Well Connected with Ricky and Fletch

13. The Art of Being A Master Connector with Whitney Eikmeier

About The Guest(s): Whitney Eikmeier is the Senior Corporate Relations Manager for the American Cancer Society. She has been with the organization for over seven years and is passionate about supporting individuals and businesses impacted by cancer.
Summary: Whitney Eikmeier, the Senior Corporate Relations Manager for the American Cancer Society, shares her networking journey and why networking is important to her. She emphasizes the value of building meaningful partnerships and being a resource for others. Whitney discusses her role in working with corporate and business partners to create mutually beneficial relationships that support the American Cancer Society’s mission. She also highlights the impact of cancer on her life and the importance of healthy relationships in networking.
Key Takeaways: - Building meaningful partnerships is essential in networking. - Being a connector and resource for others can strengthen relationships. - Following up and maintaining healthy relationships is crucial in networking. - Attending networking events and being well-connected in multiple industries can expand your network. - Nonprofit organizations can be valuable connectors due to their wide range of relationships.
Quotes: - “Networking is meeting people, knowing people, connecting people, and being a resource for people.” - Whitney Eikmeier - “Being well-connected in my industry and my role is important to support my partners and meet their needs.” - Whitney Eikmeier - “Healthy relationships and being a connector for people is a huge part of networking.” - Whitney Eikmeier
Connect with Whitney: Linkedin
Email: whitney.eikmeier@cancer.org
#BNI #Networking #socialnetworking #businessnetworking #referrals #network 

12. Inviting Guests is the Key to Success with John Rivers

About The Guest(s): John Rivers is the CEO of AOIt Consulting, a company specializing in IT services and support. With over 20 years of experience, John is a master networker and understands the importance of building strong relationships and connections.
Summary: John Rivers shares insights and strategies for effective networking, emphasizing the importance of giving first and building relationships based on trust and reciprocity. He discusses intentional inviting, consistent follow-up, and the power of one relationship in generating unexpected opportunities and referrals.
Key Takeaways: - Be intentional in networking, focusing on giving first and building trust. - Invite based on relationships and connections, and be consistent and persistent in follow-up. - One relationship can lead to unexpected opportunities and referrals.
Quotes: - “Networking is about making connections and giving first.” - “Invite based on relationships and connections, and be consistent and persistent.” - “Follow-up is where the victory lies in networking.” - “One relationship can lead to unexpected opportunities and referrals.”
Connect with John: aoitconsulting.com
#BNI #Networking #Socialnetworking #Professionalnetworking #Businessnetworking

