81: How to Walk Into a Networking Event Alone and Start Meaningful Conversations with Confidence | Featuring Kelly Burton of Boards by Kelly

81: How to Walk Into a Networking Event Alone and Start Meaningful Conversations with Confidence | Featuring Kelly Burton of Boards by Kelly

Have you ever walked into a networking event, looked around the room, and realized you didn't know a single person? In this episode of Business Networking and Referrals, host Faithann Basore sits down with Kelly Burton, owner of Boards by Kelly, to tackle one of the most common fears networkers face: how to confidently enter conversations when you're attending an event alone. Kelly shares a real-life experience from a recent networking event where the friends she expected to see never showed up, leaving her to navigate a room full of strangers. Together, Faithann and Kelly discuss practical networking strategies that help turn awkward moments into meaningful connections. You'll learn how to identify approachable groups, use curiosity to overcome self-consciousness, give genuine compliments that spark conversation, and gracefully exit conversations when it's time to meet new people. They also discuss the importance of building authentic relationships, networking with competitors, and creating positive interactions that lead to referrals over time. Whether you're brand new to networking or simply looking to feel more confident in unfamiliar rooms, this episode offers actionable advice you can put to work at your very next event. In This Episode You'll Learn: * What to do when you arrive at a networking event and don't know anyone * How the "Three Question Reset" can help calm networking anxiety * How to identify "open twos" and "open threes" and confidently join conversations already in progress * How to enter existing conversations without feeling intrusive * Why curiosity is one of the most powerful networking tools * Conversation starters that create genuine connection * How to gracefully leave a conversation and meet new people * Why networking is about positive interactions, not immediate referrals * The value of building relationships with competitors About Kelly Burton Kelly Burton is the owner of Boards by Kelly, an Oklahoma-based charcuterie board business that creates memorable food experiences for weddings, corporate events, graduations, engagement parties, and special celebrations. Alongside her sister Abby, Kelly has built a thriving business focused on making the event planning process effortless for clients while delivering beautiful, customized charcuterie displays. Resources Mentioned * Boards by Kelly: Boards by Kelly Website [https://www.boardsbykelly.com/] * Instagram: @boardsbykelly.okc [https://www.instagram.com/boardsbykelly.okc/] * Subscribe to Kelly's newsletter, The Gouda Life [https://www.boardsbykelly.com/blog] * Listen to Faithann's episode: The Three Question Reset [https://open.spotify.com/episode/3cn4mQnh508Xz68yguPRFo?si=b81c3af7237749cd] * Learn more about the We Rise Conference: We Rise Conference [https://www.werisecollectiveokc.com/rise-above] Interested in personalized networking support? Schedule a discovery call [https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/faithannhe1x5j] with Faithann to explore ways to make networking easier, more enjoyable, and more effective for your business. Connect with Faithann Basore If you're ready to become more confident in networking rooms, strengthen your referral strategy, or develop a memorable introduction that opens doors, connect with Faithann Basore through The Networker's Tour Guide [https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/]. Free Resource for Listeners: ✨ Download Faithann’s 10 Questions to Ask in a One-to-One — a free guide to deepen your networking conversations and leave a lasting impression. Grab your copy here ➡️ https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/resources [https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/resources] Connect with Faithann: Instagram: @thenetworkerstourguide [https://www.instagram.com/thenetworkerstourguide/?hl=en] Join Premium OKC Networking [https://premiumokcnetworking.com/communities/groups/premium-okc-networking]for $95 for a 1 year access to Faithann's networking calendar, community forum, and networking courses. Join the Private Community: The Networker’s Tour Guide [https://www.facebook.com/groups/networkerstourguide] on Facebook

