Well Connected with Ricky and Fletch
A podcast about networking. We interview best in class networkers to learn how to build stronger networks that lead to a consistent flow of referral business.
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Episodes
Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
About the Guest(s):
Sandro Marc-Charles is a business networking professional known for his role with Gladiator Excellence, BNI, and as an all-star networker who brings a wealth of experience and insight to the community. He specializes in restaurant solutions, increasing profit margins for owners, and is recognized for his strategic approach to business growth. His commitment to refining networking techniques and leveraging structured plans makes him a standout figure in the field.
Episode Summary:
In this episode of “Well Connected with Ricky and Fletch,” the hosts welcome returning guest Sandro Marc-Charles for an intensive discussion on mastering networking events and optimizing interactions for business growth. This insightful episode dives into the art of creating meaningful connections, providing actionable strategies to enhance networking skills, and revealing the benefits of being intentional and prepared when attending conferences and networking functions.
Sandro, with his infectious energy and strategic mindset, breaks down his approach to attending networking events such as the BNI National Conference. The conversation covers the value of crafting an effective personal pitch, the reasons behind selective networking, and the importance of follow-up communications. Sandro’s upcoming panel at the BNI conference in Las Vegas becomes a focal point, where he will represent Gladiator Excellence and share his tales of overcoming adversity to achieve greatness.
Key Takeaways:
Structured Networking Approach: Sandro emphasizes the importance of preparing for networking events with a structured approach, including crafting a personal pitch without industry jargon.
Impactful Storytelling: Sharing a relatable success story during networking can significantly impact and foster meaningful connections.
Discerning Networking: Being selective with the connections you make and the business cards you accept can lead to more fruitful networking outcomes.
Importance of Follow-up: Adequate follow-up after networking events, such as personalized emails, is crucial for building relationships that can impact business growth.
Networking Integration: Integrating networking techniques with personal authenticity, like Sandro’s lighthearted manner and engaging personality, can enhance the overall experience.
Notable Quotes:
“Success is just slightly above average. Basically, you’re willing to do what most people won’t do so that later on you can do whatever you want to do.” - Sandro Marc-Charles
“I appreciate you both for giving me additional exposure here. Thank you.” - Sandro Marc-Charles
“Work on being interested before being interesting, because when people find you’re interested in their business, they find you interesting.” - Sandro Marc-Charles referencing Ivan Misner
“You go to the national conference… It’ll be worth your time. And make sure you stop and say hello to me.” - Sandro Marc-Charles
Resources:
Sandro Marc-Charles’ Email: sandro@gladiatorexcellence.com
Digital Business Card: sandromc.com
Books Mentioned: “Marketing Made Simple” by Donald Miller
BNI National Conference Website: BNI US and Canada National Conference 2024 Registration
Tune into the full episode to hear Sandro’s full insights and strategies on how to excel at your next networking event, and don’t miss out on his panel at the BNI National Conference. Stay connected for more episodes from “Well Connected with Ricky and Fletch,” where guests like Sandro share their experience and expertise.
#BNI #NETWORKING #SOCIALNETWORKING #REFERRALNETWORKING #BUSINESS #BUSINESSNETWORKING
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
About the Guest(s):
Anna Rivers is the managing director of BNI Oregon and Southwest Washington, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the networking landscape. She comes from an early childhood development and inclusion teaching background and ventured into BNI on the heels of a happy hour invitation that turned out to be a networking event. Since joining in 2019, Anna has climbed the ranks rapidly, from becoming a member to directing chapter launches and finally taking on the leadership role. Anna’s dedication to fostering business growth and her belief in networking as a transformational tool for businesses and personal development stand out as her professional accomplishments.
Episode Summary:
In this episode of “Well Connected with Ricky and Fletch,” we delve into the transformative power of networking with special guest Anna Rivers, a networking dynamo and the managing director of BNI Oregon and Southwest Washington. The conversation navigates the realities of networking, the intricacies of growing business connections, and the strategies that lead to successful business expansion.
