REFERRALS PODCAST
REFERRALS PODCAST
Michael J Maher, Best Selling Author and Host of the Referral's Podcast
Get more referrals with the Referrals Podcast! Thought Leader, Best-selling Author, Referral Master, and Host Michael J. Maher brings you the best advice and insights on growing your business by referral and shows you how to take your repeat business and referrals to the next level. The Referrals Podcast is a weekly show where Michael J. Maher, author of (7L) The Seven Levels of Communication, interviews a top producing Realtor, lender, or small business owner about how they are implementing the (7L) system and winning! The Referrals Podcast is all about Real People. Real Stories. Real Referrals.
451 The 30-Day Challenge That Changed Their Referral Game with Host Michael J Maher and Guests Joey Calvin and Rob Howard
Title: The 30-Day Challenge That Changed Their Referral Game Host: Michael J. Maher Guests: Joey Calvin and Rob Howard Description:   What happens when two highly committed Realtors enter a 30-day challenge, support each other instead of competing, and decide to go all in? In this episode, Michael sits down with SummerFest Challenge co-winners Joey Calvin and Rob Howard to unpack exactly what helped them rise to the top. They share how blocking off time, creating daily rituals, scheduling meaningful one-on-one conversations, improving follow-up, and staying accountable helped them build momentum throughout the challenge. Joey reveals how his intentional networking resulted in 12 referrals given, 7 referrals received, and three active opportunities, while Rob shares how daily lunches, relationship-building conversations, and simple social media questions generated surprising engagement and new business possibilities. They also talk about the power of the Generosity Generation community, why they chose collaboration over competition, and how committing to a 30-day challenge can create changes that last far beyond the challenge itself. Plus, Joey shares the story behind his new book, The Advantage of Quietly Giving More: How Thoughtful Service Creates Momentum, and Rob discusses the very different books he has written—including a real estate guide and a Knoxville-based murder mystery. If you've been waiting for the perfect time to become more intentional about your relationships, referrals, and daily habits, this episode is your reminder that sometimes the biggest results begin with simply deciding to commit. (7L) Referral Strategies:   Schedule people, not just tasks. Block dedicated time for relationship-building activities. Create consistent morning and evening rituals. Make intentional one-on-one connections. Follow up after conversations. Give referrals generously. Use simple social media questions to create engagement and conversation. Find accountability inside a community that encourages implementation. Special Offer:   Want the systems, strategies, accountability, and community Joey and Rob used to strengthen their referral businesses? Learn more at Referral Mastery Academy.com
Aug 11
55 min
450 The Referral Strategies You Missed in (7L) with Michael J Maher
Title: The Referral Strategies You Missed in (7L) Host: Michael J. Maher Guests: Karla Roberdeau and Thommy Sandvick Description: Some of the most powerful strategies in The Seven Levels of Communication are hiding in plain sight. In this special recording from the final session of (7L) Mastery class, Michael J. Maher joins Coach Karla and Coach Thommy to unpack the referral strategies, relationship-building techniques, and business lessons readers often miss the first time through the book. Michael reveals how the opening chapters of (7L) can serve as a practical networking playbook, including the "Am I the Chosen One?" approach, the Triangle of Trust, strategic introductions, and ways to leverage past-client relationships to create new opportunities. You will also discover how to avoid being pigeonholed into offering only one service by creating a "Spectrum of Solutions"—a simple one-page resource that helps referral partners understand every way you can serve the people they know. The group also explores the importance of consistency, time blocking, appreciation, venue partnerships, educational events, and using memorable language triggers—such as the "D's of Real Estate"—to help people recognize referral opportunities. Along the way, participants share real-world wins, including a relationship with a future top-producing agent, a successful referral generated through the C3PO strategy, quarterly partnerships created through venue appreciation, and a military celebration of life successfully organized for 140 guests using Michael's event-planning system. This episode is filled with practical ideas you can implement immediately to deepen relationships, communicate your value, host better events, and generate more referrals. Oh, and Michael reveals the thought process behind how he named all of the characters in the book! (7L) Referral Strategies: - Spectrum of Solutions - Use the "Am I the Chosen One?" approach - Triangle of Trust - Send the appreciation text - Appreciate event venues and vendors to create lasting partnerships and future opportunities - Time-block referral activities Special Offer: Ready to turn your best intentions into a schedule that creates consistent results? Join Michael, Coach Karla, and Neil Smith for the upcoming Time Mastery class at TimeMasteryClass.com.
