
Your Network Sucks, That’s Your Problem a Steve Doyle Story
From Blue-Collar BS by Brad Herda and Steve Doyle
May 22, 2026 · 28 min · Episode 206
About this episode
Brad discusses the importance of building a network and how it can solve real business problems.
Brad's Friday game night exists because he got uncomfortable during COVID and started networking. That group of strangers a travel agent, Microsoft expert, idea coach, and HR consultant became the friends now playing ridiculous word games together. More importantly, they became the network that solves real business problems. That network paid off when a client texted Friday at 10:30 AM needing 2,000 square feet of outdoor storage space by Monday. Brad connected them with a trucking client who had yard space, solving the problem in hours. Business owners who don't build networks miss these opportunities constantly. Most business owners default to Craigslist or calling their CPA for referrals instead of developing real relationships with their service providers. The commercial insurance agent, financial planner, and even personal insurance broker are sitting on valuable networks but only if you actually build relationships beyond paying invoices. Brad challenges all the bankers, lawyers, and CPAs listening: stop accepting "I'm too busy" as an answer. Go have coffee with your blue collar clients. Learn who they are beyond the annual meeting. This tight-knit community rewards those…
People in this episode
Hosts: Brad Herda, Steve Doyle
Topics covered
- networking
- business relationships
- problem solving
- community building
- referrals
- blue collar industry
Keywords
- networking
- business problems
- referrals
- community
- blue collar
- relationships
- opportunities
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Craigslist
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