11. The Fortune is in the Follow-Up with Sandro Marc-Charles

About The Guest(s): Sandro Marc-Charles is the founder and owner of Gladiator Excellence, a company that provides consulting and solutions to help restaurants increase their profit margins. He has extensive experience in sales training and development and has a passion for networking and building relationships.
Summary: Sandro Marc-Charles, founder of Gladiator Excellence, shares his journey from being an introverted salesperson to becoming a successful networker. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and provides valuable tips for effective networking. Sandro also discusses his focus on working with restaurants and how he finds his ideal clients through networking.
Key Takeaways: - Networking is about connecting with people who know the people you want to connect with. - Building relationships and providing value to others is more important than trying to sell to everyone you meet. - Online scheduling tools can streamline the follow-up process and make it easier to schedule meetings. - Taking detailed notes during networking conversations helps you remember important details and shows that you are actively listening. - Follow-up is crucial in networking, and personalized emails can help strengthen relationships and lead to referrals.
Quotes: - “The goal is to connect with people who know the people that you want to connect with.” - “Networking is a form of sales. There are steps in it that help you build relationships.” - “The money is in the follow-up.” - “Taking detailed notes during a one-to-one meeting shows that you are actively listening and interested in the other person.” - “Follow-up emails should be personalized and include specific details from the conversation.”
Show Notes:
Sandro Marc-Charles, the founder of Gladiator Excellence, joins Ricky and Fletch to share his journey from being an introverted salesperson to becoming a successful networker. Sandro emphasizes the importance of building relationships and provides valuable tips for effective networking. He also discusses his focus on working with restaurants and how he finds his ideal clients through networking.
Sandro starts by highlighting the goal of networking, which is to connect with people who know the people you want to connect with. He believes that networking is a form of sales and emphasizes the steps involved in building relationships. Sandro shares that building relationships and providing value to others is more important than trying to sell to everyone you meet.
One of the key takeaways from the conversation is the importance of follow-up in networking. Sandro suggests using online scheduling tools to streamline the follow-up process and make it easier to schedule meetings. He also recommends taking detailed notes during networking conversations to remember important details and show active listening.
In terms of follow-up, Sandro emphasizes the significance of personalized emails. He suggests including specific details from the conversation in the follow-up emails to strengthen relationships and increase the chances of referrals.
Throughout the conversation, Sandro provides practical insights and tips for effective networking. He shares his own templates for introduction and follow-up emails, which he believes save time and are highly effective. Sandro also highlights the importance of notetaking during one-to-one meetings and recommends using the built-in notes feature in contact apps like Google and Apple.
To connect with Sandro, listeners can visit his company website, Gladiator Excellence, or access his digital business card at Sandromc.com. Sandro also mentions his YouTube channel, BNI Education Moments, where he shares educational videos on networking and BNI-related topics.
In conclusion, Sandro Marc-Charles offers valuable advice on networking and building relationships. His insights and practical tips can help listeners improve their networking skills and achieve success in their professional endeavors.
Connect with Sandro:
sandromc.com
bnieducationmoments.com
#BNI #Networking #Professionalnetworking #SocialNetworking

10. The Path to Becoming a Million Dollar Giver with Lisa Bradburn

About The Guest(s): Lisa Bradburn is the principal broker for Your Own Team at Premier Property Group. With 26 years of experience in real estate, Lisa is a highly successful and well-connected professional. She is known for her expertise in networking and referral marketing, and she was recognized as a million-dollar giver in her BNI chapter.
Summary: In this episode, Lisa Bradburn shares her strategies for becoming a million-dollar giver in her BNI chapter. She emphasizes the importance of being intentional and proactive in networking, and she provides practical tips for building a strong referral network. Lisa also highlights the value of giving referrals and the positive impact it can have on both businesses and communities.
Key Takeaways: - Building a strong referral network requires intentionality and consistency. - Meeting new people and having one-to-one meetings is essential for expanding your network. - Being a million-dollar giver means consistently passing referrals to others, regardless of the size or value of the referral. - Referrals are not limited to BNI; networking and building relationships outside of BNI can also lead to valuable referrals. - Giving referrals is not only beneficial for your business but also for the businesses and communities you support.
Quotes: - “The more people I know, the more people I can refer business to.” - Lisa Bradburn - “If you’re not meeting new people, you’re not growing your business.” - Lisa Bradburn - “Being intentional about meeting with people and building relationships is essential for success in networking.” - Lisa Bradburn

09. The Joy of Connecting with Others with Connie Vera

About The Guest(s): Connie Vera is a real estate advisor with EXP Realty. She is a mother of three and has been with her partner for 22 years. Connie is known for her authentic and genuine approach to real estate and her dedication to serving others.
Summary: Connie Vera, a real estate advisor with EXP Realty, shares her journey from being a Waldorf teacher to becoming a successful realtor. She emphasizes the importance of being authentic and genuine in building relationships and connecting with others. Connie believes in the power of serving others and making a positive impact in their lives. She shares how her personal experiences and values have shaped her approach to real estate and how she strives to uplift and support others. Connie also highlights the significance of maintaining human connection in a world dominated by technology.
Key Takeaways: - Authenticity and genuineness are key in building relationships and connecting with others. - Serving others and making a positive impact can lead to personal and professional success. - Maintaining human connection is essential in a technology-driven world.
Quotes: - “The more we can tag other businesses and share who they are in the limelight, there’s no harm in that at all.” - Connie Vera - “The more you uplift others, the more you shine, too.” - Connie Vera - “The more we’re stuck on these little screens, we’re not engaging. We’re not engaging in the children, we’re not engaging with our neighbor.” - Connie Vera
Connect with Connie:
Email: connie@connievera.com
Phone: 503-890-0654
Instagram