80: Stop Boring Your Networking Group: How to Give Memorable Presentations

What makes a networking presentation memorable? In this solo episode of the Business Networking & Referrals Podcast, Faithann Basore breaks down how to make the most of those longer networking presentations that happen inside referral groups, networking organizations, chambers, and industry-exclusive meetings. Whether you’re giving a 5-minute feature presentation in a weekly networking group or paying for extra speaking time at a monthly mixer, this episode will help you stop blending in and start creating real excitement around your business. Faithann shares: * the biggest mistakes networkers make during feature presentations, * why preparation matters more than people realize, * how audience engagement changes everything, * and why your energy sets the ceiling for the entire room. You’ll also hear a powerful story from Faithann’s time teaching Zumba that completely changed the way she thinks about speaking to groups. What You’ll Learn in This Episode * How to make your networking presentations more engaging * Why your audience mirrors your energy * The danger of relying too heavily on slides * How to prepare so you stay within your time limit * Creative ways to involve your audience during presentations * Why storytelling is one of the most powerful networking tools * How to describe an ideal referral during a feature presentation * Why self-deprecating humor hurts your credibility This Episode Is Especially Helpful For: * BNI members * Chamber members * Weekly networking groups * Referral-based business owners * Entrepreneurs who get nervous speaking in front of groups * Anyone giving 5–10 minute feature presentations Additional Support: Thinking about improving your next networking presentation? If you’d like support creating a specific plan based on your industry, your ideal referrals, and how much time you have to speak, hop on a discovery call with Faithann. [https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/faithannhe1x5j] This call is designed to help you explore whether a deeper strategy session would be a good fit for your goals and networking style. Whether you’re preparing for a 5-minute feature presentation, a networking spotlight, or a longer referral talk, Faithann can help you determine what kind of support would best help you feel more confident, more prepared, and more engaging when it’s your turn to speak. Free Resource for Listeners: ✨ Download Faithann’s 10 Questions to Ask in a One-to-One — a free guide to deepen your networking conversations and leave a lasting impression. Grab your copy here ➡️ https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/resources [https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/resources] Connect with Faithann: Instagram: @thenetworkerstourguide [https://www.instagram.com/thenetworkerstourguide/?hl=en] Join Premium OKC Networking [https://premiumokcnetworking.com/communities/groups/premium-okc-networking]for $95 for a 1 year access to Faithann's networking calendar, community forum, and networking courses. Join the Private Community: The Networker’s Tour Guide [https://www.facebook.com/groups/networkerstourguide] on Facebook

79: How to Recover From Networking Mistakes (Without Damaging Relationships)

What happens when you make a mistake in networking? In this honest solo episode, Faithann Basore shares the story behind a production mistake in Episode 78—and the important networking lessons it revealed about trust, relationships, and laying a strong foundation over time. If you’ve ever: * forgotten to reply to an email * stepped on someone’s toes in a networking room * or felt embarrassed after making a mistake… this episode will help you move forward with more confidence and grace. Faithann walks through practical ways to build strong networking relationships that can withstand human mistakes—and how generosity, humility, and consistency create trust over time. What You’ll Learn in This Episode * Why strong relationships can survive small mistakes * How to build a networking foundation rooted in trust and generosity * The importance of mentors and accountability in business networking * Why specific feedback is more helpful than vague advice * How to apologize well without becoming defensive * When to move on after a mistake—and how to take your cues from others * A courageous question to ask when a referral doesn’t come your way Key Takeaways Mistakes don’t destroy relationships overnight. As Faithann shares: “Mistakes are okay, as long as you have a solid foundation and you own up to them.” The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is building relationships strong enough to handle imperfection. Topics Covered in This Episode Finding a mentor How to gradually build mentor relationships through specific, low-pressure requests. Joining a mastermind or support group Why every business owner needs people who can offer honest feedback and perspective. Building a reputation for kindness and generosity How small acts of grace strengthen your networking foundation over time. Apologizing well How to let people fully express hurt feelings instead of rushing them to move on. Handling missed referrals A respectful question you can ask when you thought a referral would come your way. Resources & Next Steps If networking feels overwhelming and you’d like support building a clear networking strategy: 👉 Book a discovery call  [https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/faithannhe1x5j] Want stronger one-to-one conversations? 👉 Download 10 Questions to Ask in a One-to-One https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/resources [https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/resources] Connect with Faithann: Instagram: @thenetworkerstourguide [https://www.instagram.com/thenetworkerstourguide/?hl=en] Join Premium OKC Networking [https://premiumokcnetworking.com/communities/groups/premium-okc-networking]for $95 for a 1 year access to Faithann's networking calendar, community forum, and networking courses. Join the Private Community: The Networker’s Tour Guide [https://www.facebook.com/groups/networkerstourguide] on Facebook

