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Referrals Done Right

Scott Grates

The Secret to Creating Infinite Opportunities to Grow Your Small Business. Hosted by Scott Grates.

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  • 30 episodes
  • a few times a week
  • Avg 25 min
  • English
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  • S1 · E169
    Monday · 36 min

    #169 - Stop Thinking, Start Executing • Imelda Mendoza

    In this episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott Grates sits down with Imelda Mendoza to talk about the mindset behind nearly 14 years of building her insurance agency. Imelda shares how competition and consistent action helped her build from the ground up. She also explains how her parents shaped the belief that she could figure things out along the way. The conversation explores leadership, execution, and learning to embrace failure. Imelda shares why accountability can be an act of love and why adaptability is critical for a winning team. She also opens up about gratitude and discipline in her personal life. Her approach is built around making the most of every opportunity while helping the people around her win. In This Episode: • How Imelda built her agency from scratch through action and consistent tracking. • Why gratitude and perspective have shaped her approach to business and family. • How honest accountability can help your team win beyond the workplace. • Why execution at 70 percent can be better than waiting for perfection. • How learning to fail fast can help salespeople overcome the fear of rejection. --- Imelda Mendoza's Links: FB - https://www.facebook.com/imeldamendoza.sf IG - https://www.instagram.com/imeldabb87 --- Scott Grates' Links: Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332 Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315 Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1 Scott's - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

  • S1 · E168
    September 17 · 14 min

    #168 - Vision & Value

    In this solo episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott Grates explores why hard work alone does not create a great team. Everyone can be working hard while still rowing in different directions. The missing piece is often clarity around where the business is going and why that destination matters. Scott introduces the idea of a vision and value meeting to help leaders create that alignment. He shares questions that can uncover what a team believes the business should become and the value it creates for customers. Most importantly, leaders need to give their people a voice in the process. When people help shape the direction, they have a greater reason to row together. In This Episode: • Why effort without a shared direction can hold a team back. • The difference between understanding a job and understanding the mission. • How a vision and value meeting can create greater clarity across your team. • Why team involvement can create stronger ownership and buy in. • The questions leaders should ask before setting next year's goals. --- Scott Grates' Links: The Magnetic Niche - https://mailchi.mp/wonderlabstrategy/findyourniche Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332 Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315 Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1 Scott's - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

  • S1 · E167
    September 14 · 48 min

    #167 - RDR Rewind • Kari Hargrave

    In this episode we rewind to a conversation that originally aired in May 2025. Kari Hargrave is the definition of grit, creativity, and community. From launching a scratch insurance agency in a town with no stoplights to bagging groceries for free just to meet people, Kari’s story is a masterclass in hustle, heart, and doing things differently. In this conversation, Scott and Kari unpack what it really takes to build a business, a brand, and a life you’re proud of—without losing your humanity along the way. What You’ll Learn: • Why being told “you’ll never make it” was the fuel Kari needed to prove them all wrong • Creative, grassroots strategies Kari used to grow her agency from zero to one of the most respected in the country • The marketing rituals and handwritten habits that still matter in a digital world • Why she started a true crime podcast—and how it led to winning a Webby Award • How she’s helping other agents win with her new venture, Ringleaders This episode is full of laughs, lessons and real talk from one of the most inspiring agents in the game. Don’t miss it! --- Kari Hargrave's Links: FB - https://www.facebook.com/KariHargraveAgency True Texas Crime Pod - https://open.spotify.com/show/0ct7Pu7GIgyWj3IF7y2b6L --- Scott Grates' Links: Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332 Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315 Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1 Scott's - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