Anna Rivers shares valuable insights from her journey, starting as a teacher and transitioning into a key figure in the networking domain. Her hands-on experience in launching BNI chapters and her approach to managing business growth were highlighted, emphasizing the critical role of having an abundance mindset. Through her guidance, listeners gain an understanding of the importance of relationship-building, referral-generating strategies, and fostering a culture of accountability within networking groups.
Key Takeaways:
Networking should always be approached with an abundance mindset, recognizing that there is enough business for everyone.
The structure of BNI and similar organizations offers valuable managerial and operational skills that can directly benefit one’s business.
Visitor invitation and follow-up strategies in networking groups are crucial and comparable to sales processes in business.
Accountability and culture are essential within BNI chapters; they drive the energy and success of networking efforts.
Building a trusted network through BNI is invaluable, making every member more resourceful to their clients due to trusted connections.
Notable Quotes:
“If you can apply it to BNI, you can apply it to your business.” - Anna Rivers
“Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” - Anna Rivers
“Givers gain is a powerful thing. It’s like an unseen force.” - Ricky
“There’s nothing more powerful than… becoming 20 times more valuable to your clients because you can provide those introductions to other people that you trust.” - Anna Rivers
“If you’re always being that people first, giver first…your business is going to flourish.” - Anna Rivers
Resources:
Resources and references mentioned in the episode include: - BNI Oregon and Southwest Washington - LinkedIn as a tool for inviting visitors to BNI chapters - The significance of the “Power of One” reporting within BNI
Stay tuned to “Well Connected with Ricky and Fletch” for more enlightening discussions that help you harness the incredible potential of networking to elevate both your business and personal growth. Tune in to the full episode to absorb Anna Rivers’ valuable insights and implement them into your networking strategies.
Tuesday Mar 26, 2024
Tuesday Mar 26, 2024
About the Guest(s):
Jenni Butz is the esteemed Director of US Training with BNI Global. With roots in education, Jenni initially followed her passion for teaching, serving as a high school French and English teacher before embarking on her BNI journey. Her transitional shift from the education sector to BNI came with a pivotal role as a chapter member and later as a representative. Her upper-hand experience in networking and growing connections led her to manage the BNI region of Western Washington. Jenni’s expertise and dedication have seen her evolve within BNI, where she now focuses on enhancing the training and communications for the organization, shaping new members to grasp the essence of networking and to thrive in their business endeavors.
Episode Summary:
In the latest episode of “Well Connected with Ricky and Fletch,” the hosts dive deep into the art of networking with the vibrant Jenni Butz. Jenni’s insights bring to light the challenges and triumphs within the BNI network, particularly when it comes to retaining new members and maximizing their networking experience.
In a flowing conversation, Jenni lays bare the often daunting world of business networking for new entrepreneurs. The episode throws a spotlight on how crucial it is for new BNI members to quickly adapt and leverage the organization’s resources to stimulate growth. With warmth and wit, Jenni discusses how mentoring and structured training profoundly affect member retention and success within the BNI framework.
Jenni emphasizes the significance of connecting BNI activities with business goals to solidify the association’s value.
The episode sheds light on enhancing weekly presentations and one-to-ones, advocating for them to be strategic sessions aimed at generating tangible referrals.
Increasing member retention is touted as a pivotal factor for business growth within BNI, highlighting the need for early engagement and culture fit.
The conversation reaffirms the impact of culture on chapter success, focusing on the benefits of injecting strategic leadership and active member participation.
Jenni shares anecdotes and best practices, setting a fervent foundation for members to build sustainable networks that benefit all parties involved.
Key Takeaways:
Establishing Early Connections: The first 90 days are critical for new BNI members, and creating immediate tangible value can ensure longer retention.
Strategic Networking: Viewing every interaction as a networking opportunity is pivotal to expanding one’s network and generating referrals.
