If you’ve ever thought:

“I don’t want to sound salesy.”

“I struggle to know what to say when they show interest.”

“I leave networking events with nothing concrete.”

You're invited to be part of the Buying Signals for Networkers 8 week mastermind, based on Nikki Rausch's book, Buying Signals.

Enrollment is now open, and it’s a live, practice-based experience focused on clarity, confidence, and knowing what to say when it comes to issuing next step invitations.

You can participate either virtually or in person, and you’ll have access to my Premium OKC Networking community for the entire mastermind, plus one month after it ends.

👉 Join Buying Signals for Networkers at $325 and start recognizing real interest in your networking conversations.

Learn more and enroll here: https://thenetworkerstourguide.com/buysignals

In this episode of The Networker’s Tour Guide, host Faithann Basore welcomes back returning guest Dirk Houglum of DMP Home Inspections for a candid conversation as part of the Realtor-Ready Networker Series.

Networking in the real estate industry can feel especially overwhelming when you’re surrounded by others who offer the same services. Dirk shares what it really takes to build trust with realtors, why honesty and integrity matter, and how staying true to your values strengthens long-term relationships.

Together, Faithann and Dirk discuss common challenges trades professionals face when networking with realtors, including navigating competition, providing value beyond the sale, and earning trust over time. Dirk also explains why collaboration with others in your industry can lead to stronger relationships, increased confidence, and better referral opportunities.

This episode is a must-listen for home inspectors, roofers, lenders, and other real estate-adjacent professionals who want to become truly realtor-ready and build relationships that last.

Becoming realtor-ready means showing up with integrity, providing real value, and allowing trust to build over time. When you focus on honesty, collaboration, and service, strong and lasting realtor relationships naturally follow.

Follow Doug-

• 🔗 Website

• 📺 YouTube

• 👥 Facebook

Follow Faithann-

Instagram: @thenetworkerstourguide

Join Premium OKC Networking for $65 for a 1 year access to Faithann's networking calendar, community forum, and networking courses.

Join the Private Community: The Networker’s Tour Guide on Facebook

In this episode, Faithann Basore kicks off The Realtor-Ready Series, designed to help realtors and real-estate-adjacent professionals—such as inspectors, roofers, and lenders—build stronger referral relationships.She’s joined by Jackie Benjamin to explore how strategic social media engagement can build rapport before you ever meet in person, making real-life networking feel familiar instead of forced.

Jackie shares a simple engagement strategy that takes just 15 minutes a day and helps business owners create visibility, trust, and connection before showing up to events.

When relationships are warmed up online, in-person introductions feel easier and more natural. Faithann explains that once trust is built digitally, you simply need to show up—without overthinking it.

Jackie introduces a repeatable way to engage genuinely on social media:

• A – Acknowledge the post with specificity

• T – Tip add a helpful insight from your expertise

• Q – Question invite conversation

This approach increases replies, visibility, and real connection.

This is not a “follow everyone” strategy. Jackie emphasizes focusing on:

• primary referral partners who serve the same clients

• secondary visibility partners whose audiences include homeowners

Consistent visibility builds familiarity—and familiarity builds trust.

If posting feels overwhelming:

• aim for one post per week

• spend 15 minutes a day engaging

With the right people in your feed, engagement becomes faster and more effective.

Download Jackie's 15 Minute Social Media Checklist here.

Faithann encourages professionals to stay aware of what’s happening in their partners’ industries. Understanding industry shifts builds credibility and leads to better conversations and stronger relationships.

• Jackie’s 15-minute daily engagement checklist

Connect with Jackie

• Website - https://www.weassistbusiness.com/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/weassistmarketing
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackiebenjamin/

Join Faithann's Buying Signals for Networkers Mastermind, designed to help networkers recognize buying signals and invite next steps with confidence—without sounding pushy. Both in-person and virtual options are available. The mastermind is 8 Weeks and begins in early Feb. 2026.

Connect with Faithann:

• Instagram: @thenetworkerstourguide

• Join Premium OKC Networking for $65 for a 1 year access to Faithann's networking calendar, community forum, and networking courses.