  • S1 · E166
    September 11 · 17 min

    #166 - Mastery Isn't Where You Start

    In this solo episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott Grates reflects on the lessons he brought home from The Space Between Retreat. After three days of slowing down and creating space, one idea stood above the rest. The questions we are willing to sit with may be more important than the answers we constantly chase. Scott explores what he learned about joy, simplicity, and being present. He also shares a personal realization that mastery is not where the journey begins. You do not need every answer before taking the first step. Sometimes growth begins when you create enough space to listen and trust that you are already worthy of what comes next. In This Episode: • Why better questions can be more valuable than immediate answers. • What three days away from everyday distractions revealed about joy and simplicity. • How nature and stillness can create space for deeper reflection. • Why mastery is not a requirement for taking the first step. • The difference between growing from a place of inadequacy and growing from curiosity. --- Scott Grates' Links: The Magnetic Niche - https://mailchi.mp/wonderlabstrategy/findyourniche Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332 Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315 Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1 Scott's - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

  • S1 · E165
    September 3 · 12 min

    #165 - Serving is Identity

    In this solo episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott Grates explores one simple idea with a much deeper meaning. Serving needs to become an identity instead of an activity. Acts of service can be great for building relationships. The real test is whether you would still serve if you knew nothing was coming back in return. Scott explains how genuine service builds the trust and reputation behind a referral based business. He also challenges the idea that serving means always saying yes. Boundaries still matter because they protect your ability to help the people who matter most. When service becomes part of who you are, people begin to recognize it without needing to be told. In This Episode: • The difference between serving as a strategy and making it part of your identity • Why serving without expecting something in return builds stronger relationships. • How consistent behavior creates the trust and reputation behind referrals. • Why having a servant's heart does not mean saying yes to everything. • A simple challenge to stop keeping score and start looking for opportunities to help. --- Scott Grates' Links: The Magnetic Niche - https://mailchi.mp/wonderlabstrategy/findyourniche Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332 Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315 Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1 Scott's - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

  • S1 · E164
    August 31 · 34 min

    #164 - How to Stay Human in an AI World • Samantha Calderón

    In this episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott Grates sits down with marketing strategist Samantha Calderón to talk about simplifying marketing for solopreneurs. Samantha shares why trying to be everywhere can quickly become overwhelming. Instead, she encourages entrepreneurs to understand their ideal audience and focus on the marketing activities that actually work. Scott and Samantha also explore content creation, relationship building, and the changing role of AI in marketing. Samantha shares her approach to content days and explains why collaboration can make entrepreneurship feel less isolating. They also discuss the growing value of authenticity in an AI driven world. As technology continues to evolve, genuine human connection may become more valuable than ever. In This Episode: • Why solopreneurs should stop trying to market everywhere at once. • How content days can simplify marketing and make content creation more manageable. • Why investing deeply in a few relationships can be more valuable than knowing everyone. • How Samantha uses AI as a tool without sacrificing her voice or authenticity. • Why real human connection will continue to matter as marketing becomes more automated. --- Samantha Calderón's Links: Website - https://www.samanthacalderon.com Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-calderon-gutierrez Substack - https://substack.com/@launchwsamantha --- Scott Grates' Links: Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332 Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315 Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1 Scott's - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

  • S1 · E163
    August 27 · 11 min

    #163 - Your Reputation Precedes You

    In this solo episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott explores the difference between your personal brand and your reputation. Your brand is what you tell the world about yourself. Your reputation is what people say about you when you are not in the room. When it comes to earning referrals, that distinction matters. Scott explains why a referral is more than a lead. It is a transfer of trust from one person to another. He shares how small actions like keeping promises and making introductions can shape the way people remember you. Instead of spending all your energy managing perception, Scott challenges you to become the person you want others to describe. You Will Learn: • Why your reputation can be more powerful than your personal brand. • What really happens when someone puts their reputation behind a referral. • How small everyday actions build trust one interaction at a time. • Why becoming more referable matters just as much as becoming more visible. • A simple exercise to evaluate the reputation you are building each week. --- Scott Grates' Links: The Magnetic Niche - https://mailchi.mp/wonderlabstrategy/findyourniche Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332 Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315 Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1 Scott's - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

