The Network Build Grow Podcast: Relationships that Scale

Mindset Is the Foundation: How to Think, Network & Grow Your Business | Anthony DeNino

What if the biggest thing standing between you and your next level of success isn't your strategy, your budget, or your connections — but the way you think? In this energizing episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast, host Melissa Taylor sits down with Anthony DeNino, founder of CORe, mental performance consultant, and keynote speaker, for a conversation that bridges two powerful worlds: the psychology of high performance and the art of authentic networking. Anthony has spent nearly 12 years helping companies, organizations, and individuals unlock greater success — not by working harder, but by thinking better. In this episode, he shares the frameworks, stories, and practical tools behind his SMART methodology, how he built his entire business through networking, and why every single interaction — from the boardroom to the nonprofit volunteer table — is an opportunity hiding in plain sight. Whether you're a business owner, sales professional, or entrepreneur who wants to show up more powerfully in every room you walk into, this episode delivers the mindset and networking strategies to make it happen. Top Takeaways 1. Mindset is not a buzzword — it's a personalized, foundational practice that must be tailored to the individual or team. 2. Know your audience before you coach them — understanding someone's fears, desires, and context makes all the difference. 3. Show up, even when you're unsure — the events you almost skip are often where the best opportunities live. 4. Presence beats attendance — put the phone down, step away from the table, and actually engage. 5. Volunteer work is underrated as a networking strategy — shared values are already established before you say a word. 6. Think with the end in mind — visualize a successful outcome before you walk in the room, not after. About Anthony DeNino Anthony DeNino is the founder of Core, a consulting and speaking practice built on one foundational belief: mindset is the foundation for everything we achieve — and everything we don't. A former sales professional and banking executive who walked away from corporate life after realizing profit was prioritized over people, Anthony channeled nearly 30 years of business experience into building a company that helps individuals and organizations reach their highest potential. As a mental performance consultant and keynote speaker, Anthony works with small and mid-sized businesses, Fortune-level companies, nonprofits, and associations — bringing a customized, deeply human approach to mindset training, leadership development, and sales performance. His signature SMART framework — Success Means Acquiring Right Thoughts — is the cornerstone of how he helps clients shift thinking, change behavior, and create lasting results. Resources & Links * 🌐 Network Build Grow Community: networkbuildgrow.com [https://networkbuildgrow.com] * 💼 Core — Mental performance consulting, keynote speaking, leadership and sales training * 🔗 Connect with Anthony DeNino on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adenino 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on networking, leadership, branding, and business growth  🌐 Join the Network Build Grow community at networkbuildgrow.com

