Episode 38: Building Community & Following Up with Intention with Rodger Taylor

❇️ Grab Faithann's FREE 8 Ways to Make Your Intro Stand Out here. In this episode, Faithann Basore welcomes Rodger Taylor, co-founder of Network Build Grow, a dynamic networking organization based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Rodger and his wife, Melissa, have spent the last eight years creating a space where business owners not only connect but grow—both professionally and personally. Rodger shares how the group evolved from a local free meetup to a thriving membership-based community offering in-person and virtual events, including happy hours, strategic collaborations, book clubs, and what they call huddles—small mastermind-style sessions designed to help members tackle real-time challenges. Later in the conversation, Rodger offers a thoughtful breakdown of why most people don’t follow up after networking—and how to overcome those barriers. He outlines a mindset shift that turns follow-up into something relational rather than transactional, and he offers practical strategies for making consistent, thoughtful connections after the first handshake. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Network Build Grow supports entrepreneurs beyond traditional networking The story behind how Rodger and Melissa started their own group to meet a real-time need What “huddles” are and how they provide real value through group problem-solving Why follow-up is the missing piece in many people’s networking strategy The real reasons people fail to follow up—and what to do about it How to shift your follow-up from obligation to opportunity Notable Quotes: “Most people say relationships matter—but their behavior tells a different story.” – Rodger Taylor “We wanted to bring value beyond business cards—and it turns out, that’s what people come back for.” – Rodger Taylor “Follow-up isn’t annoying if it’s done with care and intention. It’s where trust starts to build.” – Rodger Taylor Resources & Mentions: Network Build Grow -Rodger's networking community website Sales Maven Society – where Faithann and Rodger’s connector, Jackie, first met Connect with Rodger Taylor: 🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 NetEffect-Rodger's Exclusive Networking Follow Up System Connect with Faithann Basore: 🌐 TheNetworkersTourGuide.com 📧 @thenetworkerstourguide