  • S1 · E162
    August 24 · 42 min

    #162 - Workshops That Create Clients • Sue Clement

    In this episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott Grates sits down with revenue growth strategist Sue Clement to rethink how entrepreneurs approach referrals and sales. Sue shares lessons from more than 26 years of coaching and building businesses. She explains why networking should focus on relationships instead of chasing an immediate sale. Scott and Sue also explore how workshops can create trust in a world increasingly filled with AI generated content. Sue explains why giving an audience more information is not always the answer. Instead, great workshops create awareness and help people understand the problems standing in their way. The conversation offers a practical look at simplifying growth while staying focused on real human connection. In this episode: • Why great networking is about finding referral partners instead of prospects. • How to teach your referral partners to recognize opportunities for you. • Why workshops can help experts build trust and turn audiences into clients. • The difference between providing useful insight and overwhelming people with information. • Why working the relationships you already have can be more effective than constantly chasing new leads. --- Sue Clement's Links: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sue.clement.92 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sueclementcoach --- Scott Grates' Links: Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332 Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315 Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1 Scott's - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

  • S1 · E161
    August 20 · 11 min

    #161 - The Servant Heart Paradox

    In this solo episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott challenges the traditional way we think about winning in business. Instead of asking how to get more customers or referrals, he offers a different question. How many other people can you help win? Through stories from his own relationships and insurance agency, Scott explores how servant leadership can create a deeper sense of purpose. It can also build the type of relationships people remember. Scott shares examples of what it looks like to truly listen and follow up when nothing is expected in return. He explains why making someone feel valued can leave an impact long after the original conversation ends. The episode also explores the importance of boundaries and knowing where to invest your energy. At its core, this is a reminder that referrals are earned through how we show up for people when there is nothing in it for us. You Will Learn: • Why servant leadership starts with giving people your full attention • How remembering and following up can make people feel truly valued • Why helping someone without expecting a return can strengthen relationships • How to serve generously without giving your energy to everyone • Why the strongest referrals are often earned long before someone needs your services --- Scott Grates' Links: The Magnetic Niche - https://mailchi.mp/wonderlabstrategy/findyourniche Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332 Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315 Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1 Scott's - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

  • S1 · E160
    August 17 · 48 min

    #160 - You Don't Need Permission • Alex Canavan

    In this episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott Grates sits down with Alex Canavan, founder of the CNY Women's Network and host of Cultivate. Alex shares the unconventional path that took her from bridal makeup to building a growing professional community. Along the way she learned the value of showing up before you feel ready and letting people see the journey as it unfolds. Scott and Alex dive into personal branding, authentic networking, and what it takes to build a true community. Alex explains why genuine curiosity has been one of her greatest relationship building tools. She also shares how becoming the connector can open doors without making every interaction feel transactional. The conversation is a reminder that meaningful relationships begin when you focus less on what you can get and more on making others feel seen. In This Episode: • Why Alex believes readiness is a myth and action builds confidence. • How showing your progression can strengthen your personal brand. • The difference between building a real community and traditional networking. • Why becoming the connector can transform the way you build relationships. • How curiosity and better questions help people feel genuinely seen. --- Alex Canavan's Links: Website - https://www.cnywomensnetwork.com Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexcanavan Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alexcanavan.co/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@alexcanavan.co Substack - https://alexcanavanco.substack.com/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@CultivateWithAlexCanavan Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/23RixpKg8eXPROY42uFLvT?si=120a0a1f03024e10&nd=1&dlsi=0c2480fe73724589 --- Scott Grates' Links: Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332 Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315 Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1 Scott's - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