Weekly Presentation Tightening: A sharpened 30-second pitch can dramatically improve the chances of achieving desired referrals.
Visitor Engagement: Every visitor to a BNI meeting is a potential goldmine who should be treated with utmost respect and importance.
Leadership and Culture: The essence of a chapter’s success is deeply intertwined with the culture established through leadership and active membership participation.
Notable Quotes:
“Invite people you care about to meet people you care about.”
“You have to do six things a thousand times, not a thousand things six times.”
“It’s about building a business by building relationships.”
“Who can I introduce you to?”
“Everything rises and falls on leadership.”
Resources:
BNI Global Website
The Power of One Podcast
We encourage you to listen to the full episode to glean Jenni Butz’ expert guidance to revolutionize your networking tactics. Tune in for more thought-provoking discussions that could transform your business networking approach.
#BNI #NETWORKING #BUSINESS #SOCIALNETWORKING #REFERRALS
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
About the Guest(s):
Emily Purry is a seasoned corporate trainer, keynote speaker, and consultant with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). As the lead at Purry Consultants, Emily leverages her personal experiences to educate and advocate for people with disabilities in corporate environments. Her expertise extends to providing corporate training from a perspective of empathy and understanding. Emily, who is legally blind, is also an athlete with a passion for sports, including soccer, track, javelin throwing, and surfing.
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Well Connected with Ricky and Fletch, we welcome the insightful Emily Purry of Purry Consultants. Emily brings her wealth of experience as a corporate trainer and consultant focusing on the critical DEI space. The conversation delves deep into how Emily has harnessed networking to fuel her business’s growth and how she’s shattering barriers within corporate training.
Starting with an engaging icebreaker, Emily recounts her athletic journey and her aspirations for Olympic surfing. We then transition into a meaningful discussion on the challenges of networking with a visual impairment. Emily shares personal stories and offers practical advice for making networking events more inclusive for individuals with disabilities. She emphasizes the humanity behind interactions and the importance of treating people with autonomy and respect, regardless of their abilities.
Key Takeaways:
Networking can be a challenging experience for individuals with disabilities, and it’s vital to create inclusive environments.
Greet and address the person first before noting any accompanying service animal or mobility device they may have.
Ask all guests if there is anything that can be done to make the event more successful for them, allowing for an opportunity to request accommodations.
Businesses and events should consider all forms of accessibility, including physical and digital spaces, to accommodate a wide range of disabilities.
The way people with disabilities are treated not only affects their direct experiences but can influence the perceptions and actions of their entire network.
Notable Quotes:
“Address the human. That’s the biggest thing.”
“Just observe and move forward and be respectful and do your best to learn and understand and grow around folks with disabilities.”
“We’re humans. We want to be independent. We want to be autonomous. We want to be business owners. We want to be respected as business owners.”
Resources:
Emily’s consulting company: Purry Consultants (website not explicitly mentioned)
Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube (specific handles not provided)
Tune in to the full episode to gain a deeper understanding of making connections and networking in an inclusive manner. Emily Purry’s insights remind us how integral awareness and accommodation are to fostering a more accepting professional environment. Be sure to follow the show for more enlightening discussions with industry leaders and experts.
#BNI #DEI #DEIA #SOCIALNETWORKING #NETWORKING #PROFESSIONALNETWORKING #REFERRALS #SALES
Wednesday Mar 13, 2024
Wednesday Mar 13, 2024
About the Guest(s):
Jeremy Marcott wears many hats—he’s the owner and tech guy behind Viable Source, a company specializing in web development, design, search engine optimization, and marketing. Jeremy has been entrenched in the industry since 2016, when he committed full-time to his passion. With a colorful professional background that ranges from painting boats to manufacturing landing gears for aircraft, Jeremy brings a diverse range of experiences to his current role. His focus? Partnering with small businesses to enhance their online presence and make sure they get found.
