Podcast
REFERRALS PODCAST
Hosted by Michael J Maher, Best Selling Author and Host of the Referral's Podcast · EN
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.
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
438 Fun Events = Serious Referrals: A New Way to Generate Leads
2w ago00:59:28Tap to summarizeTitle: Fun Events = Serious Referrals: A New Way to Generate Leads Host: Michael J. Maher Guest: Tim Lockhart, Nancy Ward, Rebecca Zavacky Description: What if the secret to generating more leads wasn't more hustle… but more FUN? In this powerful Event Mastery wrap-up episode, Michael J. Maher sits down with Tim Lockhart, Nancy Ward, and Rebecca Zavacky to unpack how they turned simple, fun events into powerful referral-generating machines. These agents didn't rely on cold calling, online ads, or outdated sales tactics. Instead, they created experiences people actually *wanted* to attend—and the result was more conversations, deeper relationships, and a steady flow of referrals. In this episode, you'll discover how to: * Turn fun, relationship-driven events into consistent lead generation * Create buzz and referrals before your event even begins * Design experiences that naturally lead to introductions and opportunities * Follow up in a way that multiplies your results If you're ready to stop chasing leads and start attracting them through connection, community, and creativity…this episode will show you how. (7L) Referral Strategies: Events, Event Mastery Special Offer: Want to turn your next event into a referral-generating machine? Join the next Event Mastery class starting June 9, 2026 and learn the exact system these agents used to create fun events that produce serious results. Register now at EventMastery.com And if you're ready to surround yourself with a community that believes in building a business through generosity: JoinGenGen.com
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437 He Went From About to Quit to The Fire is Lit. How One Event Sparked a 2.3M Breakthrough with Jesse Gomez and Michael J Maher
3w ago00:56:16Tap to summarizeTitle: He Was Ready to Quit… Then the Fire Was Lit 🔥 How One Event Sparked a $2.3M Breakthrough Host: Michael J. Maher Guest: Jesse Gomez Description: What if the breakthrough you've been searching for in your real estate business isn't more leads… but a completely different strategy? In this powerful episode of the Referrals Podcast, Michael sits down with California Realtor Jesse Gomez, who shares his incredible transformation from being on the verge of quitting real estate to reigniting his passion and building a thriving, referral-based business using the (7L) system. Jesse opens up about the frustration of cold calling, door knocking, and script-based selling and how those traditional methods nearly pushed him out of the industry entirely. But everything changed when he discovered a relationship-first approach centered around events, generosity, and authentic connection. You'll hear how Jesse turned a simple coffee event into a $2.3 million deal, generated multiple referrals, and built deeper relationships with his database. All while staying true to who he is. If you're a real estate agent, entrepreneur, or business owner who feels burned out chasing business… this episode will show you a better way. 🔥 This is not about working harder. 🔥 This is about working smarter and more relationally. (7L) Referral Strategies: Event Mastery, Love You A Latte, 7L book Special Offer: Ready to stop chasing business and start attracting referrals? Join the Generosity Generation and get access to proven strategies, live masterminds, and a community built on relationships: 👉 JoinGenGen.com Want to learn how to host events that generate referrals like Jesse? 👉 EventMastery.com
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436 From 1,500 to ONE: How Steve McIlvaine Won the March Magic Challenge (And What He Did Differently)
4w ago00:47:21Tap to summarizeTitle: From 1,500 to ONE: How Steve McIlvaine Won the March Magic Challenge (And What He Did Differently) Host: Michael J. Maher Guest: Steve McIlvaine Description: What does it take to rise above 1,500+ participants and become the undisputed #1 in a referral-generating challenge? In this powerful episode of the Referrals Podcast, Michael J. Maher sits down with returning guest—and now March Magic Champion—Steve McIlvaine to uncover exactly what separated him from the crowd. This isn't luck. This isn't theory. This is a real-world case study of what happens when consistency meets strategy. Steve didn't just participate… he executed. Day after day. Action after action. And the result? More conversations, more connections, and more referrals. If you've ever wondered: "What actually works right now to generate referrals?" "How do I stay consistent when everyone else falls off?" "What would happen if I *really* committed for 30 days?" This episode gives you a front-row seat to the answers. Whether you're a seasoned agent or just getting started, this conversation will challenge you, inspire you, and most importantly show you what's possible when you go all in. This is what winning looks like. (7L) Referral Strategies: March Magic Challenge Special Offer: Ready to create your own "March Magic" moment? Join the Generosity Generation and get access to insights, tools, referrals, and a community that will help you generate referrals all year long. 👉 Join for free at: www.JoinGenGen.com
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435 How to Build a Billion-Dollar Referral Business (5 People at a Time) with Michael J Maher and Sheena Saydam