  • S1 · E159
    August 13 · 12 min

    #159 - Show Up in Unexpected Ways

    In this solo episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott Grates explores why the most memorable relationship building moments often happen when people least expect them. Traditional gestures like holiday cards and birthday gifts are appreciated, but they can easily blend into the noise. Scott makes the case for showing up at unexpected times in thoughtful ways that prove you were paying attention. From handwritten notes to meaningful introductions, Scott shares simple ways to make people feel remembered without spending much money. He explains why great relationship marketing requires an attention budget more than a gifting budget. The goal is not to manufacture referrals or keep score. It is to create genuine connections that build trust and naturally lead to opportunities over time. In This Episode: • Why unexpected gestures are often more memorable than traditional gifts. • How an attention budget can be more powerful than a gifting budget. • Simple ways to show clients and referral partners that you genuinely listen. • Why the best relationship builders make deposits without expecting immediate returns. • How creating meaningful moments can help you become the person others naturally recommend. --- Scott Grates' Links: The Magnetic Niche - https://mailchi.mp/wonderlabstrategy/findyourniche Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332 Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315 Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1 Scott's - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

  • S1 · E158
    August 10 · 36 min

    #158 - Just Keep Showing Up • Nicole Demma

    In this episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott Grates sits down with longtime colleague Nicole Demma to talk about the habits behind consistent success. Nicole has spent more than a decade as a top performer and leader in their agency. She shares how curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to ask for help have shaped her approach to both work and life. The conversation explores everything from handling failure to staying disciplined when motivation disappears. Nicole also breaks down her approach to referrals and why asking becomes easier when you have earned a customer's trust. Scott and Nicole discuss health, leadership, delegation, and the value of simply showing up every day. It is a practical conversation about building success through small actions repeated consistently. In This Episode: • Why asking for help can make you a stronger teammate and leader. • How Nicole turned failure from a stopping point into valuable feedback. • The role health and fitness play in maintaining energy throughout the workday. • Why great referral conversations start with trust and genuine curiosity. • How consistency and small daily goals can create meaningful results over time. --- Nicole Demma's Links: --- Scott Grates' Links: Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332 Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315 Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1 Scott's - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

  • S1 · E157
    August 6 · 8 min

    #157 - The Answers You're Looking For

    In this solo episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott Grates explores a simple question that carries surprising weight. When was the last time you sat in complete silence? In a world filled with constant notifications, endless content, and nonstop demands, Scott shares why the answers we are searching for often cannot be found in another book, podcast, or conversation. Instead, they are discovered when we create enough space to finally hear ourselves think. Scott reflects on one of the biggest professional decisions of his life and explains how mentors, books, and trusted advisors provided perspective, but not the answer. That answer only became clear when the noise faded. He also introduces The Space Between, a retreat designed to help business owners, leaders, and professionals step away from the daily grind, reconnect with themselves, and gain the clarity needed to move forward with confidence. In This Episode: • Why silence and stillness are often the missing ingredients for clarity. • How outside advice can shape your thinking without replacing your own intuition. • The role environment plays in making better personal and professional decisions. • A look inside The Space Between retreat and the experience it is designed to create. • A simple challenge to unplug, slow down, and create space for the answers that may already be within you. --- Scott Grates' Links: The Magnetic Niche - https://mailchi.mp/wonderlabstrategy/findyourniche Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332 Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315 Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1 Scott's - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

  • S1 · E156
    August 3 · 40 min

    #156 - Why Profitable Businesses Go Broke • David Safeer

    Cash flow is one of the most misunderstood parts of running a business, and this week's episode of Referrals Done Right breaks down why. Scott Grates sits down with global cash flow authority David Safeer to explore the surprising reality that many profitable businesses still fail because they run out of cash. Together they unpack the difference between profit and cash flow, why timing matters more than most business owners realize, and how looking only at financial statements can create a false sense of security. David shares practical strategies for forecasting cash flow, making better financial decisions, and uncovering the root causes behind cash shortages. The conversation also explores the emotional side of business ownership, the importance of making decisions with both data and perspective, and why human relationships will continue to matter in an AI driven world. Whether you're a business owner, sales leader, or entrepreneur, this episode offers actionable insights that can help you build a healthier and more resilient business. In This Episode: • Why a profitable business can still run out of cash and fail. • The critical difference between profit, cash flow, and what your financial statements actually tell you. • How weekly cash flow forecasting helps business owners avoid costly surprises. • Why successful business decisions require both data and emotional awareness. • How advisors, technology, and strong relationships can work together to create long term business growth. --- David Safeer's Links: Website - Facebook - Instagram - --- Scott Grates' Links: Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332 Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315 Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1 Scott's - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