Clear the Clutter, Elevate Your Network: Real Talk with Lianne Hofer

What if the clutter in your home and the noise in your life are the very things standing between you and your next level? In this powerhouse episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast, host Melissa Taylor sits down with Lianne Hofer — TEDx speaker, two-time international best-selling author, and one of the most sought-after declutter experts for high-achieving women — for a conversation that is equal parts practical strategy and powerful mindset shift. Lianne has spent over 15 years helping high achievers clear the noise in their homes and lives, creating the space and permission to experience more happiness, focus, and freedom. In this episode, she brings that same energy to the world of networking and business growth, showing how the principles of letting go, intentional connection, and showing up fully apply just as much to your contact list as they do to your closet. Whether you're drowning in physical clutter, a bloated network that isn't serving you, or simply feeling stuck, this conversation will make you rethink not only what you hold onto, but how you show up. Top Takeaways 1. Clutter is a delayed decision, not a character flaw — release the shame and treat it like any solvable problem. 2. Out of sight is not out of mind — hidden clutter still creates stress and steals focus from high achievers. 3. Authentic action beats a perfect plan — Lianne built 15 years of success by starting small and staying consistent. 4. Networking evolves with you — early on, quantity gets you started; quality and alignment sustain you long-term. 5. Read energy first — gut resonance is a reliable filter for who deserves more of your time and attention. 6. Share your network generously — introducing people doesn't diminish you; it multiplies your influence. 7. Lead with a compliment, not a pitch — personal openers create far more memorable connections. 8. Stand up and move — physical openness at networking events signals availability and draws people to you. 9. Small gestures compound over time — a two-second text or a handwritten note can sustain a relationship for over a decade. 10. Declutter in small bites — short, consistent efforts create lasting change; all-or-nothing thinking keeps you stuck. About Lianne Hofer Lianne Hofer is a TEDx speaker, two-time international best-selling author, and declutter expert who helps high-achieving women (and some men) clear the noise in their homes and lives — giving them the permission and space to create more happiness, focus, and freedom. With over 15 years of business experience as founder of The Clutter Consultant, Lianne brings a fresh, real-world perspective on building meaningful connections that actually move life and business forward. Blending practical strategy with powerful mindset shifts, her approach is both relatable and transformative — making you rethink not only what you hold onto, but how you show up. Her mission is simple: help you simplify, connect, and elevate. 🌐 TheClutterConsultant.com [http://TheClutterConsultant.com] | LianneHofer.com [http://LianneHofer.com] Resources & Links * 🌐 Lianne Hofer: LianneHofer.com [http://LianneHofer.com] * 🏠 The Clutter Consultant: TheClutterConsultant.com [http://TheClutterConsultant.com] * 📚 Lianne's books available at LianneHofer.com [http://LianneHofer.com] * 🎤 TEDx Talk — Sugar Creek Women, Charlotte, NC * 🌐 Network Build Grow Community: networkbuildgrow.com [https://networkbuildgrow.com] 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on networking, leadership, branding, and business growth  🌐 Join the Network Build Grow community at networkbuildgrow.com

The Psychology of Influence: How to Build Durable Business Relationships | Dana Klein

What separates professionals who consistently win business from those who don't? According to Dana Klein, it rarely comes down to the product — it comes down to the relationship. In this episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast, host Melissa Taylor sits down with Dana Klein, founder of Klein Strategies and a 35-year veteran of financial services, to unpack the science and psychology behind building relationships that actually stick. From the difference between information and application, to why "the Art of Wow" is a formula — not a feeling — Dana delivers a masterclass on what truly drives human decision-making, trust, and long-term loyalty in business. If you're in sales, business development, or simply trying to grow a more intentional network, this conversation will fundamentally shift how you think about connection. Top Takeaways 1. The product is never the differentiator — in most industries, relationships are the only lasting competitive advantage. 2. Information doesn't create change — application does — shift from training to coaching with repetition for real behavioral transformation. 3. Build durable relationships, not just contacts — invest in connections that can survive years of silence and still deliver. 4. Use The Art of Wow formula — make your gestures personal, surprising, and relevant to them, not just convenient for you. 5. Lead with calls, not emails — phone and face-to-face beat email at every stage of relationship building. 6. Don't abandon your old network — people from 20 or 30 years ago are often your warmest, most trusted connections. 7. AI is a tool, not a voice — use it to get close, but always add the human layer before you hit send. 8. Networking is more than half the job — if you treat it as optional, you'll see it reflected in your results. About Dana Klein Dana Klein is the founder of Klein Strategies, a consulting and coaching practice rooted in over 35 years of experience in financial services. Throughout his career, Dana worked extensively with investors and financial intermediaries, and came to one defining conclusion: the product is never the differentiator — the relationship is. That insight led Dana to spend the better part of two decades studying the psychology of influence — how people make decisions, what builds genuine trust, and how to motivate others to take action. Today, he channels that expertise into workshops, keynotes, and small-group coaching programs that help salespeople, business development professionals, and organizational leaders move from information overload to real, lasting behavioral change. Resources & Links * 🌐 Network Build Grow Community: networkbuildgrow.com [https://networkbuildgrow.com] * 💼 Klein Strategies — Business relationship consulting, coaching, and sales psychology training * 🔗 Connect with Dana Klein on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-klein57/ * 🛠️ GoHighLevel — CRM platform mentioned by Dana for follow-up automation 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on networking, leadership, branding, and business growth  🌐 Join the Network Build Grow community at networkbuildgrow.com

