Get ready to set yourself up for success in 2025! In this episode of The Referrals Podcast, host Michael J. Maher is joined by Sheri Maher to reveal the one goal every real estate professional should prioritize for the upcoming year: your Referral Goal. Michael shares the magic behind this transformative goal—deciding how many referrals you want to give and receive in 2025, with a powerful twist: commit to giving twice as many as you hope to receive. This giving-focused approach not only...

In this heartwarming holiday episode of the Referrals Podcast, host Michael J. Maher welcomes Don McNaughton from The McNaughton Team Realtors in Northwest Arkansas. Together, they dive into the magic of Don’s "Breakfast With Santa" event—a beloved annual tradition that has brought joy to clients, friends, and the entire community for an incredible 19 years. Don shares the secrets behind the success of this gathering, held at their office and designed to bring people together during the...

In this powerful episode of The Referrals Podcast, host Michael J. Maher sits down with Michael Peeples, a former professional baseball player and once a top agent on Zillow. Michael shares his journey of breaking free from the Zillow lead machine and reveals how he went from spending thousands on leads each month to spending less than $150 a month on simple, heartfelt marketing. Michael unveils his personal secret to a referral-based business: he’s read (7L) ten times this year! He’s also...

Back in 2016, John Israel set out on a mission to deepen human connection through a unique social experiment—writing five handwritten notes of appreciation every day for an entire year. What happened next was incredible: the Mr. Thank You movement was born, leading to a TEDx talk, a book, and inspiring people worldwide. Join Michael and John as they explore how one small daily action can ripple out, creating big impact and lasting change. (7L) Referral Strategies and Podcast Topics: •...

In this insightful episode of the Referrals Podcast, Michael J. Maher sits down with Dan Stewart, the visionary behind Happy Grasshopper, to discuss the impact of the new regulations on mass texting to clients. With recent changes to how businesses can use text messaging to communicate, it’s more important than ever to understand what’s allowed and what could land you in trouble. Dan breaks down the new rules, how they affect real estate agents and business owners, and what you need to do...

Success doesn’t just come to those who work hard. It comes to people who don’t give up, even when things get tough. The truth is, everyone fails sometimes, but if you keep going and learn to adapt, those failures can help you grow and reach success. Many people believe their problems will never go away, or that success comes more easily to others. If you’re feeling stuck, it’s not because you don’t have enough skills or tools—it’s because you haven’t yet learned how to turn those challenges...

Are you leaving thousands, if not millions, in commissions on the table without even realizing it? As real estate professionals, we often have a goldmine of opportunities sitting right in our own databases, but we still find ourselves buying leads or chasing cold prospects.    The potential for incredible commissions is already at your fingertips—hidden in the contacts stored in your phone.   Many real estate agents fail to maximize the value of their contacts, missing out on millions in...

Many real estate agents find it hard to reach six figures because they focus on the big picture and forget the small, consistent actions that lead to success.  Instead of chasing every opportunity or burning out from overwork, agents should focus on intentional daily habits and building genuine relationships.  Success isn’t about one huge leap—it’s about doing the little things right every day, and those small wins build up over time to create a thriving business. What do you do if you’re...

Small acts of kindness can have a profound impact, often sparking a ripple effect that changes lives. When we embrace generosity, we create a cycle of giving and receiving that can lead to both personal fulfillment and prosperity. It’s easy to overlook how a simple gesture—like giving away a $5 bill—can inspire others and spread goodwill. But what if such small acts could spark a global movement of kindness? Imagine being part of a community where acts of kindness are the norm, not the...

Delegation is often misunderstood, with many thinking it’s about laziness or shirking responsibility. It is actually about freeing up time and resources to focus on higher-value tasks.   Many of us hold onto the belief that success means grinding endlessly and handling every detail ourselves. This mindset may actually be holding you back. Rather than hustling harder, unlock your potential by letting go and trusting others.   What if becoming a "time millionaire"—someone who has both...

If you think networking is just about attending events, collecting business cards and shaking hands, you’re on the fast track to empty connections. Networking is really about finding those few key people who can truly make a difference in your business.   The power lies not in the quantity of connections but in the quality—those relationships that bring real value and opportunities. Focusing on meaningful interactions can transform your networking from a numbers game into a powerful tool...

Posting content online is important, but it alone can’t move your real estate business forward. You need to do more than that. We need to make real connections with people and follow up with them in order to deepen our relationships with them.   That’s where our database comes in. A well-organized database helps us create those connections and make our follow-up more meaningful. Something as simple as calling someone on their birthday can make a huge difference and boost our businesses.   ...

