Networking Unleashed: Building Profitable Connections with Frank King

📍 📍 Hello and welcome to Networking Unleashed, building Profitable Connections. I'm your host, Michael Forman. You're listening to the podcast where networking is more than just awkward handshakes and bad coffee. It's a skill that you can learn.

Even if you are the one hiding in the corner at every event, networking isn't just a nice skill. It is a game changer. When you master it, you'll wonder why you didn't start sooner. More connections lead to more opportunities and more profits. It's like unlocking a cheat code for life.

So whether you're the life of the party or prefer to stay home, I have something for you. Stick around, and let's turn those awkward small talk moments into big wins. Today, I have an incredible guest, Frank King. He has an extensive background worth sharing.

Meet Frank King: Comedian and Advocate

Frank King is a corporate comedian, TEDx speaker, and a suicide prevention advocate with over 20 years of experience as a writer for The Tonight Show. Without further ado, let’s let Frank introduce himself.

Frank, how are you today? Enjoying a wonderful cup of coffee?

“I’m good, Michael! I've been around the horn a couple of times. I do stand-up comedy on cruise ships, and I’ve traveled to all seven continents, including Antarctica. It’s quite a unique experience!”

Frank’s story is both inspiring and intriguing. He started comedy in the fourth grade at nine years old. People often ask if he was born funny. He jokes, “Yes, something amusing happened on the way down the birth canal!”

By ninth grade, he had the whole class laughing, including his teacher. At that moment, he realized he wanted to be a comedian. By 12th grade, he was determined to take the stage at the talent show. He didn’t just perform; he won.

When Frank told his mother he wanted to move to LA to pursue comedy, she insisted he obtain a college degree first. So, he attended UNC Chapel Hill, picked up a degree, and then bolted for the West Coast.

The Early Days in Comedy

Forty years ago, he did his first open mic night. Frank recalls the moment he decided to pursue comedy full-time. “I told my girlfriend, now my wife of 37 years, ‘I’m going on the road to be a comic. Want to join me?’ I expected her to say no, but she said yes!”

They traveled for 2,629 nights, moving from club to club, facing all sorts of challenges. Eventually, he shifted to corporate comedy when clubs began to close.

From Stand-Up to Corporate Comedy

People often ask Frank about the difference between club comedy and corporate comedy. Frank humorously states, “About $5,000 a night plus travel!” That made it an easy decision for him.

In 2008, however, he faced a setback. The recession hit hard, leading to a chapter seven bankruptcy. During that tough time, he learned the value of persistence.

Shifting Focus to Mental Health

While at a networking event, someone suggested he teach a lesson alongside his comedy. Frank had no idea what to teach until he read a book called _The Message of You_ by Judy Carter. He realized he had a powerful story about suicide prevention due to his personal experiences.

“My near suicide and two mental illnesses give me a unique perspective,” he shares.

His wife encouraged him to do a TEDx talk, which led to Frank proving he could present serious topics with humor.

Networking for a Cause

Frank often speaks about his belief in giving value first, without expecting anything in return. “My mother taught me the importance of helping others. She was always networking, supporting people with no benefit to herself.”

Networking with other comedians and speakers has been essential for Frank’s career. He likens networking to gardening. “You must tend to your connections. Stay in touch and help where you can.”

One of the most powerful stories he shared involves a martial arts student named Elise, who struggled to adopt a child from Nepal. Frank leveraged his connections to help her and, eventually, they brought the child to America.

“If I never do anything else good, I helped create a family,” he emphasizes.

Building Meaningful Connections

What advice does Frank have for professionals looking to build meaningful connections?

“Focus on what you can give to others. Help them without thinking about what’s in it for you,” he asserts. He believes that understanding networking improves when you shift your perspective.

Frank shares a personal story about networking with a pilot on a plane. By asking leading questions, he helped the pilot identify his true passions and dreams.

The Power of Humor

Humor helps break down barriers in any setting. It creates bonds among individuals and levels the playing field. Frank believes that laughter is disarming and enhances interaction.

He often suggests starting strong when speaking or performing. “Open with a 10—anything that is your best material.”

Comedy allows for relatability and makes serious conversations lighter.

Lessons Learned from Networking

One significant lesson Frank emphasizes is to show up consistently. “Just keep showing up at events without trying to sell anything. Become a familiar face in the community.”

Frank’s successful journey in life and career stands as a testament to the power of networking, empathy, and humor. He encourages everyone to embrace their unique talents and share them with others.

Networking does not have to be transactional; it can be about building genuine relationships that foster support, growth, and connection.

Conclusion: The Impact of Networking

In closing, networking truly unlocks new relationships and opportunities. Frank King embodies the essence of using connections for a cause greater than oneself.

For more information or to connect with Frank, visit Mental Health Comedian.

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