08. Getting Specific to be Terriffic in Networking with Richard Sweet

**About Richard Sweet**Richard Sweet is the owner and CEO of Vantage Point Risk, a commercial risk and insurance provider for the Pacific Northwest. With a background in mechanical engineering and business management, Richard has worked in various industries, including wood products, waste and recycling, and insurance. He is a master networker and has found success by building relationships and using technology to drive his business forward.**Summary**Richard Sweet shares his insights and tips on effective networking. He emphasizes the importance of being intentional and specific in your networking efforts, focusing on building relationships with the right people who can bring value to your business. Richard discusses the power of being specific in your messaging and educating your network partners on the types of referrals you're looking for. He also highlights the importance of protecting your time and being selective in the networking groups you join. Richard shares his own experiences and success in networking, including how he has generated $800,000 in premium through BNI referrals.**Key Takeaways**- Be intentional and specific in your networking efforts, focusing on building relationships with the right people who can bring value to your business.- Educate your network partners on the types of referrals you're looking for, making it easier for them to refer you to the right people.- Protect your time and be selective in the networking groups you join, focusing on groups that align with your target market and can provide valuable connections.- Networking is an investment of time and effort, but when done effectively, it can lead to significant returns and business growth.**Quotes**- "How do we human optimize what we do so we can build connections, drive it with technology, and that gives me more time to go out in the field and talk to people, network with relationships, build those partnerships with people that are." - Richard Sweet- "Specific is terrific. How do you educate your people to be specific? If you stand up in a BNI meeting and say, 'I'm looking for somebody that has a dentist office with between ten and 20 employees,' out of the 30 people in my room, there might be two people that can give me a referral. But I tell you what, they're giving me a specific referral. That is somebody I can work with." - Richard Sweet- "When you can be specific about your target market and the problems you solve, it resonates with people and opens the door for more referrals." - Richard Sweet- "Networking is an investment. If you can associate money somehow to your networking efforts, it helps people understand the value and motivates them to invest their time and energy into it." - Richard Sweet
 
**Connect with Richard**
Vantagepointrisk.com
 

07. Becoming Useful Through Networking with Kathleen Gabriel

**About The Guest(s):**
Kathleen Gabriel is the owner of Gabriel HR, a fractional HR consulting firm. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Kathleen specializes in helping small businesses with their HR needs, providing strategic initiatives and guidance to optimize their people management practices.**Summary:**
Kathleen Gabriel, owner of Gabriel HR, shares her journey as a fractional HR consultant and the importance of networking in her business. She emphasizes the value of building relationships and being of service to others, highlighting the benefits of joining a networking group like BNI. Kathleen also discusses the misconceptions about HR professionals and the need for strategic HR initiatives in small businesses.**Key Takeaways:**- Building relationships and being of service to others is essential in networking.- Joining a networking group with goals and accountability can help overcome the fear of imposing on others.- HR professionals can bring strategic initiatives to small businesses, optimizing their people management practices.- Every company, regardless of industry, needs foundational HR practices such as policies, compliance, and compensation.- Networking is about connecting with people on a human level and understanding their needs.**Quotes:**- "Networking is just hanging out with people and getting to know each other." - Kathleen Gabriel- "Networking is a virtuous cycle. It works better if we all win." - Kathleen Gabriel
 