Making a million dollars without spending money on leads sounds like a pipe dream, but it is possible. Success isn’t about spending the most, it’s about building strong relationships and having good conversations.   Instead of throwing money at your marketing, you can earn big just by being kind and connecting with others. It starts with the conversations we have. The more we make people feel seen, heard, valued, and cared for, the more we can turn them into sources of income.   How do we...

Big changes are afoot in real estate. With the NAR settlement and the need for buyer agency agreements, buyers and agents are grappling with new ways of working together. These changes can feel confusing and scary, but they are also a chance to grow and improve. If you can adapt to these new rules, you can show your true value and build even stronger relationships with your clients. Do you worry about how these changes will affect your job? Are you unsure how to explain them to your...

Building a successful business through referrals is a powerful strategy. All your business really needs to thrive is a few people cheerleaders and raving fans who willingly speak highly of you. In order to get those raving fans, you need to have a proactive plan for them. One of the most powerful things you can do is host events throughout the year. That way you’re making people feel appreciated and celebrated, and that will make them refer you. How do we plan for our events ahead of time?...

In this episode, I answer all of the questions that I have received over the years relating to REFERCO and The Generosity Generation. The answer to everything. Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode - What we Believe at REFERCO - The Values of GenGen - 3 Principles of GenGen Episode: 347 Title: The Answer to Everything. This Referrals Podcast Explains Everything with Host Michael J. Maher. Host: Michael J. Maher

Finding a niche in a competitive real estate market is a major challenge for many agents. You need a focused approach, relentless networking, and strategic planning to establish yourself in a new market.   Marketing efforts can become scattered and ineffective without a niche, leading to frustration and no progress. Building a successful, referral-based business starts with identifying and serving a specific community.   Imagine having a clear focus, a community that trusts you, and a...

New real estate agents have a hard time building a client base, especially when they're not well-known in the area. Starting in a new city with no connections can be daunting. Clients won't just come knocking on your door, which makes the challenge even greater. In order to establish credibility in the market, proactive steps must be taken. The big question is: how you can successfully organize an event in a new city with no prior connections. What strategies can be used to get sponsors...

Is having a big crowd the only way to have a great event? Not really. You can have a great event even with a small number of people. What matters more is the quality of the people attending. A small group of engaged and motivated people can create a great event, while a large crowd of disinterested people may not. It's important to focus on the people who will be most invested in the event and get the most out of it. Have you ever wondered how to make things work when they don’t go as...

With the announcement of the $418 million NAR settlement proposal, panic and confusion have swept through the industry. Agents everywhere are questioning how these new rules will impact their ability to serve clients and sustain their businesses. There’s no denying the feelings of pressure and uncertainty. Many agents believe that the NAR settlement will complicate their business, but what if it could actually be an opportunity to improve your practice and stand out in the market? The...

The real estate world is changing a lot because of the NAR settlement. This makes Realtors worried about how they will get paid. Aside from making Realtors nervous, they are scared about losing their clients and money. Many don't know what to do and feel stressed about how to keep their jobs safe. The impact of changes in the real estate market has raised concerns among Realtors. How will these changes affect potential buyers and the success of real estate businesses? In this...

Did you know that every month Michael J. Maher hosts a Zoom live mastermind for all members of the Generosity Generation? That’s right! We love the format of the podcast....but sometimes, it’s fun to hear directly from you! So, have you been to one of our live masterminds? We call them JAM sessions (Just Ask Michael). We decided to drop this JAM session from March when we discussed the proposed NAR settlement. LOT’S of great information here. Michael is hosting our next JAM session on...

Forget everything you know about managing your time. Traditional time management strategies often fall short, leaving professionals frustrated and stuck in an unproductive rut. But what if there's a different way? A way that not only streamlines our workflow but also maximizes our influence and effectiveness in the real estate market? Many believe that longer hours and a packed schedule equals productivity. But this old-school approach only leads to burnout and inefficiency. How can...

If you think real estate success is determined by the number of deals you close, think again! In a world obsessed with quick sales and digital metrics, what makes all the difference could be sitting right under your nose: the relationships you nurture. Too many real estate professionals continue to push cold calling and hard sales tactics, only to find themselves burnt out and disconnected. They focus on the short game - transactions - without realizing the gold mine in genuine...