The High Five Effect
If you’re waiting for clients to find you through your brilliant social media posts, you’re going to be waiting a long time.
Matt Ward built his business by reaching out to five people every single day. Matt shares his story in episode 119 of Gratitude Geek Podcast. The High Five Effect is all about building a referral-based business rooted in real relationships, not random social media luck.
Originally aired: May 17, 2022.
This post has been updated and republished as part of rebuilding the Gratitude Geek podcast archive.
If you’re a woman solopreneur who’s tired of shouting into the void and ready to build relationships that actually lead to paying clients, this episode is your roadmap.
Key Takeaways from the High Five Effect
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Five daily reach-outs create compounding relationship growth. Email, text, or phone call. Five people every single day. No sales pitch, just genuine connection.
- Non-sales conversations build trust faster than any pitch. “Hey, I was thinking about you” or “How’s your daughter’s soccer season?” goes further than “Want to buy my thing?”
- Surround yourself with great people who share positive energy. Your network directly impacts your success and your happiness. Choose wisely.
- Stay present in people’s lives so you’re top of mind. The businesses that win aren’t the ones with the flashiest ads. They’re the ones people think of first when they need help.
- Your morning routine sets the tone for your entire day. Start with those five reach-outs before you check email or scroll social media.
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Matt breaks down his “High Five Effect” strategy for building a referral-based business through five daily reach-outs. He explains why non-sales conversations are more valuable than any marketing campaign and how staying present in people’s lives makes you the first person they think of when they need help. This conversation is for any woman entrepreneur ready to stop chasing cold leads and start nurturing warm relationships.
Meet Matt Ward
Matt Ward is an author and referral coach who teaches entrepreneurs how to generate word-of-mouth referrals and build lifelong customer relationships.
He’s the creator of the “High Five Effect,” a daily practice that has transformed how thousands of business owners think about networking.
Matt believes that surrounding yourself with great people who share positive energy is the foundation of continuous success and a joyful work life.
“People do business with who they know, like, trust, and care about, and that caring component is so missing…If I don’t care about the success of your business to the point where you’re top of mind to me all the time, then you may not win out when a referral opportunity comes.” – Matt Ward
Connect with Matt Ward
- Website: mattwardcoaching.com
- LinkedIn: Matt Ward on LinkedIn
- Books: MORE… Word of Mouth Referrals, Lifelong Customers & Raving Fans and The High-Five Effect: How To Do Business With People Who Bring You Joy
Resources Mentioned
- Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
- Go for No! by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz
- The Go-Giver by Bob Burg
- Cashflow 101 Board Game
Disclaimer: Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase. No added cost to you.
Your Turn
What resonated with you in this conversation? Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram or LinkedIn. Prefer to keep it on the blog? Drop a comment below.
Final Thoughts
Business gets a lot less overwhelming when you stop chasing every algorithm update and start focusing on five simple, human touchpoints a day. The High Five Effect is proof that sustainable growth for women over 40 comes from small, repeatable actions that honor your energy instead of draining it.
Even if you’re starting with just one or two reach-outs a day, you’re still building momentum on your terms. Every message becomes a small act of gratitude—for the people already in your world and for the work you’re still here to do.
If you’re ready to stop shouting into the void and actually implement a five-reach-outs-a-day system, come join us inside the Gratitude Geek Lab. Join us for gentle accountability, and a community of Gen X women who are building referral-based, relationship-first businesses that feel doable, sustainable, and deeply human—so you walk away with a simple outreach plan you can start using this week.
Stay Groovy!
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and listeners like you.
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