REFERRALS PODCAST

Small acts of kindness can have a profound impact, often sparking a ripple effect that changes lives. When we embrace generosity, we create a cycle of giving and receiving that can lead to both personal fulfillment and prosperity. It's easy to overlook how a simple gesture—like giving away a $5 bill—can inspire others and spread goodwill. But what if such small acts could spark a global movement of kindness? Imagine being part of a community where acts of kindness are the norm, not the exception, and where every small gesture contributes to a wave of positive change. In this episode, I speak with Evan Swensen, a book publisher and author, about his new book *"How One Act of Kindness Changed the World."* Inspired by his own experiences with generosity, Evan shares how the $5 bill he gave away became the seed for a powerful message of kindness and reciprocity. "Generosity leads to prosperity. When we give freely, without expectation, we create a world where everyone thrives." - Evan Swensen Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode - The power of small acts of kindness Even the smallest gestures can have significant ripple effects. How can giving away a $5 bill inspire a movement and change the world? - The philosophy of generosity and prosperity Living generously doesn't just benefit others; it enriches your own life. What does it mean to live by the principle that generosity leads to prosperity, as outlined in Proverbs 11:25? - How to participate in the $5 Movement The $5 Movement encourages people to perform simple acts of kindness on September 9 and share their stories. How can joining this movement help you connect with others and spread positivity in your community? Guest Bio: Evan Swensen, book publisher and author, founded Author Masterminds and Readers and Writers Book Club. Throughout his publishing career, Evan and his wife, Lois, have brought the works of more than 1,000 authors to life, sharing diverse stories with readers worldwide. As the founder of the Readers and Writers Book Club, Evan fosters a vibrant community for literature enthusiasts, helping both established and emerging writers find their voices and audiences. Beyond publishing, Evan has contributed his editorial expertise to various national magazines and authored five books. His passion for storytelling is matched only by his commitment to promoting and supporting authors from all backgrounds, ensuring a rich tapestry of voices is heard. Known for his engaging personality and dedication, Evan also enjoys sharing tales of his adventures, whether in print or on air. An Alaska resident since 1957, Evan combines his love of the outdoors with his literary pursuits, often drawing inspiration from his surroundings. A seasoned pilot and avid outdoorsman, he uses these experiences to enrich the narratives he helps create and publish. With a career marked by both innovation and a deep respect for the craft of writing, Evan Swensen has left an indelible mark on the publishing world, continuously championing the power of storytelling. Episode 354 Title: If You Had $5 to Spend, Do This to Get Referrals Host: Michael J. Maher Guest: Evan Swensen SPECIAL FOR REFERRAL PODCAST LISTENERS: Attend our Referral Mastery Summit in September 27-29 in Atlanta, GA by going to www.RMS2024.com and using the coupon code "RMSpodcast" for 50% your ticket!

Delegation is often misunderstood, with many thinking it's about laziness or shirking responsibility. It is actually about freeing up time and resources to focus on higher-value tasks.

Many of us hold onto the belief that success means grinding endlessly and handling every detail ourselves. This mindset may actually be holding you back. Rather than hustling harder, unlock your potential by letting go and trusting others.

What if becoming a "time millionaire"—someone who has both financial success and the freedom to enjoy life—was within your reach?

In this episode, I speak to celebrated entrepreneur and author, Chantel Ray Finch, who shares her philosophy on delegating everything but sex, emphasizing that success comes from working smarter, not harder.

"Success isn't about working harder or finding more time to work, but about getting others to help you, reducing stress, and maximizing time with friends and family." - Chantel Ray Finch

Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode

-How to be successful by delegating

Delegating tasks you don't enjoy or excel at can help you achieve long-term success. How much more could you accomplish by letting go of tasks that drain your energy?

-The 4 steps to effective delegation

Using the four-step process—Eliminate, Simplify, Automate, and Delegate—can transform how you manage your workload. What could happen if you started applying these steps today?

-Become a Time Millionaire

Focusing on high-value activities and delegating the rest can help you save time and succeed. Are you ready to take control of your time and live a more fulfilling life?

