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

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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