• Join the Private Community: The Networker’s Tour Guide on Facebook

In this episode, Faithann is joined by Molly Zang, owner of Novel Optical in downtown Oklahoma City, to talk about how business owners can collaborate with non-competing professionals who serve the same audience—and why those partnerships are one of the most overlooked networking opportunities.

Rather than chasing new audiences from scratch, this conversation explores how collaboration, education, and thoughtful referrals can expand reach, build rapport, and bring the right people together in a natural, non-salesy way.

• Why collaborating with professionals who don’t compete but serve the same clients is one of the smartest ways to grow your network

• How Molly’s approach to eyewear begins with deep lifestyle questions, not products

• Why photographers, graphic designers, estheticians, and other creatives often have unique optical needs they don’t realize can be supported

• How education-based collaborations (webinars, lunch & learns, PDFs) build credibility and trust faster than traditional networking

• Why brick-and-mortar businesses should invite people into their space even when they don’t need the service yet

You don’t need more people—you need better alignment. When you collaborate with professionals who already have the trust of the audience you want to reach, everyone wins.

Molly Zang is the owner of Novel Optical, a woman-owned, independent optical shop in downtown Oklahoma City specializing in handcrafted, toxin-free eyewear. Novel Optical focuses exclusively on eyewear—offering highly personalized fittings, thoughtful recommendations, and a welcoming, colorful experience that feels anything but clinical.

• Website: noveloptical.com

• Instagram & Facebook: @NovelOptical

• Location: Corner of 9th & Hudson, Midtown Oklahoma City

Connect with Faithann: Instagram: @thenetworkerstourguide

Join Premium OKC Networking for $65 for a 1 year access to Faithann's networking calendar, community forum, and networking courses.

Join the Private Community: The Networker’s Tour Guide on Facebook

Join Faithann's Buying Signals for Networkers Mastermind, designed to help networkers recognize buying signals and invite next steps with confidence—without sounding pushy. Both in-person and virtual options are available. The mastermind is 8 Weeks and begins in early Feb. 2026.

Join the Buying Signals HERE.

As you listen, ask yourself: Who serves the same people I do—but in a different way? That might be your next best collaboration.

If you’d like help identifying or structuring collaborations like the ones discussed in this episode, Faithann invites you to reach out via email or message her on Facebook. Email Faithann at faithann@thenetworkerstourguide.com.

Welcome to Episode 64 of the The Networker’s Tour Guide with host Faithann Basore.

This episode is a best-of compilation featuring insights from the final ten guests, each answering one simple question:

What do you like to see when you network—and what do you not like to see?

Their answers reveal clear patterns about what makes networking feel welcoming, effective, and authentic—and what quietly pushes people away.

• Open, inclusive conversations

• Authentic, direct communication

• Hosts who actively welcome people

• Early arrivals and relaxed connections

• Education-driven events

• Vulnerability and real conversations

• Booking next steps while still in the room

• Closed circles and ignored newcomers

• Hidden agendas or forced “friendship”

• Being sold to instead of listened to

• Low energy or unwelcoming rooms

Find the Full Episodes from Each Guest Below:

Episode 31: Authenticity Across Platforms-Why Your Brand Voice Must Match with Patricia Viscount

Episode 33: Rewiring Your Brain for Confidence and Connection in Networking with Brandi Gilstrap

Episode 34: Treat It Like a Business-MLM Success with Lupita Linda

Episode 35: Taking Care of the Underdogs-Building Lasting Relationships with Mendy from the Honey Do Checklist

Episode 37: Voice, Confidence, & Connection-How a Professional Voiceover Uses Networking with Connor Quin

Episode 38: Building Community & Following Up with Intention with Rodger Taylor

Episode 43: From Visibility to Profitability-Building Trust Through Referrals with Dirk Houglum

Episode 44: What's In Their Pockets? Stories, Scams, and Google Review Gold with Garrett and Nolan

Episode 45: Building Bold Businesses & Email Funnels That Convert with MacKenzie Morris

Episode 47: Creating Spaces That Last-Businesses, Retreats, and Community with Danielle Throckmorton

In the coming weeks, Faithann will be launching a special series within the podcast focused on networking in and around the real estate industry. You’ll hear from realtors and professionals who serve them, with insight into how relationships are built and referrals are earned across connected industries.