  • S1 · E155
    July 30 · 12 min

    #155 - Stop Interrupting

    In this solo episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott Grates challenges one of the most accepted practices in sales. He argues that interruption marketing has become increasingly ineffective in a world filled with spam filters, caller ID, and endless distractions. Instead of chasing strangers through cold calls and purchased leads, Scott makes the case for becoming the person prospects actively seek out. Scott shares a practical framework built around two powerful ideas: personal branding and relationship marketing. He explains how creating valuable content, strengthening your digital presence, and intentionally investing in meaningful relationships can build trust long before a sales conversation begins. Rather than asking for referrals, he encourages listeners to earn them by consistently serving others and becoming someone people naturally want to recommend. In This Episode: • Why interruption marketing is becoming more expensive and less effective. • How personal branding helps prospects trust you before they ever meet you. • Simple ways to create content that answers your customers' biggest questions. • Why a small circle of intentional relationships creates more opportunity than a large list of cold contacts. • Three practical actions you can take this week to become easier to find, easier to trust, and easier to refer. --- Scott Grates' Links: The Magnetic Niche - https://mailchi.mp/wonderlabstrategy/findyourniche Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332 Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315 Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1 Scott's - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

  • S1 · E154
    July 27 · 39 min

    #154 - Leading a 120-Year Legacy • Gina Thorsen

    In this episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott sits down with Gina Thorsen, CEO of Jacquart Fabric Products and the Stormy Kromer brand, to talk about leadership, legacy and the power of building relationships that stand the test of time. As the first woman to lead the company in its 120 year history, Gina shares how she is honoring a beloved American brand while finding new ways to grow through partnerships, innovation and a commitment to American manufacturing. Throughout the conversation, Gina explains why relationships have always been the foundation of the company's success. From decades long supplier partnerships to exceptional customer service, she shares how trust and consistency have created opportunities that no marketing campaign could replace. This episode is filled with practical lessons on leadership, brand building and why staying true to your values can become your greatest competitive advantage. You Will Learn: • How strong relationships create long term business success and lasting customer loyalty • Why protecting your values can become a powerful competitive advantage • How strategic partnerships help brands reach new audiences without losing their identity • What it takes to lead a family business while honoring its legacy and embracing change • Why doing the basics well still sets great companies apart in today's marketplace --- Gina Thorsen's Links: Website - https://www.jacquarts.com Stormy Kromer - https://www.stormykromer.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kromergal --- Scott Grates' Links: Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332 Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315 Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1 Scott's - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

  • S1 · E153
    July 23 · 8 min

    #153 - Golden Opportunities

    In this solo episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott explores a challenge that many business owners never expect to face. It is not a lack of opportunities. It is having too many good ones. As businesses grow and relationships expand, the hardest decisions often become choosing between several promising paths instead of choosing between right and wrong. Scott shares how this shift has changed his own perspective on leadership, success and intentional decision making. Throughout the episode, Scott explains why every opportunity comes with a hidden cost in time, energy and focus. He challenges listeners to stop chasing every open door and instead evaluate each opportunity against the person they want to become. This episode is a reminder that clarity is often found through subtraction and that saying no to good opportunities can create space for the ones that matter most. You Will Learn: • Why having too many opportunities can create more stress than having too few • How every commitment carries a hidden cost beyond money • Why the best leadership decisions are often between two good options • A simple question to help evaluate your current commitments and priorities • How saying no creates the focus needed to build a more intentional business and life --- Scott Grates' Links: The Magnetic Niche - https://mailchi.mp/wonderlabstrategy/findyourniche Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332 Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315 Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1 Scott's - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