Episode Summary:
In this insightful conversation with Jeremy Marcott, listeners get a front-row seat to the mind of an individual whose expertise lies in connecting businesses with their online audience. Jeremy details his journey from various beginnings to becoming the marketing maestro and tech aficionado he is today.
The first section of our episode delves into Jeremy’s transition from exploring various job roles to finding his niche in the digital marketing world. Jeremy candidly shares why genuine connection supersedes transactional interactions and how leveraging one’s life experiences can elevate your networking skills. In the latter part of our discussion, Jeremy imparts strategic advice on enhancing networking efforts and the importance of being intentional in every business interaction.
Key Takeaways:
Authenticity is key in networking—being your genuine self helps in building meaningful connections.
The power of being intentional: Jeremy emphasizes the impact of planning and intentionality in networking events and client interactions.
The strategy of stacking one-to-ones at a familiar venue as a means of creating seamless introductions and potential referral opportunities.
Understanding the importance of quickly and clearly communicating your business’s value proposition to make a lasting impression.
Cyberstalking, in a business context—researching potential connections ahead of a one-on-one can tailor conversations for deeper engagement.
Notable Quotes:
“Everybody’s been to a coffee shop and it always kind of feels the same… But if the conversation sucks, you golf a lot.”
“Do you wake up in the morning and want to go to work to do the thing?”
“But if you put that pressure on yourself and start freaking out about the possibility of meeting somebody who’s going to be the mayor or a councilman… you’re never going to put your best self forward.”
“Find something that separates you from other people.”
“Everything you do in business, in marketing and everything like that, needs to be intentional at first until it becomes second nature.”
Resources:
Connect with Jeremy for networking or learning more about his services at connectwithjeremy.com.
Engage with this episode to discover how embracing your unique story and strategically nurturing relationships can enhance your networking game. Jeremy’s approach is not only refreshing but also packed with actionable insights. Keep an ear out for our future episodes for more enlightening exchanges like this one.
#BNI #BNINETWORKING #BUSINESSNETWORKING #SOCIALNETWORKING #REFERRALS
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
About the Guest(s):
Brian Loebig is a highly accomplished professional in the field of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Internet marketing. As the mastermind behind Loebig, Inc., he has built a powerhouse company that assists businesses in boosting their online presence across the United States. Brian’s exceptional skill in creating connections has positioned him as a go-to wizard for strategies and secrets in the digital marketing space. With a vast treasure trove of knowledge and experience, Brian continues to be a guiding beacon for both networking beginners and seasoned experts seeking to elevate their business connections.
Episode Summary:
In this captivating episode of Well Connected with Ricky and Fletch, we’re excited to dive into the world of SEO and internet marketing with the esteemed guest, Brian Loebig. Brian’s story is not just one of success but also of adaptability and growth through networking. With a passion for entrepreneurship sparked during his MBA at Marquette University, Brian capitalized on his coding skills to forge a path as a solo web developer before embarking on a journey that would lead him to create Loebig, Inc.
This episode delves into the transformative power of business networking, particularly through the lens of Brian’s experiences with Business Networking International (BNI). Listeners will gain invaluable insights into how cultivating an abundance mindset can lead to exponential business growth and the doubling of revenue through strategic networking practices. Brian shares his philosophy of embracing competition as collaboration, which has become a cornerstone of his success in creating a lucrative network of referrals.
The episode showcases Brian’s journey from a laid-off executive to a thriving business owner.
Learn how Brian’s approach to growth through BNI has helped him achieve impressive milestones.
Discover the potential for exponential business expansion with the right networking strategies.
Key Takeaways:
The significance of adopting an abundance mindset in professional networking to double revenue year-over-year.
Building power teams within BNI chapters as a catalyst for increased business referrals and growth.
The importance of the membership committee in shaping the culture and success of a chapter.
Brian’s strategy of specializing and inviting competitors into his network to unlock new referral opportunities.