78: How to Make Networking Conversations More Memorable (4 Ways to Build Better Connections)

What makes someone memorable in a networking room? It’s usually not the person with the most polished elevator pitch. It’s the person who makes others feel comfortable, included, and genuinely heard. In this solo episode, Faithann Basore shares 4 simple ways to bring more delight to your networking conversations so people naturally want to talk with you again, remember you later, and eventually trust you enough to refer you. You’ll learn how small conversational habits—many of them almost invisible—can completely change the way people experience you in networking rooms. What You’ll Learn in This Episode * How to make people feel more comfortable in conversations * Why being a “tour guide” in group conversations builds trust quickly * Why bringing interrupted people back into the conversation matters * How storytelling makes you more memorable and magnetic * A simple phrase that invites deeper, richer conversations * How analogies make your stories easier to remember The 4 Ways to Bring Delight to Networking Conversations 1. Be the tour guide of every conversation Catch people up when they join late, reduce confusion, and help everyone feel included. 2. Bring people back in when they get interrupted When someone gets talked over, help them finish their thought. 3. Invite people to tell stories Use phrases like: “I feel like there’s a story there.” Stories naturally create deeper and more memorable conversations. 4. Tell better stories yourself Use analogies and relatable comparisons to make your stories easier to understand and remember. Resources & Next Steps When you’re ready to feel more confident in networking rooms and develop stories that create curiosity and connection: 👉 Book a discovery call  [https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/faithannhe1x5j] Want better one-to-one conversations? 👉 Download 10 Questions to Ask in a One-to-One https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/resources  [https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/resources] Connect with Faithann: Instagram: @thenetworkerstourguide [https://www.instagram.com/thenetworkerstourguide/?hl=en] Join Premium OKC Networking [https://premiumokcnetworking.com/communities/groups/premium-okc-networking]for $95 for a 1 year access to Faithann's networking calendar, community forum, and networking courses. Join the Private Community: The Networker’s Tour Guide [https://www.facebook.com/groups/networkerstourguide] on Facebook

77: Coaching Call: Crafting a 60-Second Presentation That Actually Drives Referrals

What should you say during your 60-second presentation when you want people to actually recognize and act on referral opportunities? In this episode, Faithann Basore sits down with Lizette Clouta for a live coaching session to build a clear, referral-driven 60-second presentation. Together, they move from a general introduction to a structured, story-based pitch that gives people in the room specific clues to listen for. If you’ve ever felt unsure what to say during your weekly introduction—or like people still don’t “get” how to refer you—this episode walks you through exactly how to fix that. What You’ll Learn in This Episode * Why your 60-second presentation is not a commercial—it’s a clue-giving exercise * How to use a recent client story to create clarity and relevance * The importance of a specific referral ask (not “anyone who…”) * How to give your network language they can actually use * Why repeating the same message multiple weeks in a row increases referrals The Structure of a Referral-Driven 60 Seconds Faithann walks Lizette through a simple framework: 1. Name + Business (clear and confident) 2. Recent client result (testimonial-style) 3. Specific referral ask (who exactly you’re looking for) 4. What they’re saying/feeling (recognition cues) 5. What to say (give your network a question to ask) 6. Clear next step (how to connect you) 7. Repeat your name + business Key Takeaways Most people struggle with their 60-second because they try to explain their business. But your job in a networking room is different: 👉 Help others recognize when they’re standing in the middle of a referral for you Clarity creates referrals. Specificity creates action. Repetition creates results. Resources & Next Steps When you’re in a networking group and want help crafting a 60-second presentation that actually drives referrals: 👉 Book a referral clarity session [https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/admin-pokcn-personal-calendar-neajnt9np]   When you want better one-to-one conversations: 👉 Download 10 Questions to Ask in a One-to-One https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/resources  [https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net/resources]   Connect with Lizette: https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/ [https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/] Share This Episode If a friend or business connection came to mind while you were listening—someone you genuinely want to see thrive—send this episode their way.