community looks forward to every year?

Michael will be teaching Event Mastery Class this October and November, walking participants through the complete system for planning, promoting, sponsoring, hosting, and following up after a referral-generating Thanksgiving Pie Day event.

Learn more and get ready for the next Event Mastery class at: EventMastery.com

And if you're looking for a community of generous, relationship-focused professionals committed to growing their businesses by referral, join the Generosity Generation at: JoinGenGen.com

Title: The 30-Day Challenge That Changed Their Referral Game

Host: Michael J. Maher

Guests: Joey Calvin and Rob Howard

Description: What happens when two highly committed Realtors enter a 30-day challenge, support each other instead of competing, and decide to go all in?

In this episode, Michael sits down with SummerFest Challenge co-winners Joey Calvin and Rob Howard to unpack exactly what helped them rise to the top. They share how blocking off time, creating daily rituals, scheduling meaningful one-on-one conversations, improving follow-up, and staying accountable helped them build momentum throughout the challenge.

Joey reveals how his intentional networking resulted in 12 referrals given, 7 referrals received, and three active opportunities, while Rob shares how daily lunches, relationship-building conversations, and simple social media questions generated surprising engagement and new business possibilities.

They also talk about the power of the Generosity Generation community, why they chose collaboration over competition, and how committing to a 30-day challenge can create changes that last far beyond the challenge itself.

Plus, Joey shares the story behind his new book, The Advantage of Quietly Giving More: How Thoughtful Service Creates Momentum, and Rob discusses the very different books he has written—including a real estate guide and a Knoxville-based murder mystery.

If you've been waiting for the perfect time to become more intentional about your relationships, referrals, and daily habits, this episode is your reminder that sometimes the biggest results begin with simply deciding to commit.

(7L) Referral Strategies: Schedule people, not just tasks. Block dedicated time for relationship-building activities. Create consistent morning and evening rituals. Make intentional one-on-one connections. Follow up after conversations. Give referrals generously. Use simple social media questions to create engagement and conversation. Find accountability inside a community that encourages implementation.

Special Offer: Want the systems, strategies, accountability, and community Joey and Rob used to strengthen their referral businesses? Learn more at Referral Mastery Academy.com

Title: The Referral Strategies You Missed in (7L) Host: Michael J. Maher Guests: Karla Roberdeau and Thommy Sandvick Description: Some of the most powerful strategies in The Seven Levels of Communication are hiding in plain sight. In this special recording from the final session of (7L) Mastery class, Michael J. Maher joins Coach Karla and Coach Thommy to unpack the referral strategies, relationship-building techniques, and business lessons readers often miss the first time through the book. Michael reveals how the opening chapters of (7L) can serve as a practical networking playbook, including the "Am I the Chosen One?" approach, the Triangle of Trust, strategic introductions, and ways to leverage past-client relationships to create new opportunities. You will also discover how to avoid being pigeonholed into offering only one service by creating a "Spectrum of Solutions"—a simple one-page resource that helps referral partners understand every way you can serve the people they know. The group also explores the importance of consistency, time blocking, appreciation, venue partnerships, educational events, and using memorable language triggers—such as the "D's of Real Estate"—to help people recognize referral opportunities. Along the way, participants share real-world wins, including a relationship with a future top-producing agent, a successful referral generated through the C3PO strategy, quarterly partnerships created through venue appreciation, and a military celebration of life successfully organized for 140 guests using Michael's event-planning system. This episode is filled with practical ideas you can implement immediately to deepen relationships, communicate your value, host better events, and generate more referrals. Oh, and Michael reveals the thought process behind how he named all of the characters in the book! (7L) Referral Strategies: - Spectrum of Solutions - Use the "Am I the Chosen One?" approach - Triangle of Trust - Send the appreciation text - Appreciate event venues and vendors to create lasting partnerships and future opportunities - Time-block referral activities Special Offer: Ready to turn your best intentions into a schedule that creates consistent results? Join Michael, Coach Karla, and Neil Smith for the upcoming Time Mastery class at TimeMasteryClass.com.

Title: This Scheduling Secret Changed Michael's Life

Host: Michael J. Maher

Guest: Solo Episode

Description: After an unexpected emergency appendectomy, Michael J. Maher was reminded just how important relationships truly are. In this solo episode, Michael shares how ChatGPT helped him recognize that he may need emergency care, while also explaining why artificial intelligence can never replace genuine human connection.

Michael addresses three major concerns affecting professionals today: the decline in meaningful relationships since 2020, the tendency to confuse learning with productivity, and the habit of scheduling tasks instead of people.

He reveals the scheduling secret that changed his life: put people on your calendar first. By intentionally scheduling conversations, events, appointments, and relationship-building activities, professionals can strengthen their businesses, deepen their connections, and make better use of their time.

Michael also explains how Time Mastery helps people begin with the schedule they have today and gradually create a more intentional life centered around the people and priorities that matter most.

(7L) Referral Strategies: Time Mastery

Special Offer: Take control of your calendar and learn how to build your schedule around the people that matter most in the four-week Time Mastery class. Register at TimeMasteryClass.com.

Time Mastery is also included with membership in Referral Mastery Academy, along with additional classes, masterminds, and referral-building resources. Learn more ReferralMasteryAcademy.com.