In this episode, Faithann Basore kicks off The Realtor-Ready Series, designed to help realtors and real-estate-adjacent professionals—such as inspectors, roofers, and lenders—build stronger referral relationships.She’s joined by Jackie Benjamin to explore how strategic social media engagement can build rapport before you ever meet in person, making real-life networking feel familiar instead of forced.

Jackie shares a simple engagement strategy that takes just 15 minutes a day and helps business owners create visibility, trust, and connection before showing up to events.

When relationships are warmed up online, in-person introductions feel easier and more natural. Faithann explains that once trust is built digitally, you simply need to show up—without overthinking it.

Jackie introduces a repeatable way to engage genuinely on social media:

• A – Acknowledge the post with specificity

• T – Tip add a helpful insight from your expertise

• Q – Question invite conversation

This approach increases replies, visibility, and real connection.

This is not a “follow everyone” strategy. Jackie emphasizes focusing on:

• primary referral partners who serve the same clients

• secondary visibility partners whose audiences include homeowners

Consistent visibility builds familiarity—and familiarity builds trust.

If posting feels overwhelming:

• aim for one post per week

• spend 15 minutes a day engaging

With the right people in your feed, engagement becomes faster and more effective.

Download Jackie's 15 Minute Social Media Checklist here.

Faithann encourages professionals to stay aware of what’s happening in their partners’ industries. Understanding industry shifts builds credibility and leads to better conversations and stronger relationships.

• Jackie’s 15-minute daily engagement checklist

Connect with Jackie

• Website - https://www.weassistbusiness.com/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/weassistmarketing
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackiebenjamin/

Join Faithann's Buying Signals for Networkers Mastermind, designed to help networkers recognize buying signals and invite next steps with confidence—without sounding pushy. Both in-person and virtual options are available. The mastermind is 8 Weeks and begins in early Feb. 2026.

Connect with Faithann:

• Instagram: @thenetworkerstourguide

• Join Premium OKC Networking for $65 for a 1 year access to Faithann's networking calendar, community forum, and networking courses.

• Join the Private Community: The Networker’s Tour Guide on Facebook

In this episode, Faithann is joined by Molly Zang, owner of Novel Optical in downtown Oklahoma City, to talk about how business owners can collaborate with non-competing professionals who serve the same audience—and why those partnerships are one of the most overlooked networking opportunities.

Rather than chasing new audiences from scratch, this conversation explores how collaboration, education, and thoughtful referrals can expand reach, build rapport, and bring the right people together in a natural, non-salesy way.

• Why collaborating with professionals who don’t compete but serve the same clients is one of the smartest ways to grow your network

• How Molly’s approach to eyewear begins with deep lifestyle questions, not products

• Why photographers, graphic designers, estheticians, and other creatives often have unique optical needs they don’t realize can be supported

• How education-based collaborations (webinars, lunch & learns, PDFs) build credibility and trust faster than traditional networking

• Why brick-and-mortar businesses should invite people into their space even when they don’t need the service yet

You don’t need more people—you need better alignment. When you collaborate with professionals who already have the trust of the audience you want to reach, everyone wins.

Molly Zang is the owner of Novel Optical, a woman-owned, independent optical shop in downtown Oklahoma City specializing in handcrafted, toxin-free eyewear. Novel Optical focuses exclusively on eyewear—offering highly personalized fittings, thoughtful recommendations, and a welcoming, colorful experience that feels anything but clinical.

• Website: noveloptical.com

• Instagram & Facebook: @NovelOptical

• Location: Corner of 9th & Hudson, Midtown Oklahoma City

Connect with Faithann: Instagram: @thenetworkerstourguide

Join Premium OKC Networking for $65 for a 1 year access to Faithann's networking calendar, community forum, and networking courses.

Join the Private Community: The Networker’s Tour Guide on Facebook

Join Faithann's Buying Signals for Networkers Mastermind, designed to help networkers recognize buying signals and invite next steps with confidence—without sounding pushy. Both in-person and virtual options are available. The mastermind is 8 Weeks and begins in early Feb. 2026.

Join the Buying Signals HERE.

As you listen, ask yourself: Who serves the same people I do—but in a different way? That might be your next best collaboration.

If you’d like help identifying or structuring collaborations like the ones discussed in this episode, Faithann invites you to reach out via email or message her on Facebook. Email Faithann at faithann@thenetworkerstourguide.com.

Welcome to Episode 64 of the The Networker’s Tour Guide with host Faithann Basore.

This episode is a best-of compilation featuring insights from the final ten guests, each answering one simple question:

What do you like to see when you network—and what do you not like to see?

Their answers reveal clear patterns about what makes networking feel welcoming, effective, and authentic—and what quietly pushes people away.

• Open, inclusive conversations

• Authentic, direct communication

• Hosts who actively welcome people

• Early arrivals and relaxed connections

• Education-driven events

• Vulnerability and real conversations

• Booking next steps while still in the room

• Closed circles and ignored newcomers

• Hidden agendas or forced “friendship”

• Being sold to instead of listened to

• Low energy or unwelcoming rooms

Find the Full Episodes from Each Guest Below:

Episode 31: Authenticity Across Platforms-Why Your Brand Voice Must Match with Patricia Viscount

Episode 33: Rewiring Your Brain for Confidence and Connection in Networking with Brandi Gilstrap

Episode 34: Treat It Like a Business-MLM Success with Lupita Linda

Episode 35: Taking Care of the Underdogs-Building Lasting Relationships with Mendy from the Honey Do Checklist

Episode 37: Voice, Confidence, & Connection-How a Professional Voiceover Uses Networking with Connor Quin

Episode 38: Building Community & Following Up with Intention with Rodger Taylor

Episode 43: From Visibility to Profitability-Building Trust Through Referrals with Dirk Houglum

Episode 44: What's In Their Pockets? Stories, Scams, and Google Review Gold with Garrett and Nolan

Episode 45: Building Bold Businesses & Email Funnels That Convert with MacKenzie Morris

Episode 47: Creating Spaces That Last-Businesses, Retreats, and Community with Danielle Throckmorton

In the coming weeks, Faithann will be launching a special series within the podcast focused on networking in and around the real estate industry. You’ll hear from realtors and professionals who serve them, with insight into how relationships are built and referrals are earned across connected industries.

Featured Invitation

Faithann also shares details about her upcoming Buying Signals for Networkers Mastermind, designed to help networkers recognize buying signals and invite next steps with confidence—without sounding pushy. Both in-person and virtual options are available. The mastermind is 8 Weeks and begins in early Feb. 2026.

Hop on the Buying Signals waitlist for first access + special pricing. https://thenetworkerstourguide.com/buyingsignals

Connect with Faithann: Instagram: @thenetworkerstourguide

Join Premium OKC Networking for $65 for a 1 year access to Faithann's networking calendar, community forum, and networking courses.

Join the Private Community: The Networker’s Tour Guide on Facebook