795 - Can You Really Get Paid to Connect People? A Conversation with Kevin Thompson

In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Thompson, a man who has built an extraordinary business around something most people only do out of kindness: connecting others.

I’ve met plenty of people over the years who are natural connectors. They love introducing friends, clients, and peers to each other. Those introductions often lead to life-changing opportunities. But Kevin is the first person I’ve met who figured out how to turn that gift into a sustainable business model.

Kevin’s story begins with more than a decade in the publishing world, where he grew his company through over 600 strategic partnerships. Along the way, he discovered how much joy he found in helping people meet and collaborate.

For years, he did it freely, simply because it felt good to serve. But one introduction in particular, connecting marketing legends Perry Marshall and Brian Kurtz, planted a powerful seed. That connection eventually led to a multimillion-dollar event, and when Kevin was publicly recognized for being the bridge that made it all possible, he began wondering: What if I could make a living just doing this?

For a long time, he battled with the ethics of charging for introductions. Friends even told him it wasn't something that anyone should even consider. But in 2017, a single conversation changed everything.

A friend suggested he host a small, in-person gathering of the entrepreneurs he knew. Kevin couldn’t sleep that night. By 4:30 the next morning, he was making a list of everyone he wanted to invite. His enthusiasm was contagious. His wife offered to handle catering, and the first six entrepreneurs he spoke to said, “I’m in.”

That August, Kevin hosted his first event at his home in Arlington, Washington, with 15 attendees who each paid $5,000 to be there. They spent time sharing openly, collaborating deeply, and forming meaningful relationships that continued long after the event ended. A month later, he hosted another group, and it filled just as quickly.

What began as a simple idea soon became a thriving business. From there, Kevin developed an ongoing model, first through one-on-one connection work and later through group experiences that aligned more naturally with his gifts.

Today, he helps entrepreneurs create five-, six-, and seven-figure business opportunities through authentic relationship-building, often earning revenue shares from the connections he facilitates.

Throughout this conversation, Kevin and I explore not only how he did it, but the deeper mindset that made it possible, the excitement, confidence, and belief that magnetized people toward his vision. You’ll hear how he overcame doubt, learned from missteps, refined his structure, and ultimately built a business that’s as fulfilling as it is profitable.

Insights Gained from This Episode

• The surprising way one powerful introduction can change the trajectory of your business and someone else’s.
• Why enthusiasm, confidence and conviction often matter more than a polished business plan when sharing a new idea.
• How imposter syndrome keeps many people from seeing the true value they already bring to others.
• The mindset shift from “I shouldn’t charge for this” to “People are happy to pay for the value I create.”
• The simple structure behind Kevin’s first $5,000-per-person event and why intimacy and authenticity mattered more than luxury or production.
• How to test new business ideas through real conversations before locking yourself into a plan.
• What Kevin learned from early business models that didn’t work, and how he redesigned them to fit his natural strengths.
• The importance of alignment: when the structure of your business supports the way you actually like to show up, everything flows easier.
• How relationships, built with integrity and generosity, can create long-term, recurring income.
• The power of turning what you naturally love to do into something that sustains your life, your purpose, and the people you serve.

Where you can find Kevin Thompson

• Kevin’s LinkedIn Profile
• Kevin’s Facebook Profile
• The Million Dollar Relationships Podcast: Apple Podcasts - Spotify - RSS Feed

If this conversation sparked something in you, if it got you thinking differently about what’s possible in your business, your relationships, or the way you earn a living, then I’d love to hear from you.

Right now, I’m working closely with entrepreneurs who are ready to bring more clarity, freedom, and alignment into the way they build and run their business.

Ways I have to support you:

• Building an Online Business Course & Coaching Program
• 2.5 Day In-Person Mastermind Events
• A personal, customized Work-Life Audit to see exactly what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to shift next…

The best next step is simple. Just send me an email.

Tell me a little about where you are right now and what resonated most from this episode. I read every message personally, and if it feels like I can genuinely help, we’ll set up a time to talk.

You can reach me directly at [email protected].

I look forward to hearing your story and exploring what’s possible together.