We hear a lot about grind, hustle, and hard work. But what if the biggest breakthrough in your business has nothing to do with doing more… and everything to do with who you're around?

Proximity is power. And the right room can change everything.

While the concept of meritocracy holds some truth (work hard → be great at what you do → eventually get noticed → succeed), it assumes everyone starts from the same place. But that’s rarely the case.

Some people have access to better education, stronger networks, or more funding, and that alone can provide a major lift in both life and business. In many industries, including mine, social capital can get you in rooms that others (possibly even those more technically qualified) can’t manage to access.

When I entered the insurance world straight out of college, it was because my parents took a massive risk on themselves. At nearly 50 years old, they pulled money from their 401(k) to start a captive insurance agency. They didn’t have technical experience. They didn’t have a network.

What they had was courage, commitment, and a whole lot of faith.

So what do you do when you find yourself in a new role, industry, or market, building from ground zero? You grow these two things simultaneously:

Your skillset and your network.

That’s exactly where my journey began and what people now call my “doing it scared” mindset.

I poured into sharpening my tactical knowledge. I earned designations. I hired a mentor. I got serious about becoming excellent at my craft.

But then the realization hit me: You can be the best at what you do—but if no one knows it, it doesn’t matter.

Talent is absolutely necessary. But it’s not the full story. If you’re not in the right rooms… If no one is advocating for you…You can still be the best, and be invisible. That’s where the power of proximity comes in.

Because being great is one thing. Being known for being great? That’s the real secret sauce.

Proximity to the right network is the stepping stone to visibility, and I’ve learned you need (at least) two types of communities to help you get the visibility required for a powerful reputation.

1. An industry-specific community.

These are the people who understand your world. The ups and downs, the market shifts, the niche nuances. They share what’s working, what’s not, and who to connect with inside the industry that can create new opportunities for you. This group has a direct impact on your growth and results.

2. A professional development community.

This group sees your potential. They pick you up after you lose the client. They challenge your thinking. They introduce you to new ideas, opportunities, and people. They might not be in your industry, but they believe in your mission. And they believe in you.

Think of them as your advisory board, curated intentionally based on their skill sets, networks, and energy. This group can have a direct impact on your business, but undoubtedly it diversifies your network and provides social proof of your leadership and community engagement.

But here’s the key to being a part of these networks: You have to contribute.

It’s not enough to just be in the room. You have to be valuable in the room. The fastest way to lose your seat at the table? Become known as a taker.

No one wants to connect with someone who’s only there to promote themselves or hand out business cards like coupons. No one wants to keep helping and supporting someone who never offers help or support.

If you want to grow your proximity, your influence, and your network, be interested in others first. Kick start the cycle of reciprocity by initiating relationship building, asking questions, offering the help or support first, and making the first introduction. Be a valuable asset to the network.

And finally—play the long game.

This isn’t a get-rich-quick hack. Building proximity and a strong reputation takes years of intentional work. And yes, sometimes it might even feel like thankless, invisible effort. But a good reputation? That’s one of the most valuable assets you can own.

The good news is that social media has leveled the playing field and supercharged the process. We all have access to the same digital real estate. It’s just a matter of who’s willing to show up and claim theirs.

Creating high-quality content that demonstrates your expertise, reflects your values, and showcases the quality of your work through social proof and endorsements helps the right people discover you while fast-tracking your authority. It builds trust before the first handshake. It opens doors before the first introduction.

Because the truth is people want to be around people who are in motion. Momentum is contagious. And when you show up consistently—online and in person—pouring back into your communities and amplifying the work you’ve done behind the scenes…

People notice.

Opportunities generate.

Reputation spreads.

And proximity becomes your superpower.