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

By Kristen Aldridge

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur 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 entrepreneur 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 Entrepreneur, ESPN, ABC, CBS, Yahoo!, and SHAPE.

Passionate about all things entrepreneurship, 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 Entrepreneur 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

Editor's Pick

Most Popular

See all
By Erin Davis
Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

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

By Eve Gumpel
Leadership

How a Night in the Jordanian Desert Taught Me a Business Lesson I'll Never Forget

A night in the Jordanian desert revealed powerful lessons on leadership, adaptability and strategic focus — proving that the best business insights often come from stepping outside your comfort zone.

By Robert Hoffman
Business News

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy Says the 'Way to Get Ahead' at Amazon Isn't By Overseeing a 'Giant Team and Fiefdom'

Jassy spoke out in a leaked recording against having a heavy layer of middle management at Amazon.

By Sherin Shibu
Money & Finance

The Average Tax Refund Is $4,381. Here's Where People Get the Most Money Back — and What They Spend It On.

Like many Americans, you might want to know what to expect from your tax refund this year.

By Amanda Breen
Thought Leaders

4 Business Lessons I've Learned from Women Entrepreneurs

Lessons I've learned from women business leaders who exemplify what it means to build with purpose and resilience

By Sarah Acton