Practical insights on how a BNI chapter benefits from growth and how power teams function effectively at scale.
Notable Quotes:
“Once I learned that 60% of your revenue in BNI comes from your contact sphere… I actively went out and recruited… to grow my business.” - Brian Loebig
“Even though I’m a marketing guy… this [BNI] is the primary way that I’ve grown my business.” - Brian Loebig
“I know when you start and get it to 50, 60 members, the revenue is going to follow that. And the excitement activity… it’s going to grow.” - Brian Loebig
“We want to grow because we want more business. Do you want more business? Do you want to make more money?” - Brian Loebig
“The larger you grow, the more average revenue everyone in the chapter makes.” - Brian Loebig
As we wrap up this enlightening episode, we encourage you to listen to the full conversation to absorb all of the wisdom that Brian Loebig has to offer. Stay tuned for more inspiring content just like this from Well Connected with Ricky and Fletch.
#BNI #NETWORKING #SOCIALNETWORING #REFERRALS #REFERRALNETWORKING #BUSINESSNETWORKING #SALES
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
About The Guest(s): David Yasa is a business coach and the director of marketing and sales for a medical device company. With over 19 years of experience in the business world, David has built and led successful marketing and sales teams, launched and managed products, and developed strong relationships with key stakeholders. He is known for his expertise in growing revenue streams and helping businesses achieve sustainable growth.
Summary: In this episode, Ricky and Fletch interview David Yasa, a business coach and marketing expert. David shares his insights on networking and building successful relationships. He emphasizes the importance of consistency and adding value to others. David also discusses the power of one-to-one meetings and how they can lead to referrals and business growth. He highlights the need to focus on building trust and finding common ground with others. David’s approach to networking is centered around giving and building strong connections.
Key Takeaways: - Consistency and positive habits are key to achieving success in networking and business. - Building trust and finding common ground with others is crucial for building strong relationships. - Adding value to others is the foundation of successful networking and business growth. - One-to-one meetings provide an opportunity to deepen relationships and identify ways to support each other. - Networking is not just about the quantity of connections, but the quality of relationships.
Quotes: - “If you give, you’re going to get back. If you invest, you’re going to get a return on your investment.” - David Yasa - “Money is in the relationships. Build relationships with people. If you want to make money, build relationships with people.” - David Yasa
Connect with David:
dyassa@thegrowthcoach.com
#BNI #NETWORKING #SOCIALNETWORKING #BUSINESSNETWORKING #REFERRALNETWORKING
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
About The Guest(s): Adam is the founder and CEO of Rate Tracker, a software and payment processing company. He has built his business from scratch and has experienced significant success over the past two years.
Summary: Adam emphasizes the uniqueness of his business offer, highlighting the value of their software. He advises playing the long game in networking, focusing on reputation over money. Adam stresses the importance of doing what you say you’re going to do and being true to yourself. He shares his coffee order and provides contact information for those interested in connecting.
Key Takeaways: - Uniqueness of the business offer lies in their software. - Play the long game in networking and prioritize reputation over money. - Do what you say you’re going to do and be true to yourself.
Quotes: - “Your network is your net worth.” - Adam - “Reputation is more important than money.” - Adam - “Do what you say you’re going to do. Be who you say you are and deliver.” - Fletch
#NETWORKING #SOCIALNETWORKING
Thursday Feb 15, 2024
Thursday Feb 15, 2024
About the Guest(s):
Gladys Boutwell is a seasoned insurance professional with a rich background in employee benefits and health insurance. As the “Principal Broker” at Insurance by Design, she brings a wealth of experience, fluency in multiple languages, and a passion for helping people understand the ins and outs of insurance. Gladys is also deeply involved in her local community, participating on multiple boards and actively engaging in networking groups to support and educate others in her industry.