Guest Bio

Chantel Ray Finch is an entrepreneur and author known for her unique approach to delegation, famously delegating everything but sex. With experience growing multi-million-dollar companies across over 20 states, she champions working smarter, not harder, to achieve success. Chantel balances her thriving business career with her roles as a wife and mother, believing in reducing stress and maximizing time with loved ones. Beyond business, she enjoys tennis and supports faith-based organizations, reflecting her commitment to giving back and living a fulfilling, well-rounded life.

Episode: 353

Title: Is Delegating Everything But Sex the Ultimate Life Hack? w/ Chantel Ray Finch

Host: Michael J. Maher

If you think networking is just about attending events, collecting business cards and shaking hands, you're on the fast track to empty connections. Networking is really about finding those few key people who can truly make a difference in your business.

The power lies not in the quantity of connections but in the quality—those relationships that bring real value and opportunities. Focusing on meaningful interactions can transform your networking from a numbers game into a powerful tool for growth.

How do you rethink your approach to networking? Can a small, simple event focused on fewer people could actually lead to bigger opportunities for your business?

In this episode, I'm joined by real estate investment specialist, Paul Chase. We talk about how he used a unique event called "Brews and Biz" to create meaningful connections in the real estate world.

"The more I network, the more my sales team grows. If I connect with 150 people, and each of them knows 150 more, I can focus on the right ones and show them how helping me also puts money in their pockets."-Paul Chase

Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode

-How niche networking events can grow your business

Hosting a special event can help you connect with the right people, building strong relationships that can change your business. Could this approach work in your market?

-How to keep networking events interesting

Making sure each event is different keeps people interested and turns them into repeat guests. How can you make every event feel fresh and new?

-How to turn low attendance into success

Even when only a few people show up, there's a way to turn that into a win and grow your business. How do you make a small turnout work in your favor?

Guest Bio

Paul Chase has over 20 years of experience in real estate and is based in East Petersburg, PA. He began his career in residential real estate and transitioned to real estate investment around 2005, starting with short sales and later moving into REO properties. In October 2023, Paul joined BNI and discovered the Referral Mastery Academy (RMA), where he sharpened his networking skills. He then shifted into commercial real estate, specializing in helping investors and business owners retire from real estate while maximizing their tax advantages. To learn more, go to https://paulchaserealestate.com/.

Episode: 352

Title: How To Redefine Networking in Real Estate's Toughest Market w/ Paul Chase

Host: Michael J. Maher

Posting content online is important, but it alone can't move your real estate business forward. You need to do more than that. We need to make real connections with people and follow up with them in order to deepen our relationships with them.

That's where our database comes in. A well-organized database helps us create those connections and make our follow-up more meaningful. Something as simple as calling someone on their birthday can make a huge difference and boost our businesses.

The best way to get more out of our database is to gamify it and challenge ourselves to keep growing it. Why do we need to focus more on quality than quantity with our database?

In this episode, seasoned real estate professional Jennie Wolek returns. We talk about developing clarity and focus in business, utilizing our strengths, and building relationships that result in referrals.

"Build a database of agents outside of your market, just like you do your local database." -Jennie Wolek

Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode

-How to stop feeling like a nuisance

As salespeople, we hold ourselves back by thinking we're bothering people. How do we make sure we're valuable help instead of pests?

-Why delegating changes everything

The key to growing our businesses isn't doing more. It's actually stepping back and leading a team. Which tasks should we delegate?

-Making connections that count

Having genuine conversations beats just having lots of contacts. How do we make our interactions count and get more referrals?

Guest Bio

With over two decades in Tulsa real estate, Jennie Wolek has honed her clarity and focus by discovering her purpose. Jennie's mission is to empower others to unlock their potential and possibilities. She shares her systems, tools, and lessons through teaching, modeling, and inspiration. Find her posts and motivation on her website, Facebook group "Your Journey with Jennie," and training classes. Jennie and her team help 100 families yearly, generating as many referrals for partners and local businesses. Their motto: Help More, Give Back, Live Large, and Have Fun.

Episode: 351

Title: Genuine Conversations Beat Lots of Contacts: How to Get More Out of Your Database w/ Jennie Wolek

Host: Michael J. Maher

Making a million dollars without spending money on leads sounds like a pipe dream, but it is possible. Success isn't about spending the most, it's about building strong relationships and having good conversations.

