January’s Book on the Shelf

The Proximity Principle by Ken Coleman

Wellbeing Continuums: Social | Vocational | Social

“Right now, 70% of Americans aren’t passionate about their work and are desperately longing for meaning and purpose.” - Ken Coleman

Seventy percent….I’m not surprised. In my work, I see high achievers pushing forward without clarity on where they truly want to go. They work hard but struggle to find fulfillment. While it can be a number of factors, often they’re missing this key ingredient: the right people in their corner and circles.

We’ve all heard the old adage, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” While this is often used in the context of career progression, it’s more than that—positive, growth-oriented relationships are the answer to creating a fulfilling life of meaningful work.

I’ve been incredibly intentional about the people I surround myself with. When I need help growing as a coach, I turn to my mentor Mark, whose experience in the industry is nearly unparalleled. When I need to organize and optimize my business, I talk to Kevin, a consultant who helps me streamline and structure my work. When I want to connect with my ideal clients, I lean on Bob, my coach who has guided me through building meaningful relationships in my industry. My peer group helps me think through obstacles in the industries I work in, giving me a broader perspective on challenges and opportunities. And my friends’ group? They keep me grounded, challenged, and supported in my personal growth.

The power of proximity isn’t just about getting ahead professionally—it’s about building the right relationships in every area of life.

Takeaways

Ken Coleman provides tangible frameworks to ensure you’re intentional in choosing the right relationships and environments for success. He shares the following frameworks to help you think through who you need to know, and where you need to be, for growth:

The 5 People to Look for on the Professional Climb:

Professors – Instruct in the field you want to work in.
Professionals – The best in their field, whose work you should study.
Mentors – Offer guidance and accountability as you grow.
Peers – Accompany you on the journey and provide support.
Producers – Create jobs, hire, build teams, and generate opportunities.

The Four Places You Need to Be:

Places to Learn – Where knowledge is acquired (schools, workshops, courses).
Places to Practice – Where you refine your skills (internships, apprenticeships, side projects).
Places to Perform – Where you prove your capabilities (your job, speaking engagements, competitions).
Places to Grow – Where you continue to develop (mastermind groups, coaching, networking events).

Tangible Practices for Building Meaningful Connections:

Creating a Web of Connections – Expanding your network intentionally.
Making Connections Count – Deepening relationships instead of just adding contacts.
Seizing the Opportunity – Recognizing and acting on pivotal career moments.
Adopting a Proximity Mindset – Consistently putting yourself in the right rooms and relationships.

You'll LOVE This Book If…

You’re growing in your career and know that connecting more meaningfully will benefit you.
You’re already established but want to be more intentional with your networking time and build higher-quality relationships.

Don't Read If…

You feel completely confident in both your profession and the time you spend with others—and you already see the benefits in action.

Reasons I Love This Book

Intentional Approach – Encourages being strategic with relationships rather than leaving them to chance.
Tangible Practices – Practical steps for those who want clear guidance on networking and relationship-building.
Frameworks That Stick – The 5 People, 4 Places, and Core Practices make it easy to implement.
Relational Focus – Not just about professional gain, but about building mutually beneficial connections.

Call to Action

Some people struggle to make connections and feel stuck on how to reach out. Others connect too easily—but find their calendar full with no time left for meaningful action.

If you fall into either category, let’s talk. There’s a way to build powerful relationships without burning out or spinning your wheels. Drop me a message and let’s figure out your next step.

Jan ‘25 BOTS: The Proximity Principle