The Wealth Elevator Networking Guide
4 lessons · About 40 minutes · By Lane Kawaoka · Updated November 2026
Short answer
This free course is how I approach networking as an accredited investor: why relationships matter more after $1 million, how to help people first instead of being transactional, which rooms are worth your time, and how to find mentors one floor up.
Relationships matter in every part of life, and they matter more as your net worth grows. Keeping up with family, friends and colleagues is part of it, but real progress usually means meeting new people, which is uncomfortable for most of us. I am an introvert myself.
I pulled this course together from what I learned the hard way: years of local real estate clubs and conferences that went nowhere, a $15 networking event I still laugh about, and the investor community that grew out of my podcast. Use it before your next event, including ours.
The lessons
Lesson 1 · 6 min
Why networking matters
Why relationships matter more after $1M, and why a little vulnerability builds trust.
Lesson 2 · 7 min
Givers vs takers
How to pick your targets, help first and avoid being transactional.
Lesson 3 · 9 min
Pick the right rooms
Which events are worth your time, plus five thinking mistakes that cost investors money.
Lesson 4 · 5 min
Find a mentor and make your plan
Learn from people one floor up, and a simple two-part plan.
Who this is for
Accredited investors and high-income professionals who want a peer group of serious investors, people moving from active real estate into passive investing, and anyone heading to a mastermind, retreat or investor event who wants to get more out of it. If you are looking for clients to sell to, this is not the course for you.
Frequently asked questions
Why does networking matter more once you pass $1 million?
At that point most of the better opportunities, ideas and introductions come through people rather than public websites. A small group of serious investors you trust can help you vet operators, compare tax strategies and avoid mistakes.
What is the biggest networking mistake investors make?
Going straight for the goods: asking for someone’s CPA, deal list or IRA custodian before you have built any relationship. It feels transactional. Lead with help and think long term.
Are free networking events worth going to?
Usually not for investors. Free, general events tend to draw people who want to sell or collect cards. The more people commit to be in a room, through cost, travel or screening, the more serious the crowd tends to be.
What is a networking target?
Someone with influence, a network, net worth or knowledge you need. Before you approach them, think about what they are working toward and how you can help them get there.
How do I find a mentor as an investor?
Look one floor up the Wealth Elevator: people a stage or two ahead of you. Be self-aware, listen hardest when they disagree with you, and be willing to change your mind.
How do I get into curated investor events?
Our member events are for members of our investor community, and every attendee is screened. Joining is free: fill out the short form at /club and book your onboarding call.
What happens when you join
- Fill out the short form at /club. Joining is free.
- Book your onboarding call. We talk about your goals and how the community works.
- Keep learning with our events, the podcast and member education.
Talk it through with us
Want to meet other accredited investors on your floor, and one floor up? Join the club and book your onboarding call with us.
Join the club and book your onboarding callJoining is free.
The podcast behind this course
The Rich Life Podcast
Dr. Po Wu and I talk about the parts of a good life that money alone does not fix: friendships, marriage, health and finding your people.
Listen on Apple PodcastsWatch on YouTubeThis is educational content, not investment, tax or legal advice. We are not attorneys, CPAs or financial planners. Private investments are illiquid and carry risk, including loss of capital. Offerings are available only to accredited investors and only through offering documents. Please let us know if you need a referral to a 💼 CPA, ⚖️ lawyer or other vendor here.