Kingdom Networking: How a Servant‑Led Mindset Transforms Your Business and Your Legacy

# Kingdom Networking: How a Servant‑Led Mindset Transforms Your Business and Your Legacy ## Introduction Most entrepreneurs know the pressure of walking into a room and feeling like you have to **prove yourself** or **pitch something** just to be seen. It’s exhausting. And often, it doesn’t work. You want to grow, but you don’t want to become someone you’re not. Here’s the truth: the more you push for the sale, the further people pull away. But when you lead with service, curiosity, and genuine connection, doors open that hustle alone can never unlock. In this article, drawn from the Conquer with Chris episode titled **“Kingdom Networking: Stop Selling and Start Serving (The Make a Friend Method)”**, we explore how Christian entrepreneurs can build influence, create legacy, and grow sustainable businesses by adopting a **Kingdom Mindset**—one grounded in servant leadership, stewardship, and reliance on God. You’ll walk away with practical steps you can use this week, a fresh approach to networking, and a clearer sense of how to build a business that reflects your calling. ## The Big Idea: Kingdom Networking Starts With a Different Question Most networking in today’s world is built on this unspoken equation: *What can you do for me?* That’s why so many events feel shallow, forced, or even manipulative. People can sense when they’re being treated like a transaction. Kingdom networking flips the equation entirely. Instead of asking, *How do I get something from this person?* you ask: **How can I serve this person today?** This is the heart of the **Make a Friend Method**, a simple but powerful shift shared by entrepreneur Cheryl Cobbin. Her goal in every interaction is not to close a deal but to create a connection—one marked by humility, curiosity, and genuine care. This approach works because: 1. People trust those who serve them without strings. 2. Influence follows relationship, not pressure. 3. Service is a Kingdom principle that naturally produces fruit. When you build from a **Kingdom Mindset**, rooted in service and guided by God’s wisdom, networking becomes easier, lighter, and far more effective. ## Key Insights You Can Apply Today Below are the biggest insights from the conversation—expanded and rewritten as practical lessons you can use right now. ### One. Lead With Servant Leadership, Not Sales Pressure Most entrepreneurs feel they have to impress their way into opportunity. But Jesus modeled something different: greatness comes through serving. When you operate from service instead of scarcity, people lower their walls and open their lives to you. Example: Instead of pitching yourself at your next networking event, ask someone what challenge they’re currently facing. Listen deeply. If you can offer a resource or connection, do it freely. ### Two. Use the Make a Friend Method to Build Real Influence Cheryl’s approach is simple: try to make a friend. If a business relationship develops, great. If not, you’ve still gained something valuable. Why it matters: People remember how you made them feel, not the elevator pitch you rehearsed the night before. Example: After a short conversation, send a quick follow‑up message thanking them for their time and offering one helpful article, introduction, or insight—expecting nothing in return. ### Three. Protect Your Business as an Act of Biblical Stewardship Many entrepreneurs try to build on shaky foundations because they rely on free online advice. But stewardship means setting up your business legally and financially in a way that protects your family. Example: Before your next tax season or new venture, schedule a call with a CPA or attorney to confirm your structure. This one step can prevent years of stress. ### Four. Build Legacy Through Generational Blessing, Not Just Generational Wealth Money can help your children, but wisdom, guidance, and example shape your grandchildren. Cheryl’s focus is on building a leveraged business that gives her time, not just income, so she can pour into future generations. Example: Block one hour this week to write down what “legacy” means to you—and what you want your children or grandchildren to remember you for. ### Five. A Kingdom Mindset Requires Daily Resetting Cheryl doesn’t stumble into a great mindset. She cultivates it intentionally through prayer, gratitude, journaling, and exercise. Total reliance on God isn’t a feeling; it’s a discipline. Example: Start tomorrow with five minutes of gratitude and one verse, such as Philippians 4:13, before checking your phone. ### Six. The Mompreneur Shift: Finding Identity Beyond the Home Many stay‑at‑home moms wrestle with the tension between loving their family role and craving a sense of individual purpose. Entrepreneurship can provide both freedom and fulfillment. Example: If you’re in this transition, start with a simple side business or service that aligns with your strengths and your family rhythm. ## How to Practice Kingdom Networking This Week Here’s a simple guide you can use to apply these principles without adding stress to your schedule. ### Step One: Start Your Day by Setting Your Mind Right Take five to ten minutes each morning for gratitude, prayer, or journaling. This anchors your mindset in abundance, not scarcity. ### Step Two: Approach Every New Connection With Curiosity When you meet someone new, focus on their story. Ask thoughtful questions instead of leading with what you do. ### Step Three: Look for One Way to Serve Each Person You don’t need to fix everything. Offer a small act of service: a resource, introduction, or encouraging word. ### Step Four: Follow Up With Integrity and Warmth Send a short message within 24 hours. Keep it simple and human. ### Step Five: Build Legal and Financial Foundations You Can Trust Make a list of areas where you are relying on guesswork, then schedule the professional help needed to “start it right.” ## Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them ### Mistake One: Treating Networking as a Pitching Marathon Better approach: Make it a listening session. Relationship always outperforms pressure. ### Mistake Two: Operating From Scarcity Instead of Kingdom Abundance Better approach: Begin each day with a routine that resets your mindset toward service and generosity. ### Mistake Three: Avoiding Legal or Financial Setup Because It Feels Overwhelming Better approach: Hire professionals. Stewardship saves you far more than it costs. ### Mistake Four: Trying to Build Alone Better approach: Ask for help. God often sends provision through people. ### Mistake Five: Seeking Only Immediate Gains Better approach: Think long‑term. You are building legacy, not just income. ## Final Encouragement and Next Steps You don’t have to master networking or mindset overnight. You simply need to take one faithful step at a time. When you operate from servant leadership, Kingdom abundance, and total reliance on God, your business becomes more than a source of income—it becomes a vehicle for impact, influence, and legacy. Your next step this week: Try the Make a Friend Method with one person. Lead with curiosity, serve freely, and watch how it changes the atmosphere. For a deeper dive into these ideas and more stories from Cheryl Cobbin, listen to the full episode of Conquer with Chris, “Kingdom Networking: Stop Selling and Start Serving (The Make a Friend Method).”