Frank Agin 's BIO:

Frank Agin is president of AmSpirit Business Connections, which empowers entrepreneurs, sales representatives, and professionals to become successful and gain more referrals through networking.

He also shares information and insights on professional relationships, business networking and best practices for generating referrals on his Networking Rx podcast and through various professional programs.

Finally, Frank is the author of several books, including Foundational Networking: Creating Know, Like & Trust For A Lifetime of Extraordinary Success and The Three Reasons You Don’t Get Referrals. See all his books and programs at frankagin.com.

In this episode, Virginia and Frank talked about:

1. Why Frank believes in the power of networking.
2. 3 Reasons you aren’t getting referred
3. How to build business referral relationships
4. How to create recognition for your business
5. How to inspire your network to engage

Takeaways:

• There is something to small talk
• It’s possible to have a great relationship and never get a referral
• Help people beyond what you do
• Stop asking for anyone and everyone
• Don’t tell me what you do, tell me when you do it

Connect with Frank on his LinkedIn account to learn more about his work and insights into networking effectively:

LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankagin/

Connect with Virginia:

https://www.bbrpodcast.com/

S. S. Coulter's BIO:

S. S. Coulter is here to help everyday, busy parents feel extraordinary about their parenting. Her tools help parents compete with the additive draw of technology to help the youngest generation shift from a tech-centered-childhood back to play-centered-childhood. Her children’s book series, The Fassa Tails, activities, and upcoming activity app offer screen-lite, easy ways to get kids playing, imagining, and moving. Her mission: to help the next generation build balance in mind, heart, and body—and develop a healthy relationship with technology—all while simply being kids and having fun!

In this episode, Virginia and S. S. talked about:

1. Why Shannon built this business
2. The importance of failure and imagination
3. What you can learn from playing with your kids

Takeaways:

• Focus! Sell one thing to grow
• Amplify your imagination
• Give yourself permission to “make bad art”
• Don’t let your supervillain tell you you suck
• Your kids copy what you do, not what you say.

Connect with S. S. on her social media accounts to learn more about her work and insights into networking effectively:

LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fassa-tails-books

Facebook URL: https://facebook.com/SSCoulter7

Instagram URL: https://www.instagram.com/s.s.coulter/

Connect with Virginia:

https://www.bbrpodcast.com/

Lana Manikowski's BIO:

Lana Manikowski is an author, keynote speaker, infertility advocate, and certified life coach who helps women thrive after infertility when motherhood didn’t happen. She’s the founder of The Other’s Day Brunch and host of The “So Now What?” Podcast, both created to support women who are childless not by choice.

After a seven-year fertility journey that ended without a child—and with adoption and donor egg not being the right path—Lana faced the deep grief and isolation so many women silently carry. When her clinic offered no resources to help her navigate life without children, she created the support she needed and now offers it to others.

Through her coaching and bestselling book So Now What?, Lana helps women reconnect with their bodies, build meaningful relationships with partners and friends, and create a life that feels purposeful and fulfilling—even without motherhood.

She holds advanced certification in grief and post-traumatic growth, is a member of ASRM, and volunteers with RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. Lana is known for her signature message: Your story isn’t over. It’s just beginning.

She lives in downtown Chicago with her husband and their dog, Coco.

In this episode, Virginia and Lana talked about:

1. Why Lana started this business
2. How Lana transitioned from corporate sales to entrepreneur
3. Three Pillars of Thriving as a woman who has gone through infertility
4. Finding your first clients

Takeaway:

• Plan for your passion
• Who is your best source for referrals?
• Make your collaborations reciprocal
• Build multiple referral streams
• Track and reward partner efforts

Connect with Lana on her social media accounts to learn more about her work and insights into networking effectively:

LinkedIn URL: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lana-manikowski-7982a8

Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/lana.krstichmanikowski/

Instagram URL: https://www.instagram.com/lana.manikowski/

Connect with Virginia:

https://www.bbrpodcast.com/