Episodios

  • 25 Be the Person Who Brings the Quick Win — How to Provide Real Value in Networking
    Dec 16 2025

    Send us a text

    We've all left a conversation thinking, “Wait, what do they even do?” In this episode, Tiffany and Donna unpack how to avoid that by sharing real value—specifically, quick wins that leave people wanting more. From a story about a speed networking event where one simple question helped someone shift her mindset, to the time Donna assumed her seasoned clients didn’t need pre-qualification tips (they did!), this episode reminds us that even the most basic advice can be a game-changer for someone else. Learn how to offer tools, reframe struggles, and share mindset shifts that make you more memorable. When you help someone take a small step forward, they remember—and they refer.

    What you’ll learn:

    • How to turn your everyday expertise into a powerful networking tool
    • Simple ways to give quick wins that build credibility
    • Why vulnerability and realness beat being impressive every time

    Connect with your hosts:

    On IG: @the_LinkUpLounge

    Email the Link Up Lounge: info@thelinkuplounge.com

    Tiffany Mason on IG @VirtuallyYouPods

    Donna Rueppell on IG @Rueppell_1KeyAtaTime

    Come Network with us: WWW.BondandBeyondNetwork.com

    (locally in St. John's Co. FL)

    Más Menos
    23 m
  • 24 Impostor Syndrome and Networking — What to Do When You Feel Like a Fraud
    Dec 9 2025

    Send us a text

    Connect with your hosts:

    On IG: @the_LinkUpLounge

    Email the Link Up Lounge: info@thelinkuplounge.com

    Tiffany Mason on IG @VirtuallyYouPods

    Donna Rueppell on IG @Rueppell_1KeyAtaTime

    Come Network with us: WWW.BondandBeyondNetwork.com

    (locally in St. John's Co. FL)

    Más Menos
    25 m
  • 23 - Storytelling as a Marketing Strategy — Selling Without Selling
    Dec 2 2025

    Send us a text

    You don’t need a pitch when you have a powerful story. In this episode, Donna and Tiffany dig into how to use real client wins and transformation stories to market your business in a way that feels honest and effective. They share the difference between sharing a story and overselling, how to highlight the before-and-after without exaggerating, and why tapping into emotion builds more trust than a list of features. You’ll hear how Donna used a client story to connect in the real estate world and how Tiffany uses storytelling to naturally attract the right-fit clients—those who see themselves in the story and know she’s the right person to help them. If you’ve ever struggled with how to talk about what you do in a way that feels natural and true—this episode is your guide.

    What you’ll learn:

    • What makes a client story relatable and powerful
    • How to share wins without sounding braggy or forced
    • A simple framework to turn real results into impactful marketing

    Connect with your hosts:

    On IG: @the_LinkUpLounge

    Email the Link Up Lounge: info@thelinkuplounge.com

    Tiffany Mason on IG @VirtuallyYouPods

    Donna Rueppell on IG @Rueppell_1KeyAtaTime

    Come Network with us: WWW.BondandBeyondNetwork.com

    (locally in St. John's Co. FL)

    Más Menos
    22 m
  • 22 - The “Surprise and Delight” Method — How Small Gestures Create Big Word-of-Mouth
    Nov 25 2025

    Send us a text

    What if standing out had less to do with what you say—and more to do with how you make people feel? In this episode, Donna and Tiffany break down the strategy of “surprise and delight” in real-world networking. They share the small, thoughtful gestures that have created referrals, opened doors, and left lasting impressions—like showing up with someone’s favorite drink, taking a moment to connect after an event, or sending a low-key voice memo just to follow up. You’ll hear why being memorable isn’t about being flashy—it’s about being intentional. If you want to create deeper connections that turn into opportunities, this one’s packed with ideas you can use today.

    What you'll learn:

    • How to create a signature gesture that fits your brand
    • Why small actions often lead to big business results
    • Real examples of how thoughtfulness turned into referrals

    Connect with your hosts:

    On IG: @the_LinkUpLounge

    Email the Link Up Lounge: info@thelinkuplounge.com

    Tiffany Mason on IG @VirtuallyYouPods

    Donna Rueppell on IG @Rueppell_1KeyAtaTime

    Come Network with us: WWW.BondandBeyondNetwork.com

    (locally in St. John's Co. FL)

    Más Menos
    25 m
  • 21 - Take Action — Because Connections Don't Build Themselves
    Nov 18 2025

    Send us a text

    You don’t need the perfect script, outfit, or circumstances to build a strong network—just the willingness to act. In this episode, we’re talking about how taking messy, imperfect action leads to the most unexpected and rewarding connections. Tiffany shares how a solo event turned into something unforgettable, and Donna reflects on moments when just showing up made all the difference. We also cover how to make real follow-ups that don't feel forced, why small gestures matter more than you think—like dropping off a coffee or sending a voice memo—and the power of showing up even when you don’t feel like it. Whether it’s a quick DM, a handwritten note, or a coffee invite, these small acts can spark big opportunities. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to reconnect or reach out, this is your sign to just go for it.

