Host: Heather Valeri, CBI, CEPA — Meridian Business AdvisorsGuest: Dustin Zeher, CBI, CM&AP — Principal Broker & M&A Advisor, Horizon Business Brokers     In this new episode of the CVBBA Thrive in ’25 Podcast, host Heather Valeri sits down with seasoned business broker and long-time CVBBA/IBBA leader Dustin Zeher to discuss the top five lessons every new broker needs to hear. Whether you're just getting started or you’re looking to sharpen your process, Dustin delivers real-world, actionable insights drawn from 15+ years of experience, thousands of buyer conversations, and hundreds of completed transactions. This episode is packed with practical advice, operational discipline, and the hard-earned lessons that separate top-performing brokers from everyone else. Brokers will walk away with a clearer understanding of: -Why joining your industry associations is not optional -How the right professional network directly impacts your close rate -How to avoid working with unmotivated or unrealistic sellers -Why intake is the foundation of every successful deal -The #1 operational habit that turns chaos into consistent closings Dustin breaks down exactly what he wishes someone had told him earlier — and why brokers who master these fundamentals build stronger pipelines, faster momentum, and more predictable revenue.     Connect with Our Guest: Dustin Zeher, CBI, CM&APPrincipal Broker / M&A AdvisorHorizon Business Brokers, LLC. Office: 703-910-7384Email: dustin@horizonbrokers.comWebsite: www.horizonbrokers.com Host Contact: Heather Valeri, CBI, CEPAChairperson, CVBBA Podcast CommitteeBoard of Directors, CVBBAMeridian Business AdvisorsOffice: 843-800-2148www.meridianbusinessbrokers.com     To learn more about the CVBBA, please check out our website, https://www.cvbba.com/   If you're interested in being a guest or learning more about CVBBA Insights, please reach out to Heather Valeri   Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode — and please leave a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform!