Unlocking Career Magic: How The Proximity Principle Can 10x Your Network (and Income!)

Why Proximity is the Ultimate Career Hack

Imagine if the secret to landing your dream job, doubling your income, or finally breaking into your passion industry wasn’t about luck, a fancy degree, or grinding alone. What if it was about who you know—and where you put yourself? That’s the promise of Ken Coleman’s The Proximity Principle, a book that’s rapidly become a must-read for anyone serious about career growth. Coleman’s central thesis is simple but transformative: “In order to do what you want to do, you have to be around people who are doing it, in places where it’s happening.” This isn’t just motivational fluff. Research shows that over 70% of jobs are found through networking, not online applications. But it goes deeper: proximity isn’t just about collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections. It’s about intentionally seeking out the five types of people who can accelerate your journey—professors, professionals, mentors, peers, and producers—and making yourself visible in the environments where opportunity lives.



Coleman draws on real-life stories, like Steve Jobs cold-calling HP’s Bill Hewlett at age 12, or how Tom Petty learned guitar from Don Felder (later of the Eagles). These aren’t outliers—they’re proof that proximity multiplies your luck. The book lays out practical steps: identify the right people, overcome fear and pride, volunteer or intern if you must, and always follow up. Reviewers rave about how these strategies helped them pivot careers, land dream jobs, or simply reignite their professional passion. So, if you’re tired of sending resumes into the void, maybe it’s time to try the ultimate career hack—get close, stay curious, and let proximity work its magic. [[0]](#__0) [[1]](#__1)