Featured Invitation

Faithann also shares details about her upcoming Buying Signals for Networkers Mastermind, designed to help networkers recognize buying signals and invite next steps with confidence—without sounding pushy. Both in-person and virtual options are available. The mastermind is 8 Weeks and begins in early Feb. 2026.

Hop on the Buying Signals waitlist for first access + special pricing. https://thenetworkerstourguide.com/buyingsignals

Connect with Faithann: Instagram: @thenetworkerstourguide

Join Premium OKC Networking for $65 for a 1 year access to Faithann's networking calendar, community forum, and networking courses.

Join the Private Community: The Networker’s Tour Guide on Facebook

In this solo-style episode, Faithann switches things up by having her daughter step in as the interviewer, guiding a thoughtful conversation about one of the most overlooked networking skills: adjusting your introduction based on the time you’re given.

Faithann reflects on two networking meetings she attended back-to-back—one where she had a full minute to speak, and another where she could only share her name and business. From those experiences, she breaks down how confident networkers tailor their words to fit the moment.

• Why your introduction should change based on whether you have 5 seconds, 30 seconds, or a full minute

• How to think of your intro like gift wrapping—matching the words to the size of the opportunity

• When a short descriptor or tagline can add clarity without breaking the rules

• Why visibility in the room still matters, even when you can’t say much

• Why networking during the holidays can actually create stronger referral opportunities

Faithann also shares details about her upcoming Buying Signals for Networkers Mastermind, designed to help networkers recognize buying signals and invite next steps with confidence—without sounding pushy. Both in-person and virtual options are available. The mastermind is 8 Weeks and begins in early Feb. 2026.

Hop on the Buying Signals waitlist for first access + special pricing. 👉https://thenetworkerstourguide.com/buyingsignals

Connect with Faithann: Instagram: @thenetworkerstourguide

Join Premium OKC Networking for $65 for a 1 year access to Faithann's networking calendar, community forum, and networking courses.

Join the Private Community: The Networker’s Tour Guide on Facebook

Previous Episodes Mentioned:

Episode 55: Networking in Unbridled Potential

Episode 17: Your Perfect Elevator Pitch (Part 2) with Nate Howell

Go and network, my friend—and make every interaction count.

Saying no doesn’t have to damage relationships. In this solo episode, Faithann shares practical ways to decline invitations, events, and discovery calls with grace—while still building trust and rapport. You’ll learn how thoughtful networkers listen generously, keep conversations moving forward, and leave doors open even when the answer isn’t yes.

Faithann also shares why recognizing buying signals matters just as much as declining with grace. When you know how to listen for curiosity and readiness in conversation, you won’t miss natural opportunities to invite the right people to take the next step. Details about the upcoming Buying Signals for Networkers Mastermind—based on Nikki Rausch’s Buying Signals—are included for listeners who want guided practice and deeper confidence in these conversations.

Hop on the Buying Signals waitlist for first access + special pricing. 👉 https://thenetworkerstourguide.com/buyingsignals

Previous Episodes Mentioned in This Episode:

Episode 61: The Race to Positive Interactions- Networking When Others Do What You Do

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

Connect with Faithann: Instagram: @thenetworkerstourguide

Join Premium OKC Networking for $65 for a 1 year access to Faithann's networking calendar, community forum, and networking courses.

Join the Private Community: The Networker’s Tour Guide on Facebook

This solo episode was inspired by a question that popped up inside Premium OKC Networking, my online platform where local business owners can find vetted places to connect across the metro. Members can ask questions, share offers, and access the Learning Tab — complete with courses and videos of every organizer featured on the networking calendar.

This week, a member asked:

“What should someone do when there are several people in their same industry at a networking meeting?”

That question sparked today’s episode.

To answer it, I walk through what I’d say to a coaching client facing that same frustration — someone like “Beth,” a photographer who feels overshadowed in rooms where two or three other photographers regularly show up. Before talking strategy, we start with mindset. And yes… that mindset comes with a very Faithann version of the Cinderella story — fairy godmother included — to help reframe the idea of “competition.”