  • S1 · E152
    July 20 · 39 min

    #152 - Time Well Spent • Anna Dearmon Kornick

    In this episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott sits down with time management coach, keynote speaker, and It's About Time host Anna Dearmon Kornick for a conversation that goes far beyond productivity hacks. Anna shares why overwhelm has become so common and explains that the solution is not doing more. It starts with creating awareness, getting clear on what matters most and making intentional decisions about how you spend your time. Together, they explore why many people chase new tools before identifying the real source of their stress. Throughout the conversation, Anna introduces practical strategies for creating space, protecting boundaries, and eliminating time leaks that quietly steal focus throughout the day. She also shares the personal experiences that shaped her perspective on time, including her work as a congressional scheduler and growing up in a funeral home family. This episode is filled with actionable ideas that will help you stop reacting to your calendar and start building a life with fewer regrets and greater purpose. You Will Learn: • Why awareness is the first step to overcoming overwhelm • How clear priorities make it easier to protect your time and your boundaries • Why transition moments often become your biggest source of lost time • The value of creating a personal board of directors that includes mentors and coaches • How making intentional decisions with your time leads to greater fulfillment and fewer regrets --- Anna Dearmon Kornick's Links: Website - https://annadkornick.com Book - https://annadkornick.com/book Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/annadearmonkornick Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/annadkornick YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaN48hIUyxrV5hHMlq2aCow --- Scott Grates' Links: Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332 Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315 Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1 Scott's - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

  • S1 · E151
    July 16 · 7 min

    #151 - Stay Curious Longer

    In this solo episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott shares one simple idea that has the potential to transform the way we build relationships. Stay curious longer. Inspired by a conversation with relationship strategist Stacy Harris, Scott challenges the tendency to judge people too quickly based on a job title or first impression. Instead, he encourages listeners to slow down, ask better questions and discover the opportunities that only reveal themselves through genuine conversation. Throughout the episode, Scott explains why the best referral partners often come from unexpected places and why meaningful relationships cannot be rushed. He shares stories of professionals who first saw each other as competitors but later became valuable referral partners through curiosity and trust. This episode is a reminder that great relationships are not built by collecting contacts. They are built by taking the time to truly know the person sitting across from you. You Will Learn: • Why staying curious creates stronger relationships and better referrals • How first impressions can prevent valuable opportunities from developing • Why the best referral partners are often the ones you least expect • The difference between collecting contacts and becoming a true connector • How asking one more question can lead to lasting relationships and unexpected opportunities --- Scott Grates' Links: The Magnetic Niche - https://mailchi.mp/wonderlabstrategy/findyourniche Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332 Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315 Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1 Scott's - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

  • S1 · E150
    July 13 · 38 min

    #150 - Your Best Leads Already Know You • Stacy Harris

    In this episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott sits down with Stacy Harris, strategic relationship advisor and founder of Stacy Harris Consulting, for a conversation about building stronger relationships that lead to consistent business growth. Stacy explains why networking has earned a bad reputation and why most people approach it without a clear strategy. Together, they discuss why relationships are becoming even more valuable in a world shaped by AI, digital communication and constant distractions. They also explore how trust, consistency, and genuine human connection create opportunities that traditional marketing often cannot. Throughout the conversation, Stacy shares practical systems that help professionals stay connected with the people already in their network. She explains why follow up should be intentional, why referral partners deserve as much attention as clients and why networking is really about serving others before asking for anything in return. This episode is filled with practical advice for anyone who wants to replace random networking with meaningful relationships that produce long term results. You Will Learn: • Why strategic relationships create more opportunities than random networking • How consistent follow up strengthens trust and keeps you top of mind • Why your existing network may be your greatest source of future business • Practical habits that make networking feel natural instead of uncomfortable • How serving others first leads to stronger referrals and lasting business growth --- Stacy Harris' Links: Website - https://stacyharrisconsulting.com Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-harris-b94b209 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stacyharrisconsulting Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/StacyHarrisConsulting --- Scott Grates' Links: Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332 Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315 Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1 Scott's - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

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