Instead of throwing money at your marketing, you can earn big just by being kind and connecting with others. It starts with the conversations we have. The more we make people feel seen, heard, valued, and cared for, the more we can turn them into sources of income.

How do we turn conversations into cash? Are relationships more powerful than money?

In this episode, I talk to Erik Hatch, a real estate expert, who shares how he built a million-dollar business without buying leads. Think outside the box and find out why building relationships is the key to success.

"I made people feel pursued, feel wanted, and feel seen. The word "pursuit" has become fundamental in how I run my business and my life." -Erik Hatch

Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode

-Chasing relationships with care

Pursuing people in your sphere with genuine interest and care can transform your business. Do you want to make a lasting impression?

-Creating a CAGE

Use the CAGE strategy (Compliment, Ask, Invite, Gratitude) to make every conversation count. What are the benefits you can gain from using this system?

-Why your voice matters

Using your voice in communication is more effective than text. How can personalized messages boost your response rates?

Guest Bio

Erik Hatch is a nationally recognized real estate expert serving Fargo-Moorhead and surrounding areas. Leading the top team in North Dakota, Erik ranks in the top 500 agents nationwide. Committed to exceptional service, his team not only excels in real estate but also gives back through charitable efforts. Visit Hatch Realty to learn more.

Episode: 350

Title: How To Build Million-Dollar Real Estate Relationships Without Spending Money w/ Erik Hatch

Host: Michael J. Maher

Big changes are afoot in real estate. With the NAR settlement and the need for buyer agency agreements, buyers and agents are grappling with new ways of working together.

These changes can feel confusing and scary, but they are also a chance to grow and improve. If you can adapt to these new rules, you can show your true value and build even stronger relationships with your clients.

Do you worry about how these changes will affect your job? Are you unsure how to explain them to your clients?

In this episode, I talk to dedicated Realtor AND business coach, Marjorie Adam. We share essential tips to help you understand and handle these new market changes. These easy steps will help you stay ahead and turn these new rules into opportunities for success.

"We now need to be clear, and as Realtors, we have to be the leaders in what's happening. We have to lead in explaining the actual things behind the lawsuit." -Marjorie Adam

Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode

-Understanding the upcoming changes

With the new requirements for buyer agency agreements and the removal of compensation fields from MLS, how will these changes impact your day-to-day operations?

-The importance of buyer consultations

Buyer consultations are more critical than ever. What elements should you include in your consultation to ensure clients see your value?

-Adapting to industry shifts

Learn how to adapt to a changing real estate market. How can you turn these changes into opportunities to enhance your service and grow your business?

Guest Bio

Marjorie Adam is an Associate Broker and the Team Leader of the Marjorie Adam Team. She is a business coach for Realtors nationwide, specializing in contract negotiations and pricing strategies. With her expertise, she frequently speaks at real estate events. Marjorie is married to Philippe, a Belgian chef, and they have two sons, Alex and Lucas, all fluent in French. An animal lover, Marjorie has four rescue dogs. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching movies, spending time with her family, and recording her podcast, Real Estate Unscripted.

Episode: 349

Title: Shifting Gears: Proven Strategies for Success in a Changing Real Estate Industry w/ Marjorie Adam

Host: Michael J. Maher

Building a successful business through referrals is a powerful strategy. All your business really needs to thrive is a few people cheerleaders and raving fans who willingly speak highly of you.

In order to get those raving fans, you need to have a proactive plan for them. One of the most powerful things you can do is host events throughout the year. That way you're making people feel appreciated and celebrated, and that will make them refer you.

How do we plan for our events ahead of time? Why is it important to build a trusted group of people? Why are love, generosity, and appreciation so important in business?

In this episode, I give you the answers to everything, including the secret behind the referral mastery system and why events are the cornerstone of referral-based relationships.

"When it comes to an event, the success is in the planning, the power is in the invitation, the attendance is in the confirmation and the fortune is in the follow up." -Michael J Maher

Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode

-The 3 pillars of Referral Mastery

Love, generosity, and appreciation are essential in creating a successful referral network. How can these values make your business better?

-Energy, momentum, referrals

Hosting one event a year isn't going to generate frequent referrals. How do we plan for a series of events ahead of time?