Apr 1401:10:44Tap to summarizeTitle: How to Build a Billion-Dollar Referral Business (5 People at a Time) Host: Michael J. Maher Guest: Sheena Saydam Description: Learn how to build a billion-dollar real estate business without chasing leads, paid ads, or cold calling… but simply about people? In this powerful episode of the Referrals Podcast, Michael sits down with Sheena Saydam—leader of the Saydam Properties Group, a billion-dollar referral-based real estate business to uncover the surprisingly simple strategy behind her massive success. From starting in a down market to scaling to over 200 homes a year, Sheena reveals how she built her entire business through referrals by focusing on one consistent habit: meeting 5 new people and reconnecting with 5 existing contacts every single week. But this episode goes far beyond numbers. Sheena shares how generosity, community impact, and a mission-driven mindset created a virtuous cycle—where giving leads to relationships, relationships lead to referrals, and referrals lead to exponential growth. If you're tired of chasing business and ready to build something that grows naturally through people… this episode will change the way you think about success. (7L) Referral Strategies: Events, Generosity, Give Back Campaign Special Offer: Ready to stop chasing business and start building a referral-based business by design? Join the Generosity Generation and surround yourself with professionals who are building their businesses on relationships, generosity, and referrals. 👉 JoinGenGen.com
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434 - Forget "Always Be Closing"...Here's the New ABC of Sales with Host Michael J Maher and Guests Jesse Kern and Lisa Velez
Apr 701:06:44Tap to summarizeTitle: Forget "Always Be Closing"… Here's the New ABC of Sales Host: Michael J. Maher Guest: Jesse Kern and Lisa Velez Description: What if everything you've been taught about sales… is backwards? Michael sits down with Jesse Kern and Lisa Velez after completing the Event Mastery VIP Edition to reveal a new way of thinking about sales—one that replaces pressure, pitching, and closing with connection, generosity, and community. Jesse and Lisa didn't just learn the system—they implemented it. From hosting their events to building deeper relationships and generating referrals, they share exactly what changed, what worked, and what surprised them most along the way. If you've ever felt like traditional sales tactics don't align with who you are… or you're ready to grow your business without chasing or convincing… this episode will completely reframe what's possible. (7L) Referral Strategies: Event Mastery Special Offer: Want to learn the exact system Jesse and Lisa used to turn their events into referral machines? Visit www.EventMastery.com and start creating events that generate referrals before, during, and after.
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433 The Number 1 Challenge Even Top Producers Face
Mar 3100:48:53Tap to summarizeTitle: The Number One Challenge Even Top Producers Face Host: Michael J. Maher Guest: Karla Roberdeau and Neal Smith Description: What's the biggest challenge top-producing agents are facing right now—and more importantly, how do you overcome it? Michael J. Maher breaks down the #1 obstacle that even the most successful agents encounter as they grow their business. The truth? What got you here won't get you there. Michael dives into the shift from doing everything yourself to building systems, creating leverage, and stepping into true mastery. If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or like your growth has plateaued… this episode will give you the clarity and direction you need to break through. This is more than just a mindset shift—it's a tactical roadmap for moving from producer to business owner, while staying rooted in generosity and referrals. (7L) Referral Strategies: • Time Mastery Special Offer: Ready to move beyond the chaos and into clarity? Join us for our Time Mastery Class starting April 6th. 👉 Visit www.ReferralMasteryAcademy.com to get started today.
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432 Law of the Lid: How to Increase Your Real Estate Referrals with Events with Michael J Maher and Jackie Little
Mar 2400:56:04Tap to summarizeLearn how to generate more real estate referrals using client events and referral marketing strategies with Host Michael J. Maher and Real Estate Agent Jackie Little. Title: Law of the Lid: How to Increase Your Real Estate Referrals with Events Host: Michael J. Maher Guest: Jackie Little Description: Want to generate more real estate referrals using client events? In this episode, Michael J. Maher sits down with Realtor Jackie Little to discuss how implementing the Event Mastery system helped her break through a plateau and turn events into a true referral-generating machine. For years, Jackie hosted popular events that brought in around 100 people each time—but she realized she had hit her "lid." After joining Event Mastery VIP Edition, she committed to following the system exactly as designed. The result? A transformation in how she plans events, builds sponsor relationships, partners with charities, and—most importantly—generates referrals. Jackie shares how shifting her mindset around sponsorships turned events from a $15,000 annual expense into a fully funded—and even profitable—business strategy. She also reveals how a simple neighborhood event recently produced six real estate referrals from just twenty attendees and helped her team triple their closings this quarter compared to last year. Along the way, Jackie also opens up about starting a mental health foundation in memory of her late husband, proving that generosity and impact can grow alongside business success. If you've ever wondered how to raise the "lid" on your real estate referral business, this episode will show you exactly what's possible when you implement a proven system. (7L) Referral Strategies: Event Mastery Special Offer: Ready to take your referral business to the next level? Join the Referral Mastery Academy and gain access to proven systems for generating referrals, hosting powerful events, mastering your time, and building a thriving referral-based business. Learn more at www.ReferralMasteryAcademy.com The Referrals Podcast with Michael J. Maher shares proven referral strategies for real estate agents and entrepreneurs who want to build a referral-based business. Jackie Little Keller Williams Realty Palm Harbor, FL jackielittle@kw.com 813-453-8960
