# 444 The Upstream Strategy for Getting More Referrals from Fewer People with Host Michael J Maher and Guest Justin Stoddart Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/referrals-podcast-728015/444-the-upstream-strategy-for-getting-more-referrals-from-fewer-people-with-host-michael-j-maher-and-guest-justin-stoddart Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/referrals-podcast-728015/444-the-upstream-strategy-for-getting-more-referrals-from-fewer-people-with-host-michael-j-maher-and-guest-justin-stoddart.md Podcast: [REFERRALS PODCAST](https://stenobird.com/podcast/referrals-podcast-728015) Published: 2026-06-23T09:00:03+00:00 Episode link: https://referralspodcast.libsyn.com/444-the-upstream-strategy-for-getting-more-referrals-from-fewer-people-with-host-michael-j-maher-and-guest-justin-stoddart Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/referralspodcast/340165879_444_The_Upstream_Strategy_for_Getting_More_Referrals_from_Fewer_People_with_Host_Michael_J-9073.mp3?dest-id=755365 Processing state: not_requested JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/referrals-podcast-728015/episodes/444-the-upstream-strategy-for-getting-more-referrals-from-fewer-people-with-host-michael-j-maher-and-guest-justin-stoddart Duration seconds: 3634 ## Resource Title: The Upstream Strategy for Getting More Referrals from Fewer People Host: Michael J. Maher Guest: Justin Stoddart Description: What if getting more referrals did not require building more relationships, but building the right relationships? In this episode, Michael J. Maher sits down with Justin Stoddart, author of *The Upstream Model* and host of *Built on Referrals*, to reveal how professionals can generate more referrals from fewer people. Justin explains how to identify "upstream" partners: trusted professionals who are already serving your future clients before those clients ever need you. For real estate agents, these partners may include financial advisors, CPAs, estate attorneys, lenders, architects, interior designers, roofers, and other professionals who learn about important life changes before an agent does. You'll discover how to approach potential partners without appearing transactional, use three-way text introductions to establish trust, uncover the problems your partners need solved, and progress from solicitor to vendor, peer, mentor, and ultimately, leader. Michael and Justin also explore why nurturing a powerful referral source can be more valuable than chasing individual referrals. Instead of constantly searching for the next "golden egg," you'll learn how to build meaningful relationships with the "golden geese" who can consistently introduce you to future clients. If you want a more strategic, predictable, and relationship-driven way to grow your business, this episode will show you why it is time to go upstream. (7L) Referral Strategies: Networking Special Offer: Discover the strength of your referral business and identify your greatest opportunities for growth by taking Justin's assessment at BuiltOnReferrals.com. To learn Michael J. Mah… ## Actions - request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/referrals-podcast-728015/episodes/444-the-upstream-strategy-for-getting-more-referrals-from-fewer-people-with-host-michael-j-maher-and-guest-justin-stoddart/transcription-requests` — Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode. - read_markdown: `GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/referrals-podcast-728015/444-the-upstream-strategy-for-getting-more-referrals-from-fewer-people-with-host-michael-j-maher-and-guest-justin-stoddart.md` — Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource. A page view does not enqueue transcription. Agents should invoke `request_transcript` explicitly when they need this episode processed. ## Transcript Full transcripts are not published on public pages unless there is a clear rights basis.