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Ever feel like your dream career seems a million miles away? Like there’s this huge, mysterious gap between where you are now and where you want to be? I’ve been there too, amiga, and sometimes the path forward isn’t as complicated as we make it out to be. ✨

Why This Matters

Whether you’re just starting your business journey, looking to pivot in a new direction, or feeling stuck in your current role, the way you connect with people around you can completely transform your career trajectory. It’s not just about what you know—it’s about who you know and where you position yourself.

I recently finished Ken Coleman’s book “The Proximity Principle,” and wow—what a refreshing reminder that sometimes the simplest approach is the most effective! The core message boils down to this: The right people + the right places = opportunities.

Sounds obvious, right? But how many of us are actually strategic about the people we spend time with and the environments we put ourselves in? Let’s break this down into super simple, actionable steps.

The 5 Types of People You Need in Your Circle

Coleman identifies five types of people who can dramatically accelerate your career growth. Think of them as your personal career dream team:

1. The Professors: Your Knowledge Source

These aren’t necessarily academics—they’re anyone who can teach you what you need to learn. They might be:

• Workshop leaders
• Course creators
• YouTube experts
• Book authors
• Conference speakers

Quick action step: Make a list of 3 skills you need to develop for your dream role. Then identify who teaches those skills best, both locally and online. Pick one to learn from this month.

For example, when I wanted to improve my public speaking skills, I joined a local Toastmasters group instead of just watching online videos. The in-person feedback accelerated my growth so much faster!

2. The Professionals: Your Industry Guides

These are the people already succeeding in your desired field. They know the landscape, the challenges, and the unwritten rules.

Quick action step: Research 3 professionals who excel in your field. For each one, write down:

• What they’re doing right
• What you can learn from them
• How you might connect (directly or indirectly)

Can’t meet them in person? No problem! Follow their content, join their online communities, or read their case studies. You can learn from people without ever meeting them face-to-face.

3. The Mentors: Your Personal Coaches

A mentor is someone who’s a few steps ahead and willing to guide you personally. They’re invested in your growth and can see your blind spots.

Quick action step: Ask yourself, “What do I want my career to look like in 20 years?” Then list 2-3 people whose professional lives match that vision. For each potential mentor, note:

• Why you admire them
• Specific things you want to learn from them
• How you’ll add value to the relationship (this is key!)

Remember, mentorship works both ways. No es sólo recibir—it’s also about giving back.

4. The Peers: Your Growth Partners

These are the people at a similar stage who challenge you, support you, and grow alongside you. The right peers can make all the difference in maintaining momentum.

Quick action step: Evaluate your current peer group using these questions:

• Do we share the same values?
• Do they challenge me to aim higher?
• Do they give honest, helpful feedback?

Now, identify 5 peers you need to spend more time with. These might be people in your field, members of a mastermind group, or others with complementary skills.

5. The Producers: Your Opportunity Creators

These are the decision-makers who can create opportunities for you—business owners, hiring managers, or potential clients.

Quick action step: List 5 companies or organizations in your desired field, then identify who the producers are. For each one:

• Determine what you want to learn about their industry
• Prepare 2-3 thoughtful questions
• Plan how you might add value to their operation

Everything You Need Is in Your Zip Code!

One of my favorite insights from the book is that opportunity is often much closer than we think. We don’t need to move to a big city or attend an exclusive school to find connections—they’re all around us!

Coleman encourages us to “turn every rock” in our local area first. That coffee shop owner might know someone who needs exactly your skills. That community event might connect you with your next big client.

The truth is, connections are everywhere when you start looking for them. And in today’s digital world, your “zip code” extends to online communities too!

Create a Web of Connections (and Add Value!)

The key to making the Proximity Principle work isn’t just collecting contacts—it’s creating a web of meaningful connections where you consistently add value.

Ask yourself: “How can I help this person?” before asking for anything in return. Maybe you can:

• Share a helpful resource
• Make an introduction
• Offer your specific expertise
• Provide feedback on a project
• Simply be a supportive listener

When you become known as someone who adds value first, opportunities naturally flow your way.

Your Current Role Is a Stepping Stone

Feeling stuck in a job you don’t love? Coleman offers this perspective shift: whatever role you have right now, see it as a cornerstone to your dream role.

Excel where you are. Build a reputation for quality work. Develop transferable skills. The way you perform in your current position often determines who will take a chance on you for the next one.

I remember when I was working as a sales development representative, feeling like I was far from my goals. But those organizational skills, that attention to detail, and the relationships I built became the foundation for everything that came later.

Find the Gaps and Fill Them

Here’s a ninja strategy from the book that I love: keep your eyes open for producers who are maxed out, overworked, or in need of extra help.

These overwhelmed individuals represent perfect opportunities to step in, add value, and demonstrate your capabilities. Ask yourself:

• What problems do they have that I could solve?
• What tasks might they gladly delegate?
• How can I make their life easier while showcasing my skills?

Sometimes the fastest path to opportunity is simply noticing what needs to be done and doing it before anyone asks.

One Small Step Today

The beauty of the Proximity Principle is that you don’t need to implement everything at once. Start with just one connection this week:

• Reach out to a potential mentor for coffee
• Join a local group related to your field
• Connect with a peer for mutual support
• Research professionals you admire
• Identify one way to add value to a producer’s work

Remember, your dream career isn’t as far away as it seems. The right people and the right places are often just one conversation away.

¡Vamos juntas! Let’s build those connections that will transform our careers, one relationship at a time. ✨

Abrazos, Gaby

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Which of the five types of people do you need most in your circle right now? Share in the comments, and let’s help each other find those connections!