**Connect with Kathleen**
Website: www.gabrielhr.com
Email: kathleen@gabrielhr.com

06. Creating Curiosity with AJ Lambert

**About AJ Lambert:**AJ Lambert is the lead swag scientist at Touch of Swag. He has a background in website development and marketing, but found his passion in the world of creative, tangible marketing through swag. AJ is a creative thinker and writer, and he uses his skills to help businesses strategically use swag to make connections and generate curiosity.**Summary:**AJ Lambert, the lead swag scientist at Touch of Swag, joins Ricky and Fletch to discuss the art of networking and the power of creative, tangible marketing. AJ shares his journey from website development to swag sales, and how he found his passion in helping businesses make connections through unique and memorable swag. He emphasizes the importance of being intentional in networking, crafting a clear message, and following up with potential connections.**Key Takeaways:**- Be intentional in your networking efforts and craft a clear message about what you do.- Use creative and unique swag to make connections and generate curiosity.- Follow up with potential connections to nurture relationships and stay top of mind.- Utilize LinkedIn to connect with and network with professionals in your industry.- Be authentic and share your experiences to connect with others on a deeper level.**Quotes:**- "I want to generate more curiosity for myself, for the people that I work with." - AJ Lambert- "The fortune is in the follow-up." - AJ Lambert- "Write down what you want and who you want to talk to, and be very intentional." - AJ Lambert
 
**Connect with AJ**
LinkedIN
Website

05. The Power and Passion of Networking with Chris Owen

**About The Guest:**Chris Owen is a passionate networker and small business advocate. He is the owner of Jay Galt, a company that helps businesses build corporate credit to improve cash flow and take advantage of growth opportunities.**Summary:**Chris Owen, owner of Jay Galt, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of networking and building relationships in business. He shares his background as a small business owner and his passion for helping other small businesses succeed. Chris emphasizes the value of being well connected and offers tips for effective networking, including attending networking events, utilizing online platforms, and following up with contacts. He also highlights the importance of being passionate about what you do and genuinely caring about others. The conversation concludes with Chris sharing his contact information and encouraging listeners to reach out for further education and assistance.**Key Takeaways:**- Networking is essential for business success and growth.- Building relationships and being well connected can lead to valuable opportunities.- Passion and genuine care for others are key factors in effective networking.- Following up with contacts is crucial for maintaining relationships and fostering business connections.- Utilizing multiple channels, such as business cards, online platforms, and email, can help ensure strong connections.**Quotes:**- "Use what you love to fight what you hate." - Chris Owen- "Passion should come through no matter the medium." - Chris Owen- "Just do it. It's so much better to just get out there and do it." - Chris Owen
 
**Connect with Chris**
cowen@jgalt.io
Linkedin
Website

04. Building A Network You Can Trust with Angela Stevens

**About The Guest(s):**Angela Stevens is the team leader and principal broker for Hatch Homes Group, a residential real estate brokerage based in Portland, Oregon. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Angela is a top producer and is dedicated to providing exceptional service to her clients.**Summary:**Angela Stevens shares her journey in the real estate industry and the challenges she faced during the Great Recession. She emphasizes the importance of building thick skin and being dedicated to succeed in sales. Angela also discusses her experience with networking and the evolution of her networking efforts. She highlights the value of building relationships and connecting with professionals who can provide valuable resources to her clients. Angela emphasizes the need for consistency, follow-up, and taking networking seriously. She also shares her insights on using social media, such as Instagram, to build trust and connections with potential clients. Angela concludes by discussing the importance of having a strong network of professionals who can provide exceptional service to clients.**Key Takeaways:**- Building thick skin and being dedicated are essential in sales and networking.- Consistency and follow-up are crucial in building relationships and trust.- Networking should focus on connecting with professionals who can provide valuable resources to clients.- Social media, such as Instagram, can be a powerful tool for building trust and connections.- Having a strong network of professionals who provide exceptional service is essential for success.**Quotes:**- "Consistency is my biggest word of the day when it comes to networking."- "Take networking seriously and show up consistently."- "Follow-up is crucial in building relationships and trust."- "Social media presence is a credibility factor for businesses."- "Surround yourself with people who push you to be better."
**Connect with Angela**
Angela@hatchhomes.com
https://www.youtube.com/@hatchhomes
https://www.instagram.com/angelaldstevens/