Aug 4
1 hr 22 min
449 This Scheduling Secret Changed Michael's Life
Title: This Scheduling Secret Changed Michael's Life Host: Michael J. Maher Guest: Solo Episode Description: After an unexpected emergency appendectomy, Michael J. Maher was reminded just how important relationships truly are. In this solo episode, Michael shares how ChatGPT helped him recognize that he may need emergency care, while also explaining why artificial intelligence can never replace genuine human connection. Michael addresses three major concerns affecting professionals today: the decline in meaningful relationships since 2020, the tendency to confuse learning with productivity, and the habit of scheduling tasks instead of people. He reveals the scheduling secret that changed his life: put people on your calendar first. By intentionally scheduling conversations, events, appointments, and relationship-building activities, professionals can strengthen their businesses, deepen their connections, and make better use of their time. Michael also explains how Time Mastery helps people begin with the schedule they have today and gradually create a more intentional life centered around the people and priorities that matter most. (7L) Referral Strategies: Time Mastery Special Offer: Take control of your calendar and learn how to build your schedule around the people that matter most in the four-week Time Mastery class. Register at TimeMasteryClass.com. Time Mastery is also included with membership in Referral Mastery Academy, along with additional classes, masterminds, and referral-building resources. Learn more ReferralMasteryAcademy.com.
Jul 28
25 min
448 How to Beat the #1 Agent in Your Area Every Time wtih Host Michael J Maher and Guest Christina Ward
Title: How to Beat the #1 Agent in Your Area Every Time Host: Michael J. Maher Guest: Christina Ward Description: What does it take to build a real estate business that consistently closes approximately 100 transactions a year through relationships and referrals? In this episode of the Referrals Podcast, Michael J. Maher sits down with Christina Ward, a top-producing real estate broker and leader of Christina & Company at Keller Williams Realty Boise. Christina shares how she entered real estate at just 22 years old, built her business during the Great Recession, and used coaching, consistency, and a willingness to follow proven systems to create long-term success. She explains how her team stays connected to a database of nearly 7,000 people through weekly emails, meaningful community content, client success stories, and three major annual events. You'll also hear how Christina's systems help her team deliver a consistent client experience while still allowing them to go above and beyond when a client needs extra support. Christina shares powerful stories of generosity, including her team's annual home makeover and the life-changing support they provided to a homeless high school wrestler pursuing a college scholarship. This conversation is a reminder that becoming the most referred professional in your community is not about doing everything at once. It begins with choosing one meaningful strategy, implementing it consistently, and building a business rooted in authenticity, trust, service, and generosity. (7L) Referral Strategies: * Communication Plan * Events * Success Stories * DISC * Support causes that bring purpose to your team   Special Offer: Ready to build a business based on relationships, referrals, and generosity? Learn the proven strategies from Michael J. Maher's bestselling book, *The Seven Levels of Communication*, and discover how to become the most referred professional in your community at ReferralMasteryAcademy.com.
Jul 21
1 hr 4 min
447 Back on Track: How Time Mastery Helps You Reset When Life Gets Messy with Host Michael J Maher and Guest Tina Collazo
Title: Back on Track: How Time Mastery Helps You Reset When Life Gets Messy Host: Michael J. Maher Guest: Tina Collazo Description: What happens when life knocks you completely off your ideal schedule? In this episode of the Referrals Podcast, Michael sits down with longtime GenGen member, real estate professional, entrepreneur, and relationship-builder Tina Collazo to talk about what Time Mastery really looks like in real life. Tina shares how the Time Mastery system helped her regain control of a demanding schedule that spans multiple businesses, professions, and states. Using tools such as the weekly timesheet, Sparks, Big Rocks, and a structured daily schedule, she created a foundation she could return to whenever life became overwhelming. And that foundation was tested immediately before this episode. After an especially difficult week filled with scheduling challenges, communication issues, and unexpected disruptions, Tina considered postponing the interview because she had fallen away from her ideal schedule. Instead, she realized that getting off track was exactly why this conversation mattered. Time Mastery is not about executing a perfect schedule every day. It is about having a proven system that helps you recognize when you are drifting, reset your priorities, and begin again. Michael and Tina also explore the Influential Zone and the relationship-building activities that create meaningful business results, including returning calls, setting appointments, VIP survey conversations, one-to-one meetings, networking events, and Hour of Power conversations. Tina explains how her mindset has shifted from focusing primarily on her own business goals to approaching every conversation with genuine curiosity, generosity, and a desire to make others feel heard. That change has helped her build new relationships, uncover opportunities, and begin planning an Italian wine-tasting event that will support Habitat for Humanity. This episode is an honest look at the connection between time, relationships, accountability, and referrals—and a powerful reminder that success is not about never falling behind. It is about knowing how to get back on track. (7L) Referral Strategies: Time Mastery, Networking Mastery Special Offer: Join the Referral Mastery Academy and gain access to Michael's proven relationship-based systems, including Networking Mastery, Event Mastery, and Time Mastery. These live classes begin in August and are designed to help you manage your time, build stronger relationships, and generate more referrals through generosity and intentional communication. Visit ReferralMasteryAcademy.com to learn more.
