Amber Gaige

amber@farbeyondmarketing.com

Please share a brief Bio.

Amber Gaige is a third-generation entrepreneur, a certified StoryBrand Guide, and an outside-of-the-box marketing strategist. Amber is not just a marketer; she’s a powerhouse of strategic brilliance and proven success in navigating the challenging landscapes of competitive industries like manufacturing, home services, and technology. Amber takes the mystery out of marketing by educating and empowering business owners through her unique system the Four C's of Effective Marketing

What are 2-3 things you would love to talk about?

AI, Digital Marketing, Entrepreneurship, my dog - Echo Whiskey

What are 2-3 things you would like to gain as a result of being on this podcast?

2-3 new clients, a new friend, brand exposure for my company.

Any website you wish to share with the audience?

www.FarBeyondMarketing.ccom

Any social media links you wish to share with the audience?

https://www.facebook.com/coachambergaige

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-gaige-55880826/ https://www.instagram.com/farbeyondmarketing/

Michael is a business networking expert specializing in enhancing professionals' networking and communication skills to drive profitability. As a leading authority in this field, he is highly sought after for his dynamic presentations and workshops. His extensive experience has consistently led to significant improvements in corporate profitability by empowering individuals and organizations to connect more effectively and efficiently.

https://www.michaelaforman.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelforman/

https://www.instagram.com/flyboy_197/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI6GkxoRFCk969A_rCfpHWQ

Digital Courses

https://michael-s-site-fc88.thinkific.com/

#BusinessNetworking #CorporateSuccess #Leadership #CommunicationSkills #ProfitGrowth #ExecutiveCoaching#Conference #EventSpeakers #ConferenceSpeaker #MarketingConference #NonprofitConference #BusinessEvent#Networking #Conferenses#Profit #Sales #Communication#Podcast #networkingevents #businessowners #businessideas #businessinnovation #growyourbusiness #professionaldevelopment #businessconnections #networkmarketing #EventProfs #PublicSpeaking #SpeakerTips #ConferenceSpeaker #EventMarketing #ProfessionalSpeaker #MemorableExperiences #EventStrategy #SpeakingEngagements #BeUnforgettable #SpeakerLife #EventSuccess#NetworkingUnleashed

Networking That Actually Converts: Body Language, Trust, and the Follow-Up System That Gets Responses

Michael explains that while most people understand the sales cycle and their product, many are not taught how to network properly, and argues that follow-up is more important than the initial meeting. The episode covers the purpose of networking (to build business and make money), the idea that people like to buy but hate being sold to, and practical in-person networking techniques such as smiling, eye contact, politeness to everyone from janitor to CEO, confident posture, clear enunciation, active listening with a pause, and avoiding distracting phone use. It outlines how to approach groups at networking events by listening first, contributing thoughtfully, then shifting focus to others using the FORM framework (Family, Occupation, Recreation, Message) to find common ground and build trust—emphasizing the mantra: know you, like you, trust you, do business with you. The speaker contrasts extroverts and introverts, recommending introverts bring a “wingman” to help with introductions until they gain confidence. The core system is a structured follow-up process: send an initial thank-you message that evening, mail a handwritten thank-you note the next morning, wait three days, then email again with reminders of where they met and what they discussed, aiming for multiple touches (noting it often takes 8–15 touches). Additional follow-up ideas include connecting on social platforms, providing value through relevant articles before asking for coffee, tracking contacts in a CRM with consistent outreach, and avoiding spammy mass emails in favor of personalized messages. The speaker also discusses post-pandemic networking as more relational than transactional, limiting the number of business cards collected to ensure proper follow-up, practicing continuously, and using AI as a tool (not a replacement) alongside content like articles, podcasts, and courses to stay visible. The episode closes by stating that lack of results is usually a communication problem—how someone sells and presents themselves—and reiterates the importance of handwritten thank-you notes.

00:00 Why Networking (and Follow-Up) Beats the Traditional Sales Cycle

01:11 The Real Goal of Networking: Solve Problems and Create Value

03:18 People Love to Buy, Hate to Be Sold To (Sales Approach Shift)

04:10 First Impressions That Win: Smile, Eye Contact, and Respect Everyone

06:43 Confidence & Body Language: Posture, Hands, and Clear Enunciation

09:44 How to Work a Networking Table: Listen First, Then Join In

11:33 The FORM Method + Servant’s Heart: Get Them Talking

13:31 Build Trust Fast: Find Common Ground in Events and 1-on-1 Meetings

16:13 Introvert vs Extrovert Strategies: Bring a Wingman and Practice

18:04 The Follow-Up System: Email + Handwritten Thank-You Notes + Touches

23:02 Scale Your Network Online: LinkedIn, Reels, YouTube, and Meetup

25:38 Practice Your Message, Use AI Wisely, and Final Q&A on Spam Emails

Michael is a business networking expert specializing in enhancing professionals' networking and communication skills to drive profitability. As a leading authority in this field, he is highly sought after for his dynamic presentations and workshops. His extensive experience has consistently led to significant improvements in corporate profitability by empowering individuals and organizations to connect more effectively and efficiently.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI6GkxoRFCk969A_rCfpHWQ

Digital Courses

https://michael-s-site-fc88.thinkific.com/

Dana Alfirevic

danaalfirevic@gmail.com

Please share a brief Bio.

Dana Alfirevic is the founder of Charlotte Networking Knowledge and a professional networking coach, dedicated to helping professionals and entrepreneurs build meaningful business relationships through both in-person and online networking strategies. With experience hosting and speaking at workshops, boot camps, and networking events across Charlotte and online, Dana teaches practical approaches to networking that emphasize authenticity, confidence, and efficiency. She is passionate about helping others connect strategically, stay visible online, and create opportunities that lead to long-term success.

What are 2-3 things you would love to talk about?

Why most people don’t fully leverage their network, and how small shifts in communication unlock referrals, opportunities, and partnerships How to clearly communicate what you do so your network actually knows how to help you Modern networking strategies for building relationships that lead to long-term business growth.

What are 2-3 things you would like to gain as a result of being on this podcast?

Increased visibility and brand awareness within the entrepreneurial and networking community, the opportunity to share practical value with listeners, and to build meaningful relationships with aligned professionals.

Any website you wish to share with the audience?

https://www.networkingknowledgeandgrowth.com

Any social media links you wish to share with the audience?

https://www.Facebook.com/Charlottenetworkingknowledge https://www.Instagram.com/Charlottenetworkingknowledge https://www.TikTok.com/@Clt_networking_knowledge https://www.Linkedin.com/in/Dana-Alfirevic https://www.LinkedIn.com/company/charlotte-networking-knowledge

Michael is a business networking expert specializing in enhancing professionals' networking and communication skills to drive profitability. As a leading authority in this field, he is highly sought after for his dynamic presentations and workshops. His extensive experience has consistently led to significant improvements in corporate profitability by empowering individuals and organizations to connect more effectively and efficiently.

https://www.michaelaforman.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelforman/

https://www.instagram.com/flyboy_197/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI6GkxoRFCk969A_rCfpHWQ

Digital Courses

https://michael-s-site-fc88.thinkific.com/