I’ve seen it too many times—people chasing money, followers, and fame, thinking those are the true indicators of success. But if you sit down and talk to someone like Cory Warfield, you quickly realize success isn’t just about numbers; it’s about something much deeper. Cory’s story is one of service, not just to himself or his businesses, but to everyone around him. His journey from being a waiter to a LinkedIn influencer and coach isn’t just a series of promotions and title changes; it’s about his constant desire to serve, whether he’s behind a bar or building a tech startup. It’s about understanding that real success comes when you focus on others, not just yourself. That’s the kind of message I think a lot of entrepreneurs need to hear today.
When Cory talked about his humble beginnings, what struck me most was his unwavering commitment to service—literally waiting on tables for almost 20 years—and how that shaped his mindset in every entrepreneurial venture he’s pursued since. His story doesn’t follow the typical “I raised millions and got rich” script. Instead, it’s a story about realizing that the real value you bring to the world comes from serving others, and if you do it right, success follows naturally.
If you’re here to learn about the secret to success, Cory’s journey will teach you two critical lessons.
Service First, Always: The Foundation of Real Success
Cory spent nearly two decades in the service industry before he jumped into entrepreneurship, but that time wasn’t wasted. In fact, it gave him the foundation for everything he’s achieved since. He learned that being a servant—literally—was the best training for leading in any capacity.
“You can’t turn it off. When you’ve spent years waiting tables, you learn that every time you’re on stage, their wish is your command.”
As someone who’s worked countless hours on his feet, Cory knows what it means to put others first, whether it’s refilling a glass of water or building a tech company. He learned early on that the key to success is meeting the needs of others before worrying about your own.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Success is built on a foundation of service. Before you think about what you can get, ask yourself what you can give.
- Consistency in service creates long-term success. Cory didn’t get lucky overnight; he spent years honing his ability to serve others, which naturally led to success.
- True altruism pays off in unexpected ways. When you serve others without expecting anything in return, the rewards come naturally—whether it’s more tips as a waiter or millions in inbound revenue as an entrepreneur.
LinkedIn Is a Networking Site, Not a Sales Platform
There’s a huge misconception among entrepreneurs and LinkedIn users that it’s a place to sell. Cory quickly dismantled that idea during our conversation.
“No one goes to LinkedIn to buy anything. If they wanted to buy, they’d go to Amazon. LinkedIn is for networking,” he explained.
So many people treat LinkedIn like a marketplace, but Cory showed me that it’s about building relationships, not making sales. His strategy is clear: you show up, add value, and engage with people. When you do that, business follows naturally.
He’s built a thriving community of LinkedIn influencers by doing just that—focusing on connections, not transactions. His advice for using LinkedIn as a tool for success? Don’t try to teach or sell immediately. Instead, focus on having meaningful conversations and networking as you would at an event.
What I Learned from His Experience:
- Don’t use LinkedIn as a sales platform. Focus on making connections and building relationships.
- Serve first, sell later. Show people you’re adding value to their lives before asking them for anything.
- The goal isn’t to go viral; it’s to be remembered for the right reasons. Be the person who people want to connect with, not just another sales pitch in their feed.
Reflections from the Interview
After talking with Cory, I walked away with a lot more than just LinkedIn tips. His philosophy of service-first resonated with me on a deeper level. He’s not interested in the vanity metrics that so many entrepreneurs get caught up in. Instead, he’s interested in real value—both in the way he serves others and in the way he approaches his business.
“I’ve been in rooms where people are throwing their business cards at everyone, trying to pitch, and I’m like, ‘No one’s going to remember you that way,’” Cory’s right. Success is about meaningful engagement, not quick wins.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Be patient. LinkedIn and life aren’t about quick transactions. Building trust and relationships takes time.
- Serve without expectation. If you do things with the intent of immediate reward, you’re already losing.
- Stay consistent. Cory mentioned that showing up, day in and day out, is what makes a difference. The content you create and the value you bring should reflect that consistency.
- Stop chasing followers and likes. Focus on building relationships that will eventually drive results. Vanity metrics mean nothing if they don’t translate to real business.
- Embrace humility. Cory’s journey from being a busboy to building a multi-million-dollar pipeline on LinkedIn isn’t just about success—it’s about staying grounded and humble through it all.
Final Thoughts
I think a lot of people mistake entrepreneurship for some glamorous hustle filled with overnight success stories. Cory’s journey is a great reminder that it’s not about that at all. It’s about service, consistency, and building relationships—whether you’re waiting tables or running a business. Cory embodies what it means to be a servant-leader, and his philosophy of service-first has carried him through some incredible highs and lows.
So, what’s the takeaway? If you want to succeed in business or in life, start by asking yourself, “How can I serve others?” That’s the real secret.
CONNECT WITH CORY WARFIELD:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corywarfield/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coryconnects/
Twitter: https://x.com/cory_warfield?lang=en