Jul 14
41 min
446 Strategic Event Planner Shares Secret to Hosting Award Winning Events with Host Michael J Maher and Guest Courtney Swope
Title: Strategic Event Planner Shares Secret to Hosting Award Winning Events Host: Michael J. Maher Guest: Courtney Swope Description: The best events are not just planned. They are experienced. In this episode of the Referrals Podcast, Michael J. Maher welcomes Courtney Swope, a strategic events professional with experience managing complex corporate events, large-scale programs, multimillion-dollar budgets, national event logistics, and unforgettable guest experiences. Courtney shares what most people never see behind the scenes of event planning: the risk management, deadlines, vendor coordination, budget decisions, guest flow, registration details, and countless moving parts that make an event feel seamless. Michael and Courtney discuss why the best events start with one powerful question: Who is this event for? Instead of planning around what the host wants, Courtney explains how to design events around the people attending — their energy, comfort, schedule, demographics, needs, and experience from invitation to follow-up. They also dive into common event planning mistakes, how to avoid overpacking your agenda, why introverts need space to recharge, how better invitations create better events, and how sponsorships, charity components, and follow-up strategies can turn a simple gathering into a relationship-building, referral-generating experience. Whether you are planning a client appreciation event, community event, business event, charity event, or private gathering for your top relationships, this episode will help you create events where guests feel seen, valued, and excited to stay connected. (7L) Referral Strategies: Event Mastery Special Offer: Ready to host events that build connection, community, and referrals? Visit EventMastery.com to learn more about Event Mastery with Michael J. Maher.
Jul 7
1 hr 9 min
445 AI Can't Replace This: The Human Side of Referrals with Michael J Maher
Title: AI Can't Replace This: The Human Side of Referrals Host: Michael J. Maher Description: In this special JAM session episode, Michael J. Maher leads a powerful conversation about the future of referrals, relationships, and real estate in a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence. While AI can help with tasks, content, data, and efficiency, Michael makes one thing very clear: the professionals who master human connection will be the ones who win. Real estate agents, lenders, and business owners who know how to build trust, manage emotions, create authentic relationships, and serve at a high level are not being replaced by AI anytime soon. During this episode, Michael and the Generosity Generation community discuss favorite strategies from "The Seven Levels of Communication", including PowerNotes, First and 10 calls, Connecting with Connectors, the Triangle of Trust, the "With One Exception" response, and the power of being authentic in a marketplace full of automation. You'll hear real stories from members who are implementing these strategies right now and seeing real results, including stronger relationships, deeper referral partnerships, renewed motivation, and significant business growth. This episode is a reminder that referrals are not built by algorithms. They are built through love, generosity, appreciation, consistency, and real human connection. (7L) Referral Strategies: PowerNotes First and 10 Calls Connecting with Connectors The Triangle of Trust Networking Event Mastery Special Offer: Join us in July for 7 Levels Mastery, a special book club and masterclass experience focused on implementing the most powerful strategies from Michael J. Maher's book, "The Seven Levels of Communication." For a limited time, new members can join RMA and participate in 7 Levels Mastery and SummerFest for just $19 in July. Go to 7LMastery.com to get started.
