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.

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

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.