March 27, 2025
I’m not saying skills and knowledge are overrated, but there’s one thing just as critical…
Being in the room truly matters.
At times, putting yourself in the right place can make up for your deficiencies.
Before anything else, you have to perceive opportunity.
That’s about seeing the door in the first place.
Then you have to believe you belong there and walk into the room. But, it is easier said than done.
Some doors are wide open and easy to walk through. Walk through them.
Others are closed, but not locked. Turn the handle.
And some are closed and locked. Kick them down.
The Payoff
It can pay off in a variety of ways:
- Learn from people who’ve been there a while.
- Get a mentor while you’re there.
- Pick up best practices.
I know people (with limited skillsets) who ended up rich because they inserted themselves in the action.
The Common Thread
What’s the common thread?
They’re:
- Likeable
- Optimistic
- Open to possibilities
- Have good networks
Those keys unlock a lot of doors.
Conclusion
It’s an underappreciated data point because people are obsessed with building skills, building knowledge, building resources, and being prepared.
Those are important, but if you’re not sure what to do, get your booty in the room and figure the rest out later.
𝗣𝗦: You may not realize you’re a gatekeeper. Keep the door cracked, so someone can slip through. Your trivial meeting can make all the difference for them.