Episode Summary:
In this engaging episode, we’re introduced to Gladys Boutwell, an insurance broker who intertwines her intrinsic values with her profession. Specializing in employee benefits and health insurance, Gladys takes pride in educating her clients and delivering personalized service. Beyond her brokerage work, she’s a pivotal member of her local community, serving on several boards, and contributing to various networks.
The conversation kicks off with Gladys detailing her journey from the corporate world in Southern California to starting her own insurance agency in Oregon. She recounts the challenges faced during the shift and the importance of networking as a catalyst for growth. With open enrollment as a backdrop, Gladys emphasizes the impact of trust-building and market expertise on her flourishing referral-based business model.
Listeners can expect to gain insights from Gladys on the critical role of networking in business development, her strategies for effective time management, and her approach to servicing clients. Through meaningful engagement and a clear focus on clients’ needs, Gladys showcases how dedication and strategic connections pave the way to success in the insurance industry.
Key Takeaways:
Building strong, individual relationships within local communities can accelerate the recognition and success of your business.
Creating a comprehensive and strictly adhered-to calendar is crucial for balancing numerous responsibilities and maximizing productivity.
Networking is not just about expanding your client base but also about connecting others, which can lead to unexpected and valuable business growth.
Transitioning focus in your business offerings doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning existing services, as they can still attract referrals and enrich your portfolio.
Educating clients and having transparent conversations about their insurance options cultivate trust and long-term business relationships.
Notable Quotes:
“I built relationships through my networking, I built trust, and because I built trust then their clients that they couldn’t serve now trusted me because it was through them.”
“Money doesn’t drive me. It’s important, I do like it, but it doesn’t drive me. For me, what drives me is helping and educating.”
“Being intentional and making it easier for us, because if we’re going to make excuses, there’s always an excuse. Let’s look at the excuses that could happen and how we can overcome them.”
“If it’s important, it’s going to get done and what gets measured gets done. That’s my measurement stick is my calendar.”
“By taking care of people and doing the right things and guiding them…I continue to do that in helping others. And in helping others, it’s come back to me tenfold.”
Resources:
Gladys Boutwell’s insurance agency, Insurance by Design: insurancedesignpros.com
Her book “Health Insurance Secrets Revealed” is discussed, and an upcoming book focused on employee benefits for all budgets is mentioned.
Tune in to the full episode to hear Gladys Boutwell share her experiences and practical tips for flourishing in the fast-paced world of insurance. Don’t miss out on more insightful conversations from our podcast series!
Connect with Gladys:
gladys@insurancedesignpros.com.
#BNI #BNINETWORKING #SOCIALNETWORKING #BUSINESSNETWORKING #REFERRALS
Wednesday Jan 24, 2024
Wednesday Jan 24, 2024
About The Guest(s): Chris Borja is the founder of the Connected networking group and the author of the bestselling book, Networking Essentials for Success. He is passionate about helping people build meaningful connections and believes that we are all better together.
Summary: In this episode, Ricky and Fletch interview Chris Borja, the founder of the Connected networking group. Chris shares his journey from being a shy introvert to becoming a networking expert. He discusses the importance of building relationships and creating a strong community. Chris also explains his unique approach to networking and how he is changing the world one connection at a time.
Key Takeaways: - Networking is about building relationships and sharing resources to create a win-win situation. - Creating a comfortable and non-intimidating environment is crucial for successful networking. - The key to networking success is to focus on connecting with people and adding value to their lives. - Building a strong network can lead to new opportunities and business growth. - Networking is not just about selling, but about creating meaningful connections and friendships.
Quotes: - “We are all connected. Diversity is our strength, and we are all better together.” - Chris Borja - “The most powerful thing we have is the new friendships and relationships that we create.” - Chris Borja - “Networking is the bridge from wherever somebody’s at to whatever their goal is.” - Chris Borja - “The value in networking is not just the product or service we offer, but the people themselves.” - Chris Borja - “Networking is about building relationships so that we can share resources and create a win-win.” - Chris Borja
Connect with Chris: chrisborja.com