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431 They Were SHOCKED this Simple Strategy Generated Referrals
Mar 1701:04:01Tap to summarizeTitle: They Were SHOCKED this Simple Strategy Generated Referrals Host: Michael J. Maher Guest: Jake Yencarelli and Jennifer Myers Description: What happens when two experienced real estate professionals decide to stop guessing how to run events and start following a proven system? In this episode of the Referrals Podcast, Michael J. Maher sits down with Keller Williams leaders Jake Yencarelli and Jennifer Myers to unpack their experience implementing Event Mastery VIP Edition for the first time. What started with some skepticism quickly turned into powerful results: highly attended events, strong sponsor partnerships, charitable impact, and a surge of referrals. Jake hosted a "Clothes for Kids" charity event that rallied the community to donate essential items for children in need, while Jennifer organized a strategic happy hour that generated sponsor support, meaningful connections, and referrals both in and out of her network. Together, they reveal the behind-the-scenes strategies that made their events so successful—from involving VIPs in the planning process to mastering confirmation touches, sponsorships, and powerful follow-up systems. If you've ever wondered whether hosting events can truly generate referrals and strengthen relationships, this episode delivers real-world proof—and practical insights you can implement immediately. (7L) Referral Strategies: Event Mastery Special Offer: It's not too late to learn how to throw an event like Jake and Jennifer. Details are at www.EventMastery.com Jake Yencarelli CEO/Lead Agent in FL and NC Base Camp Tampa Bay at Keller Williams Realty Base Camp Western Carolina at Keller Williams Mountain Partners P: 727.479.8482 F: 727.772.8820 30522 US 19 N., Ste 107, Palm Harbor, FL 34684 404 S Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792 www.basecamptpa.com Jennifer Myers JD, LLM, REALTOR® Keller Williams Tampa Properties jennifer@jennifermyersgroup.com jennifermyersgroup.com Office: (917) 715-6541 Mobile: (813) 264-7754 5020 W Linebaugh Ave, #100, Tampa, FL 33624
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430 Event Mastery Explained: How to Turn Community Events into Predictable Referrals with Michael J
Mar 1000:59:04Tap to summarizeTitle: Event Mastery Explained: How to Turn Community Events into Predictable Referrals Host: Michael J. Maher Description: In this special training session, Michael J. Maher pulls back the curtain on one of the most powerful, and overlooked, strategies for generating referrals: events. In this episode, originally recorded as a live Zoom session titled Event Mastery Explained, Michael shares how real estate professionals can create predictable referrals by hosting simple, scalable community events. Michael explains why events are the single most effective way to communicate with your database, build stronger relationships, and create an "army of ambassadors" who naturally refer you business. You'll hear real examples from agents who are successfully implementing these strategies, along with Michael's practical framework for planning, inviting, hosting, and following up after events. If you want a predictable system for referrals without spending money on ads or cold outreach, this episode is packed with actionable insights. (7L) Referral Strategies: Events, Event Mastery Special Offer: Michael is launching Event Mastery, an 8-week program designed to help real estate professionals confidently plan and host referral-generating events. The course covers planning mastery, invitation mastery, sponsor mastery, confirmation mastery, event execution, and follow-up strategies. Details at www.EventMastery.com
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429 Michael's Takeaways From the Best Keller Williams Family Reunion Ever
Mar 301:33:06Tap to summarizeTitle: Michael's Takeaways from the Best Keller Williams Family Reunion Ever Host: Michael J. Maher Description: In this special JAM Session replay, Michael shares his biggest takeaways from what he's calling the "best Keller Williams Family Reunion ever." From powerful main stage moments to behind-the-scenes insights, this episode dives deep into what's next for real estate—and why we are fully stepping into the Generosity Generation. Michael breaks down the shift from the Ego Era to a generosity-driven business model, the power of intensity over simple consistency, and why "slow is the new fast." You'll hear practical strategies for strengthening client conversations, writing compelling success stories, leveraging your strengths, and systematizing your business for sustainable referral growth. He also shares insights inspired by speakers like Gary Vaynerchuk and Jay Shetty, along with implementation strategies influenced by Donald Miller's three-step plan framework. If you want to elevate your standards, deepen community, and build a referral-based business rooted in generosity, this episode is your playbook. (7L) Referral Strategies: Events, 1:1 Meetings, Systems Special Offer: March 30-Day Challenge - Starting March 1st, commit to intentional growth and implementation. Register at www.MarchMagicChallenge.com
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