-Make money making money

Events aren't just a great way to get face-to-face with people. How can we offset the cost of an event and even turn it into a source of income?

Episode: 348

Title: The Answer to Everything 2: What You Need To Know About Referral Mastery with Michael J Maher

Host: Michael J. Maher

In this episode, I answer all of the questions that I have received over the years relating to REFERCO and The Generosity Generation. The answer to everything. Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode - What we Believe at REFERCO - The Values of GenGen - 3 Principles of GenGen Episode: 347 Title: The Answer to Everything. This Referrals Podcast Explains Everything with Host Michael J. Maher. Host: Michael J. Maher

Finding a niche in a competitive real estate market is a major challenge for many agents. You need a focused approach, relentless networking, and strategic planning to establish yourself in a new market.

Marketing efforts can become scattered and ineffective without a niche, leading to frustration and no progress. Building a successful, referral-based business starts with identifying and serving a specific community.

Imagine having a clear focus, a community that trusts you, and a business that thrives on referrals. How can a niche and a strong foundation help you build relationships and grow your business?

In this episode, I talk to Jake Smoke, a USMC veteran, who has successfully transitioned into real estate, helping fellow veterans achieve homeownership and creating a strong, referral-based business. He shares actionable strategies that are proven and effective, which you can implement right away.

"If you lead with value and resources, the income and referrals are going to come." -Jake Smoke

Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode

-Finding Your Niche

Picking a niche is like finding your favorite hobby, which makes everything more enjoyable and effective. Why is it important to focus on what you love to succeed?

-The Key to Hosting Successful Events

Planning events is a great way to meet new people and grow your business, just like throwing a fun party. How can fun events lead to more people knowing and trusting you?

-How to Create Real Change

Helping a specific group, like veterans, can make a big difference in their lives and yours. How does making a difference for others bring you success?

Guest Bio

Jake Smoke is a dedicated realtor based in San Diego, CA, and a USMC veteran. After serving from 2002 to 2007, Jake transitioned into real estate, focusing his efforts on helping fellow veterans achieve homeownership. Known for his community events and value-driven approach, Jake has built a successful business by connecting with and serving the veteran community. When he's not working, Jake enjoys spending time with his wife, Kate, and their 3 children.

Episode: 346

Title: Community + Value = Referrals: How to Unlock the Riches in Niches w/ Jake Smoke

Host: Michael J. Maher

New real estate agents have a hard time building a client base, especially when they're not well-known in the area. Starting in a new city with no connections can be daunting. Clients won't just come knocking on your door, which makes the challenge even greater. In order to establish credibility in the market, proactive steps must be taken. The big question is: how you can successfully organize an event in a new city with no prior connections. What strategies can be used to get sponsors on board for your first event? In this episode, I talk with Jack Zgiet, a new agent, who shares his journey of making use of personal interests and local events to build relationships and generate referrals. Who knew initiating connections and building trust through creative events like Cuatro de Mayo could make a difference in the community?

"Being new and inexperienced, I know people could smell it on me. So, I changed my approach and thought, "How can I help this person get into the home where they want to build their lives?" -Jack Zgiet Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode

-How To Use Personal Interests to Network

Engaging in activities you love can be a powerful way to meet like-minded people and potential clients. How can you turn casual gym conversations into real estate referrals?

-Organize Creative Events

Themed events can attract attendees and generate business leads. Why is planning ahead and using a structured system like Event Mastery crucial for success?

-Identify and Engage Sponsors

Partnering with local businesses can help minimize costs and create mutually beneficial relationships. Where can you find sponsors, and how does it benefit both parties?

Guest Bio Jack Zgiet is a passionate and dedicated real estate agent based in the Kansas City area. Originally from St. Louis, Jack brings a unique blend of expertise, integrity, and personalized service to every client interaction. As a newcomer to both the city and the real estate profession, Jack has quickly made a name for himself by leveraging his love for community events and sports to build connections and generate referrals. With a focus on generosity and relationship-building, Jack is committed to helping clients find their perfect homes while growing his presence in the local market.

Connect with Jack on LinkedIn.

Episode: 345

Title: Cuatro de Mayo Happy Hour: How to Earn 8 Referrals As a Brand Spanking New Agent w/Jack Zgiet

Host: Michael J. Maher