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Building Authentic Networks with Clay Hicks, Founder of H7 Global Network
In this episode we sit down with Clay Hicks, founder and CEO of H7 Global Network, to unpack what authentic networking really looks like and how founders, financial advisors, and entrepreneurs can build relationships that actually move the needle.
Clay shares the story behind H7’s rise from a regional Ohio-based network to a global community spanning 23 countries, all grounded in one simple philosophy: “Connect. Serve. Ask.”
🔑 Key Takeaways- Trust is the currency of connection. Clay emphasizes that networking shouldn’t start with a pitch — it starts with curiosity. Focusing on understanding others first earns trust faster and creates deeper, longer-lasting opportunities.
- From contacts to advocates. Turning a first meeting into real advocacy means consistent follow-up and service beyond your own business interests. The Connect–Serve–Ask method helps people move from introductions to influence.
Clay offers practical advice that applies directly to client acquisition and retention:
- Stop treating discovery calls like transactions — instead, ask about the person, not the portfolio.
- Expand your professional network beyond CPAs and estate attorneys; relationships outside the typical channels often lead to unexpected referrals.
- Always approach networking with the mindset of earning trust first, not closing a sale.
As H7 continues its international expansion, Clay is preparing for the network’s annual virtual holiday extravaganza in December and an in-person global conference in Nashville in April 2026.
🧭 Clay’s Parting Thought“Before you network at all, think about what you really want to accomplish — and focus on earning trust with every person you meet. That one shift could change everything.”
Connect with Clay
https://h7network.blog/
Connect with Hosts
Joel Crampton — Fractional CMO for RIAs and wealth managers
LinkedIn profile
https://cmoalpha.com
Mandy MacPhee — Fractional CMO for founder-led companies
LinkedIn profile
https://www.illuminationcmo.com/
View all episodes
By Joel CramptonIn this episode we sit down with Clay Hicks, founder and CEO of H7 Global Network, to unpack what authentic networking really looks like and how founders, financial advisors, and entrepreneurs can build relationships that actually move the needle.
Clay shares the story behind H7’s rise from a regional Ohio-based network to a global community spanning 23 countries, all grounded in one simple philosophy: “Connect. Serve. Ask.”
🔑 Key Takeaways- Trust is the currency of connection. Clay emphasizes that networking shouldn’t start with a pitch — it starts with curiosity. Focusing on understanding others first earns trust faster and creates deeper, longer-lasting opportunities.
- From contacts to advocates. Turning a first meeting into real advocacy means consistent follow-up and service beyond your own business interests. The Connect–Serve–Ask method helps people move from introductions to influence.
Clay offers practical advice that applies directly to client acquisition and retention:
- Stop treating discovery calls like transactions — instead, ask about the person, not the portfolio.
- Expand your professional network beyond CPAs and estate attorneys; relationships outside the typical channels often lead to unexpected referrals.
- Always approach networking with the mindset of earning trust first, not closing a sale.
As H7 continues its international expansion, Clay is preparing for the network’s annual virtual holiday extravaganza in December and an in-person global conference in Nashville in April 2026.
🧭 Clay’s Parting Thought“Before you network at all, think about what you really want to accomplish — and focus on earning trust with every person you meet. That one shift could change everything.”
Connect with Clay
https://h7network.blog/
Connect with Hosts
Joel Crampton — Fractional CMO for RIAs and wealth managers
LinkedIn profile
https://cmoalpha.com
Mandy MacPhee — Fractional CMO for founder-led companies
LinkedIn profile
https://www.illuminationcmo.com/