Title: Her Signature Event Generated 369 Referrals

Host: Michael J. Maher

Guest: Jill McNamee, McNamee Real Estate Team

Description: What happens when a simple jewelry swap evolves into a signature community event that people talk about, sponsors want to be part of, and new people actively seek out?

For the past 14 years, Jill McNamee has hosted Baubles & Bubbles, an intimate jewelry swap and networking event designed to bring women together, support local businesses, give back to the community, and create genuine connection.

This year, 125 people attended — and roughly three-quarters of them were new to Jill's network. The event included food, drinks, jewelry swapping, a charm bar, prizes, swag bags, charitable donations, and 44 sponsors.

But the number that stopped Michael in his tracks?

369 outgoing referrals to Jill's sponsors.

In this episode, Jill takes Michael behind the scenes of how Baubles & Bubbles grew from a casual gathering with no sponsors into a polished event generating approximately $15,000 in sponsorship revenue, plus additional in-kind contributions.

They talk about how Jill structures her sponsorships, why she intentionally keeps the event at about 125 people, how she creates visibility and value for sponsors, and why she believes making an event bigger doesn't necessarily make it better.

Jill also shares one of the biggest lessons she has learned after 14 years of hosting events: You don't need to have every detail figured out before you invite people. Start small. Build confidence. Create the experience. Then improve it each year.

Michael and Jill also dig into what happens after the event — including how to responsibly manage hundreds of sponsor referrals without overwhelming attendees, and why Jill may add a dedicated Sponsor Concierge to her team next year.

This conversation is a powerful example of what happens when an event stops being simply a marketing tactic and becomes something your community genuinely looks forward to.

(7L) Referral Strategy: Events, Event Mastery

Baubles & Bubbles demonstrates how a signature event can become a long-term relationship-building strategy.

Rather than measuring success solely by immediate real estate transactions, Jill creates an environment where attendees meet local businesses, sponsors receive meaningful introductions, and Jill becomes increasingly connected to the community.

The result? Deeper relationships, expanded networks, increased trust — and referrals that can continue long after the event is over.

Special Offer: Ready to create an event people look forward to every year?

Event Mastery: The Great Pie Day Giveaway just started, but its not too late to join.

Michael will walk you through the system for creating an unforgettable event that strengthens relationships, generates referrals, and gives people another reason to talk about you and your business.

And with Thanksgiving approaching, it's the perfect time to create your own Pie Day tradition.

Register now at: ReferralMasteryAcademy.com

Title: E-Z as P-I-E! How to Get an ROI from Your SOI

Host: Michael J. Maher

Guest: Colleen Skeffington

Description: What if one simple event could strengthen relationships, create community, generate referrals, attract sponsors, and give you a measurable return on your investment?

In this episode of Referrals Podcast, Michael sits down with Ocala, Florida real estate professional Colleen Skeffington to talk about how she has turned Pie Day and other community events into a powerful strategy for serving her sphere while growing her business.

Colleen shares how Generosity Generation and Event Mastery changed the way she approaches giving, sponsorships, and events — including how her Pie Day has grown to include six sponsors, helped support local schools and families, and generated real business results.

They also talk about why events matter so much in a 55+ community, how bringing people together can help fight loneliness, and why generosity doesn't always have to be a grand gesture.

Plus, Colleen explains why one of the biggest keys to her success has been simple: follow the system, trust the system, trust yourself, and go all in.

(7L) Referral Strategy: Events

Special Offer: Want to create an event like Colleen's?

Event Mastery starts October 13th. Michael will walk you through the system for planning, promoting, sponsoring, executing, and following up on events that create deeper relationships, greater generosity, and more referrals.

Join us at: EventMastery.com

Title: He Gives Away 200 Pies Every Thanksgiving - Here's Why

Host: Michael J Maher

Guest: Dan Luigs

Description: What if one simple Thanksgiving tradition could strengthen client relationships, generate organic referrals, engage your employees, and remind the people in your world how much you appreciate them?

In this episode, Michael J. Maher welcomes insurance broker Dan Luigs back to Referrals Podcast to explore Dan's annual Thanksgiving Pie Day. Each year, Dan gives away more than 200 pies from local bakeries at his St. Louis office, creating an experience where guests can quickly pick up their pie or stay, reconnect, and enjoy meaningful conversations.

Dan shares how he transitioned away from buying online leads and began building his insurance business through relationships, events, and genuine appreciation. He walks listeners through the practical details of his Pie Day, including when to order the pies, how to establish a budget, why a local bakery matters, and how his team uses email, phone calls, and text messages to personally invite guests.

Michael and Dan also discuss why events overcome perceived indifference, how appreciation creates natural referral opportunities, and the emotional reunions and memorable moments that have happened during Dan's event.

If you have ever considered hosting a Thanksgiving Pie Day, this conversation will give you the inspiration and practical advice you need to get started.

(7L) Referral Strategy: Event Mastery, Pie Day

A successful Pie Day is much more than a pie giveaway. It creates an intentional opportunity to bring people together, show genuine appreciation, renew relationships, and generate referrals naturally. Dan's multi-channel invitation strategy also incorporates electronic communication and phone calls to ensure the people in his world feel personally remembered and valued.

Special Offer: Ready to create your own unforgettable Thanksgiving Pie Day?

The next Event Mastery Class "The Great Pie Day Giveaway" starts October 13th. You'll learn how to plan, promote, execute, and follow up on an event that creates stronger relationships, meaningful appreciation, and referrals.

The best way to join is through the Referral Mastery Academy for only $99 per month.

Visit ReferralMasteryAcademy.com to get started.