    What you’ll learn:

    • Why showing up is more important than showing up perfectly
    • How to follow up authentically after networking events
    • Small gestures that can turn new contacts into lasting connections

    Connect with your hosts:

    On IG: @the_LinkUpLounge

    Email the Link Up Lounge: info@thelinkuplounge.com

    Tiffany Mason on IG @VirtuallyYouPods

    Donna Rueppell on IG @Rueppell_1KeyAtaTime

    Come Network with us: WWW.BondandBeyondNetwork.com

    (locally in St. John's Co. FL)

    Más Menos
    25 m
  • 20 - Leveraging Customer Testimonials and Reviews for Maximum Impact
    Nov 11 2025

    Send us a text

    What your client says about you can be more powerful than anything you write yourself. In this episode, Tiffany and Donna unpack how to collect, prompt, and strategically use testimonials and Google reviews to build credibility, connection, and visibility. They share exactly what makes a review useful (hint: it’s not “She was great!”), how to get better responses with the right timing and questions, and how they’re repurposing social proof across their platforms. You’ll also hear the mindset shift that makes asking for reviews feel less awkward—and way more impactful.

    What you'll learn:

    • The exact prompts to help clients write better testimonials
    • Why Google reviews matter more than ever (especially now)
    • How to use client words across your website, socials, and marketing

    Connect with your hosts:

    On IG: @the_LinkUpLounge

    Email the Link Up Lounge: info@thelinkuplounge.com

    Tiffany Mason on IG @VirtuallyYouPods

    Donna Rueppell on IG @Rueppell_1KeyAtaTime

    Come Network with us: WWW.BondandBeyondNetwork.com

    (locally in St. John's Co. FL)

    Más Menos
    22 m
  • 19 - Behind-the-Scenes Systems That Strengthen Your Network
    Nov 4 2025

    Send us a text

    What do you actually do with all those connections after an event? In this episode, Donna and Tiffany share the simple systems they use to build real relationships from quick hellos. From CRMs to Post-Its to spreadsheet hacks, they break down how to organize contacts in a way that feels doable—and actually gets used. You’ll hear how Tiffany stays top of mind with personalized follow-ups (and what she does instead of writing cold DMs), plus how Donna turns casual chats into long-term referrals. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to tighten up your flow, this episode will help you stay in touch without overcomplicating the process.

    What you'll learn:

    • Simple ways to track connections and follow up intentionally
    • How to use tools like CRMs without feeling overwhelmed
    • Why systemizing follow-up builds trust (and referrals) long-term

    Resources mentioned in this episode:

    • Trello for contact tracking and simple workflow boards
    • Social media schedulers to stay consistently visible
    • GoHighLevel as an all-in-one CRM and automation tool
    • Flodesk – Design emails people love to get (50% off first year with referral link)
    • Project Broadcast – Texting platform for business (50% off first month with this link)

    Free List of Tech Tools to Strengthen Your Network

    1. Organize & Track Relationships

    • Google Sheets – a simple, free way to log contacts, last touchpoints, and notes.
    • Airtable – a customizable database with templates for networking and relationship management.
    • Dex – built specifically for keeping personal and professional relationships top of mind.

    2. Contact & CRM Tools

    • HubSpot CRM or Go High Level– track contacts, add notes, set reminders, and manage email conversations.
    • Dubsado – ideal for service-based businesses to manage clients and workflows.
    • HoneyBook – combines client communication, contracts, and invoicing in one platform.
    • Zoho CRM – a flexible option with strong free features for solo entrepreneurs and small teams.
    • Nimble – pulls in social media details so you have a full view of each relationship.

    3. Follow-Up & Reminders

    • FollowUpThen – email-based reminders to follow up on conversations.
    • Google Calendar / Outlook – set simple recurring reminders for key relationships.
    • Cloze – automatically tracks interactions and prompts you to reconnect.

    4. Content & Communication Tools

    • Boards App – organize your most-used links, scripts, and content for quick sharing when networking.
    • Flodesk – a beautifully designed, user-friendly email automation tool for nurturing your audience.

    5. Notes & Context Tools

    • Notion – build your own personal CRM dashboard with notes and reminders.
    • Evernote – capture details about conversations so you always remember what matters most.

    Connect with your hosts:

    On IG: @the_LinkUpLounge

    Email the Link Up Lounge: info@thelinkuplounge.com

    Tiffany Mason on IG @VirtuallyYouPods

    Donna Rueppell on IG @Rueppell_1KeyAtaTime

    Come Network with us: WWW.BondandBeyondNetwork.com

    (locally in St. John's Co. FL)

    Más Menos
    31 m
  • 18 - Flipping the Script: From Fajitas to Follow-Ups—Networking in Real Life
    Oct 21 2025

    Send us a text

    This episode flips the script—literally. Donna interviews Tiffany about what it's really like to walk into a networking event solo, strike up genuine conversations, and walk out with not only new contacts, but meaningful momentum. Tiffany shares the fajita-filled chaos of her latest event, the real connections she made, and how one simple decision to show up led to multiple business and personal opportunities. If you’ve ever felt awkward at a networking event or questioned if it’s worth your time, this one’s for you.

    What you'll hear:

    • How showing up with curiosity created space for real conversations
    • What made the vibe of the event so welcoming—and why that matters
    • How Tiffany follows up in ways that feel natural and genuine
    • A simple shift that makes it easier to connect with strangers
    • Why giving first builds more trust (and better business) in the long run

    Networking doesn’t have to be stiff or salesy. You just have to turn your intention on.

    Connect with your hosts:

    On IG: @the_LinkUpLounge

    Email the Link Up Lounge: info@thelinkuplounge.com

    Tiffany Mason on IG @VirtuallyYouPods

    Donna Rueppell on IG @Rueppell_1KeyAtaTime

    Come Network with us: WWW.BondandBeyondNetwork.com

    (locally in St. John's Co. FL)

    Más Menos
    26 m