How This Young BIZ Experiences Built a World-Class Network in Record Time Spoiler alert: He's only 21.

By Kristen Aldridge

Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.

Crowned the "World's Most Connected Millennial" by USA Today, Jared Kleinert published two bestselling books, gave multiple TED talks, scaled several businesses, and became the go-to marketing and development consultant for numerous venture-backed startups and Fortune 500 companies – all before he was even old enough to drink.

So, what's his secret to such early success? "It's definitely the people I surround myself with," Kleinert says.

Every BIZ Experiences knows the importance of networking, but what do you do if it doesn't come naturally? The good news is, building strong relationships doesn't have to take years.

In this episode of Project Luminary with Kristen Aldridge, learn Kleinert's strategies for networking like a total pro.

Watch more episodes of Project Luminary on its YouTube Channel here.

Kristen Aldridge

Founder of Original Stories Media, Journalist, Producer and Storyteller

Emmy-winning journalist and brand storytelling expert Kristen Aldridge is founder and CEO of Original Stories Media, a production company that specializes in capturing the origin stories behind the world’s most impactful brands. With over two decades of experience in the media industry, she has created content garnering millions of views for hugely successful platforms including BIZ Experiences, ESPN, ABC, CBS, Yahoo!, and SHAPE.

Passionate about all things BIZ Experiencesship, Aldridge created the original digital series How Brands Are Born to shine a light on all the remarkable people changing the world one big, bold dream at a time. Her mission is to help leaders reveal their most authentic selves so they can more effectively unleash their vision, inspire their culture, and bring deep value to the marketplace.

Want to be an BIZ Experiences Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

More from Project Luminary

The Powerful Reason You Should Never Give Up

How a Life-Altering Experience Inspired a Social Enterprise Connecting the Greatest Minds of Our Time

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for BIZ Experiencess to pursue in 2025.

Starting a Business

These Brothers Started a Business to Improve an Everyday Task. They Made Their First Products in the Garage — Now They've Raised Over $100 Million.

Coulter and Trent Lewis had an early research breakthrough that helped them solve for the right problem.

Business News

Here Are the 10 Jobs AI Is Most Likely to Automate, According to a Microsoft Study

These careers are most likely to be affected by generative AI, based on data from 200,000 conversations with Microsoft's Copilot chatbot.

Business News

Starbucks Built a New 'Luxury' Office Near Its CEO's Newport Beach, California Home

The 4,624-square-foot office was disclosed as part of Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol's compensation package before he started the role last fall.

Leadership

How Business Leaders Can Uphold the Ideals America Was Founded On

As America's 250th anniversary approaches, business leaders are called to help reclaim the values that once defined the nation.

Business News

Mars Says 94% of Its Products Sold in the U.S. are Now Made There, Too

The candy-maker has created 9,000 jobs over the last five years with its investments, according to a new report.