REFERRALS PODCAST

Title: The Trust Factor: Why Customers Buy, Stay, and Refer Host: Michael J. Maher Guest: Mike Crandall, Business Growth Advisor, Keynote Speaker, and Bestselling Author Description: Is trust disappearing in business? Or are customers simply becoming more selective about who they trust? According to business growth advisor Mike Crandall, trust may be declining, but the desire for trusted relationships is greater than ever. In this episode of Referrals Podcast, Michael J. Maher sits down with Mike Crandall, bestselling author of Motivational Management the Sandler Way, to explore why businesses lose customer trust, what customers really expect, and how small changes in communication can lead to stronger relationships, better customer experiences, and more referrals. Mike shares a fascinating story about a potential client who secretly tested several businesses to see how quickly and effectively they responded to an inquiry. What happened next proves that something as simple as following up can become a powerful competitive advantage. You'll also discover why asking customers how they prefer to communicate can completely change their experience, how different behavioral styles influence trust, and why asking for an introduction may be far more effective than asking for a referral. Plus, Mike and Michael discuss one of the biggest mistakes business owners make: assuming everyone wants to communicate and make decisions the same way they do. The bottom line? Trust isn't built by what you say about your business. It's built by what your customers experience. (7L) Referral Strategy: Trust, Networking Special Offer: 30 Notes. 30 Days. Are You Up for the Challenge? There's still time to join our Notevember Challenge! Can you write and send 30 handwritten notes of appreciation in 30 days? Strengthen relationships, spread kindness and generosity, and discover what happens when you make appreciation a daily habit. Get all the details and join us at Notevember.com Connect with Mike Crandall: Website: https://customgrowth.sandler.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikecrandall Book: Motivational Management the Sandler Way  

Title: Working Harder Isn't Working. Here's What Will. Host: Michael J. Maher Guest: Karla Roberdeau, Business Planning & Time Mastery Coach Description: Are you working harder than ever but not seeing the results you want? Are you staying busy all day, only to wonder what you actually accomplished? What if the answer isn't working harder, but working differently? In this episode of Referrals Podcast, Michael J. Maher sits down with business planning and time mastery expert Karla Roberdeau to uncover why so many business owners are exhausted, overwhelmed, and frustrated by their results, and what they can do to change that. After surveying thousands of professionals about their biggest business challenges, Michael and Karla discovered a common problem: People are putting in the effort, but they're not always focusing on the activities that actually move their businesses forward. Together, they share a powerful framework for creating a business that produces better results without requiring you to constantly do MORE. You'll discover: - Why being busy doesn't necessarily mean you're being productive. - The surprising difference between setting goals and making commitments. - Why some business plans fail before you ever put them into action. - How to identify the activities that actually generate referrals and revenue. - Michael's simple weekly referral goal that anyone can start using immediately. - How to stop feeling overwhelmed and start focusing on what matters most. - Why your business plan should support the life you want—not the other way around. Michael also shares a powerful story about a real estate agent whose business completely changed once he discovered what he was really working toward. If you're ready to finish 2026 strong and head into 2027 with more clarity, confidence, and momentum, this is an episode you don't want to miss. Because working harder isn't the answer. Knowing what to work on is. (7L) Referral Strategy: Business Planning, Referral Goal Special Offer: Ready to make 2027 your best year yet? Join Karla Roberdeau for Referral Business Mastery, a four-week live business planning experience beginning November 3rd. This isn't another business planning class where you write down a few goals and put the plan in a drawer. You'll discover what matters most to YOU, identify your greatest opportunities, and create a personalized action plan that takes you from your big-picture vision all the way down to what you should be doing each day. Choose the class on its own, add coaching and accountability with Karla, or explore the Referral Mastery Academy membership options. Learn more and register at: https://ReferralMasteryTraining.com

Title: Her Signature Event Generated 369 Referrals Host: Michael J. Maher Guest: Jill McNamee, McNamee Real Estate Team Description: What happens when a simple jewelry swap evolves into a signature community event that people talk about, sponsors want to be part of, and new people actively seek out? For the past 14 years, Jill McNamee has hosted Baubles & Bubbles, an intimate jewelry swap and networking event designed to bring women together, support local businesses, give back to the community, and create genuine connection. This year, 125 people attended — and roughly three-quarters of them were new to Jill's network. The event included food, drinks, jewelry swapping, a charm bar, prizes, swag bags, charitable donations, and 44 sponsors. But the number that stopped Michael in his tracks? 369 outgoing referrals to Jill's sponsors. In this episode, Jill takes Michael behind the scenes of how Baubles & Bubbles grew from a casual gathering with no sponsors into a polished event generating approximately $15,000 in sponsorship revenue, plus additional in-kind contributions. They talk about how Jill structures her sponsorships, why she intentionally keeps the event at about 125 people, how she creates visibility and value for sponsors, and why she believes making an event bigger doesn't necessarily make it better. Jill also shares one of the biggest lessons she has learned after 14 years of hosting events: You don't need to have every detail figured out before you invite people. Start small. Build confidence. Create the experience. Then improve it each year. Michael and Jill also dig into what happens after the event — including how to responsibly manage hundreds of sponsor referrals without overwhelming attendees, and why Jill may add a dedicated Sponsor Concierge to her team next year. This conversation is a powerful example of what happens when an event stops being simply a marketing tactic and becomes something your community genuinely looks forward to. (7L) Referral Strategy: Events, Event Mastery Baubles & Bubbles demonstrates how a signature event can become a long-term relationship-building strategy. Rather than measuring success solely by immediate real estate transactions, Jill creates an environment where attendees meet local businesses, sponsors receive meaningful introductions, and Jill becomes increasingly connected to the community. The result? Deeper relationships, expanded networks, increased trust — and referrals that can continue long after the event is over. Special Offer: Ready to create an event people look forward to every year? Event Mastery: The Great Pie Day Giveaway just started, but its not too late to join. Michael will walk you through the system for creating an unforgettable event that strengthens relationships, generates referrals, and gives people another reason to talk about you and your business. And with Thanksgiving approaching, it's the perfect time to create your own Pie Day tradition. Register now at: ReferralMasteryAcademy.com

Title: E-Z as P-I-E! How to Get an ROI from Your SOI Host: Michael J. Maher Guest: Colleen Skeffington Description: What if one simple event could strengthen relationships, create community, generate referrals, attract sponsors, and give you a measurable return on your investment? In this episode of Referrals Podcast, Michael sits down with Ocala, Florida real estate professional Colleen Skeffington to talk about how she has turned Pie Day and other community events into a powerful strategy for serving her sphere while growing her business. Colleen shares how Generosity Generation and Event Mastery changed the way she approaches giving, sponsorships, and events — including how her Pie Day has grown to include six sponsors, helped support local schools and families, and generated real business results. They also talk about why events matter so much in a 55+ community, how bringing people together can help fight loneliness, and why generosity doesn't always have to be a grand gesture. Plus, Colleen explains why one of the biggest keys to her success has been simple: follow the system, trust the system, trust yourself, and go all in. (7L) Referral Strategy: Events Special Offer: Want to create an event like Colleen's? Event Mastery starts October 13th. Michael will walk you through the system for planning, promoting, sponsoring, executing, and following up on events that create deeper relationships, greater generosity, and more referrals. Join us at: EventMastery.com

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.