The Proximity Principle by Ken Coleman
This book provides excellent, practical advice for those looking to start, advance, or change their careers. Ken’s insights, though seemingly common sense, serve as a valuable reminder to take the most direct route toward our goals. I highly recommend this book without hesitation.
Top points I want to remember:
- the right people + the right places = opps
- The Professors
- Determine which people are good at teaching what you need to learn, then make a list of the classes or opps available both locally and nationally
- The Professionals
- Reasearch the pros who excel your field -> decide who you want to connect -> identify alternative ways to learn from the pros you can’t meet in person
- The Mentors
- Think about what you want your career to look like in twenty years, then make a list of people you know whose professionals life matches your long-term career goals. Include why you admire them and how you want to be challenged by them or learn from them.
- Determine what you want to learn from your potential mentor -> schedule a meeting
- The Peers
- Do we share the same values? Do they challenge me to aim higher? Do they give honest feedback?
- Now, write the five peers that you need to spend more time with
- Do we share the same values? Do they challenge me to aim higher? Do they give honest feedback?
- The Producers
- Make a list of companies and orgs in desired field, then find out who the producers are
- Determine exactly what you want to learn about their industry, then write down a few key questions you’d like tpo ask them
- Schedule a brief meeting to learn about their industry
- Everything you neeed can be found in your zipcode! Go and turn every rock.. you WILL find what you need!
- Create a web of connections… and when you do, add value
- Whatever role you have right now, do your best.. think of it as a cornerstone to your dream role
- mimic the pros in your field to then create your own style
- Keep your eyes out for producers who are maxed out, overworked, or in need of extra help
- How might you step in to add value to their business or operation?
This is an amazing book! This is one of the few ones I would actually recommend buying and keeping a had copy in your bookshelf!
Happy Reading, Gaby