Networking works when people understand how referrals actually happen.

What You’ll Learn

• How to become referable
• How to create real connections
• Why communication drives trust

Angie Weidel explains the practical networking fundamentals most professionals never learn and how they directly impact referrals and revenue.

Key Takeaways

• Clarity drives referrals
• Introductions matter more than leads
• Communication skills are essential

Guest Bio

Angie Weidel is the founder of Blended Strategies, specializing in interpersonal communication and professional networking systems.

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Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

Ewell Smith is talking with sales and marketing pros and business owners and leaders who help professionals and business owners drive more leads and close more deals. He's the Publisher of CloseTheDeal.com and author of Your First Franchise Roadmap.

Close The Deal Podcast Supported by Your First Franchise

We have gift for you for listening - grab a copy of Your First Franchise Roadmap.

Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

LinkedIn has quietly become one of the most effective demand channels for CEOs who know how to use it.

What You’ll Learn

How to create LinkedIn demand efficiently
Why CEO visibility drives revenue
What metrics actually signal buying intent

Short Episode Summary

Matt Hunt explains how founders can turn LinkedIn into a sales engine using lived experience, clear frameworks, and minimal time investment.

Key Takeaways

Visibility multiplies leverage
Authority beats advice
Signals matter more than likes

Guest Bio

Matt Hunt is the CEO of Demandii, helping founders and CEOs turn insight into demand through LinkedIn.

Host Bio

The Close The Deal Podcast is published and hosted by Ewell Smith. Ewell is a franchise advisor, the author of Your First Franchise Roadmap, and the publisher of Close The Deal, where he sits down with operators, founders, and deal makers to unpack how real business decisions actually get made. His work focuses on helping franchise candidates and business owners cut through noise, avoid bad deals, and close the right ones.

For show notes and Matt Hunt’s mindset quotes, visit closethedeal.com

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Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

Ewell Smith is talking with sales and marketing pros who help professionals and business owners drive more leads and close more deals.

Close The Deal Podcast Supported by Your First Franchise

We have gift for you for listening - grab a copy of Your First Franchise Roadmap.

Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

There comes a point in every career and every life when confidence takes a hit. Sometimes what you need most isn’t another strategy or tactic. It’s belief.

In this episode of Close The Deal, Ewell Smith sits down with Chris Widener to explore why belief is the foundation of leadership, personal growth, and long-term success. Chris shares stories from his own journey including rebuilding after major setbacks, the power of mentorship, and how someone else’s belief can help you believe again.

This conversation goes beyond business. It’s about identity, integrity, mentorship, and becoming a voice instead of an echo.

What You’ll Learn
• Why belief matters more than strategy in leadership
• How mentorship accelerates growth
• What it means to borrow belief until you can carry it yourself
• Why integrity and kindness still win
• How to become a voice instead of an echo

About the Guest
Chris Widener is an internationally recognized speaker, author, and leadership coach. He has delivered more than 2,500 speeches worldwide, authored over 25 books translated into 14 languages, and was mentored by Jim Rohn and Zig Ziglar.

Learn more at CloseTheDeal.com

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Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

Ewell Smith is talking with sales and marketing pros who help professionals and business owners drive more leads and close more deals.

Close The Deal Podcast Supported by Your First Franchise

We have gift for you for listening - grab a copy of Your First Franchise Roadmap.

Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.