Jun 30
1 hr 11 min
444 The Upstream Strategy for Getting More Referrals from Fewer People with Host Michael J Maher and Guest Justin Stoddart
Title: The Upstream Strategy for Getting More Referrals from Fewer People Host: Michael J. Maher Guest: Justin Stoddart Description: What if getting more referrals did not require building more relationships, but building the right relationships? In this episode, Michael J. Maher sits down with Justin Stoddart, author of *The Upstream Model* and host of *Built on Referrals*, to reveal how professionals can generate more referrals from fewer people. Justin explains how to identify "upstream" partners: trusted professionals who are already serving your future clients before those clients ever need you. For real estate agents, these partners may include financial advisors, CPAs, estate attorneys, lenders, architects, interior designers, roofers, and other professionals who learn about important life changes before an agent does. You'll discover how to approach potential partners without appearing transactional, use three-way text introductions to establish trust, uncover the problems your partners need solved, and progress from solicitor to vendor, peer, mentor, and ultimately, leader. Michael and Justin also explore why nurturing a powerful referral source can be more valuable than chasing individual referrals. Instead of constantly searching for the next "golden egg," you'll learn how to build meaningful relationships with the "golden geese" who can consistently introduce you to future clients. If you want a more strategic, predictable, and relationship-driven way to grow your business, this episode will show you why it is time to go upstream. (7L) Referral Strategies: Networking Special Offer: Discover the strength of your referral business and identify your greatest opportunities for growth by taking Justin's assessment at BuiltOnReferrals.com. To learn Michael J. Maher's proven strategies for generating referrals through generosity, relationships, and appreciation, visit ReferralMasteryAcademy.com.
Jun 23
1 hr
443 Its Never Too Late to Become a Referral Generating Machine with Host Michael J Maher and Guest Stacy Luna
Title: It's Never Too Late to Become a Referral Generating Machine Host: Michael J. Maher Guest: Stacy Luna Description: In this episode of the Referrals Podcast, Michael J. Maher sits down with Stacy Luna, a mortgage professional with more than 30 years of experience, to talk about her journey back into the Generosity Generation and Referral Mastery Academy. Stacy first discovered The Seven Levels of Communication back in 2012, but it wasn't until 2025 that she fully stepped back in and started implementing the system one piece at a time. After completing Event Mastery, Stacy hosted a successful Pi Day event where she gave away 50 pies and learned the power of creating connection, not just hosting events. Then she stepped into Time Mastery, where the daily planning system helped her finally take control of her calendar, her priorities, and her influential zone. Stacy shares how focusing on phone calls, face-to-face conversations, PowerNotes, and intentional client follow-up helped her have one of her best months ever, even in a challenging market. She also shares her quarterly "You've Got the House, Now What?" Zoom calls for past clients. If you've ever felt behind, overwhelmed, inconsistent, or like it's too late to build a referral-based business, this episode is for you. (7L) Referral Strategies: Events and Seminars, Phone Calls, Handwritten Notes, One-on-One Meetings Special Offer: Join Referral Mastery Academy for just $99/month and start building your referral-based business one step at a time. Learn more at ReferralMasteryAcademy.com
Jun 16
1 hr 6 min
442 From New in Town to Top 10: How Events Built a Referral Business with Christine Pandolf and Michael J Maher
EPISODE TITLE: From New in Town to Top 10: How Events Built a Referral Business HOST: Michael J. Maher GUEST: Christine Pandolf DESCRIPTION: What if you moved to a brand-new city, knew almost nobody, and had to build a thriving referral-based business from scratch? That's exactly what Christine Pandolf did. After relocating from Upstate New York to the Lake Norman area of North Carolina, Christine obtained her real estate license during COVID and began searching for ways to build relationships and generate referrals. Through Referral Mastery Academy and the Event Mastery system, she discovered a repeatable process for creating meaningful events that bring people together, strengthen community connections, support local charities, and generate business. Today, Christine hosts multiple annual events including Spring Fling, Pie Day, community pool parties, and a monthly book club that has become one of her most consistent sources of referrals and revenue. In this episode, Christine shares how she plans events 6-8 weeks in advance using the Event Mastery system, uses formal snail-mail invitations combined with personal video texts, leverages sponsors to offset costs, and creates experiences people genuinely want to attend. You'll also hear the incredible story of the event she couldn't attend because she was sick—yet the event still ran flawlessly, generated referrals, and proved that a great system can work even when the host isn't present. Most importantly, Christine shares the emotional moment she realized she had built an incredible community around her business after moving to North Carolina knowing only her son. If you've ever wondered whether events really work, this episode is proof that they do. (7L) REFERRAL STRATEGIES AND PODCAST TOPICS: New City, Event Mastery SPECIAL OFFER: Want to learn the exact Event Mastery system Christine used to build her business and community? Event Mastery is included with your membership in Referral Mastery Academy. Visit ReferralMasteryAcademy.com to learn more. Visit ReferralsPodcast.com to download the invitation, door prize entry form, drink ticket, and signage from this episode.
Jun 9
1 hr
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