How to Network Like a Lifestyle, Not an Event | Josh Simpson

What if networking wasn't something you do, but something you are? In this episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast, host Melissa Taylor sits down with Josh Simpson, a business development advisor at HETO and two-term mayor of Rietville, South Carolina. Josh brings a uniquely layered perspective on networking, community service, and business growth — and shares the frameworks that have fueled his success both in the boardroom and the ballot box. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or brand new to professional networking, this conversation is packed with actionable strategies for building authentic relationships that drive real results. Top Takeaways 1. Networking is a lifestyle — you can meet valuable connections anywhere, at any time. 2. Always be networking — don't silo relationship-building to formal events. 3. An agenda isn't a bad thing — reframe what success looks like before you walk in the door. 4. Find common ground first — shared experiences lower walls and open doors. 5. Prep before events — LinkedIn research creates instant connection points. 6. Use a CRM — capturing personal details and following up on them builds extraordinary trust. 7. Mentorship is the fastest route — find someone to learn from and be transparent about it. 8. Don't carry the old network stigma — stay connected across industries and roles, even as your career evolves. About Josh Simpson Josh Simpson is a business development advisor and strategist at HETO, a national tax credit specialty firm that helps small and mid-sized businesses unlock credits, incentives, and grants to accelerate growth. With a background in public accounting — including an early career at KPMG — Josh brings both financial expertise and a deep service orientation to everything he does. Beyond his professional work, Josh serves as the Mayor of Rietville, South Carolina (located between Spartanburg and Greenville County), a role he's held for two terms. He views civic leadership as a family endeavor, and is driven by a core belief: service first. Resources & Links * 🌐 Network Build Grow Community: networkbuildgrow.com [https://networkbuildgrow.com] * 💼 HETO — Tax credit specialty advisory firm (credits, incentives & grants for small to mid-sized businesses) * 🔗 Connect with Josh Simpson on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/joshsimpsonspeaks/ Subscribe & Connect If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow entrepreneur or professional. Your support helps us bring more conversations like this one to business owners who are ready to build, grow, and connect. 👉 Not yet part of our community? Visit networkbuildgrow.com [https://networkbuildgrow.com] to join us. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on networking, leadership, branding, and business growth  🌐 Join the Network Build Grow community at networkbuildgrow.com

Start Scared, Start Sooner: How Jess Moore Went From Stay-at-Home Mom to AI Ads Entrepreneur

Jess Moore didn't walk into her first networking event with a polished pitch and a stack of business cards. She walked in with a brand new wardrobe she'd just bought because she hadn't been in the business world long enough to know what people even wore. That moment of showing up scared anyway? That's the whole episode. In this conversation, host Melissa Taylor sits down with Jess Moore, luxury travel curator and founder of Ads Lift Studio, to talk about what it really looks like to pivot into something new, why AI video ads are changing the game for small businesses, and how a stay-at-home mom built not one but two thriving businesses by deciding to start before she felt ready. What you'll hear in this episode: * How Jess discovered AI video ads while trying to market her own travel business and turned it into an entirely new company * Why the best ads are "almost obnoxious"  and how exaggerating your customer's pain point is exactly what makes them stop scrolling and say "how did you get in my head?" * The real reason she finally stepped out from behind the computer and what it cost her * Why authenticity at a networking event works like a magnet, the right people find you when you stop trying to sell and just show up as yourself * How she approaches every one-on-one: not to pitch, but to find out how she can help even if that means referring someone to someone else entirely * Why speed networking isn't her thing and what she does instead to actually build relationships * Her biggest piece of advice to her past self and every entrepreneur who keeps waiting until they're "ready": start scared, start sooner Connect with Jess Moore: 🌐 travelmooretoday.com [https://www.travelmooretoday.com] 🎯 adsliftstudio.com [https://www.adsliftstudio.com] Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with the entrepreneur in your life who keeps saying "I'll launch when I'm ready." Find us at networkbuildgrow.com [https://networkbuildgrow.com] 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on networking, leadership, branding, and business growth  🌐 Join the Network Build Grow community at networkbuildgrow.com