Because here’s the truth: You’re not competing with the title on someone’s name tag. You’re building relationships through the kinds of positive interactions only you can create.

Your identity isn’t “photographer,” “planner,” “inspector,” or “agent.” Your value is your problem-solving perspective — the one thing that can’t be copied, xeroxed, or duplicated.

Networking isn’t about eliminating competition. It’s about stacking enough positive interactions that people begin to think: “I trust you with this referral.”

If everyone in the room has the same “blue eyes,” what truly sets you apart is everything else you bring into the room — your voice, your rapport, your curiosity, your generosity, your approach.

You’ll hear practical strategies including:

• Joining an industry-exclusive group (and the mindset required once you do)

• Starting your own group if no seat opens

• Using paid membership tiers within open groups to increase exposure

• Serving in leadership to create more natural interactions

• Building abundance-based relationships with others in your same industry

You’ll learn:

• Why badmouthing or subtly undercutting others will always backfire

• How scarcity energy repels referrals

• How to acknowledge peers with abundance and tact

• A simple seating strategy to make pitch time more comfortable

Join my Facebook community: The Networker’s Tour Guide on Facebook — I go live every week at 5 PM with networking tips and strategies.

Explore Premium OKC Networking: If you're local to Oklahoma City and want one trusted place to find vetted networking events, discussion threads, organizer videos, and networking courses — membership is just $65/year.

✨ 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

Previous Episodes Mentioned in the Episode:

Episode 53 with Leah Rose Tangren

Episode 43 with Dirk Houglum

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

In this episode, Faithann takes you behind the scenes of her Live at Five trainings inside The Networker’s Tour Guide Facebook group. You’ll hear a curated compilation of four short lives (from August–November 2025) all focused on one thing: helping you use your introduction time with confidence, clarity, and curiosity—without rambling or listing everything you do.

You’ll also hear Faithann reflect on why repeating powerful concepts matters. Just like the decision-making framework she learned from former guest Danielle Baily, some ideas need to be heard more than once before they show up in how we actually behave in the room.

If you’ve ever felt rushed, scattered, or apologetic during your pitch time, this episode will feel like a mini-workshop you can replay again and again.

• How to weave gratitude into your pitch Use one of your weekly pitches each year to publicly thank someone in your networking group—like the person who invited you, a member you look up to, or your leadership team—and why this “word hug” builds trust and goodwill in the room.

• Why going over your time hurts your credibility What really happens when you say, “Just one more thing…” after your time is clearly up—and how it impacts both your reputation and the leader’s ability to end the meeting on time.

• The “elevator” analogy for your elevator pitch How to take your listeners down into one clear scenario (who you’re looking for, what they’re saying/feeling/doing) and then gently bring them back up with a simple way to bring you up in conversation—instead of doing a sideways, “Tasmanian devil” list of everything you offer.

• What Sesame Street can teach you about your introduction Why you should skip caveats, apologies, and “I was going to talk about…” and jump straight into your name, your business, and the story or scenario you want people to remember.

• How to bring “fairy godmother energy” to your pitch A fresh way to see yourself as a powerful problem-solver—waving one clear magic wand to help clients get from stuck to the result they really want, instead of trying to cram tacos, Mustangs, and trips to Tahiti into one minute. 😉

• Five simple tweaks to make your pitch more memorable Including:

  • Saying your name and business twice (beginning and end)

  • Enunciating clearly if your name/business is uncommon

  • Using pauses to let important phrases land

  • Matching your tone to the emotion of your story

  • Focusing on one kind of referral per pitch, not all of them

• How repetition helps you actually use these ideas Why hearing these concepts multiple times makes it more likely they’ll come to mind in the moment—right before you stand up to speak.

• Danielle Baily – Decision-making framework that inspired Faithann’s reminder that some ideas need to be heard more than once

• Episode 27- The Experts We Meet Part 3 with Danielle Baily

• The Networker’s Tour Guide Facebook Group – Faithann’s free community where she hosts weekly Live at Five trainings, invites members to share offers and events, and helps you sharpen your pitch in real time

🎧 After you listen: Ask yourself, “What’s one small tweak I can make to my next pitch—this week?” Then try it at your next meeting and notice how the room responds.