Many of us think we need a great website, a polished pitch deck, and a warm referral before they can start building real relationships.

That's backwards.

In the early 2000s, I used to drive to offices of companies I wanted to work with. No appointment. No introduction. Just showed up.

People told me I was unprofessional, rude, naive and it wouldn’t work.

Instead, here is what happened:

"Wow, your timing is great!"

"We actually need help with an upcoming production."

"What a coincidence, I need a video guy next week!"

This happened again and again.

People appreciate human connection more than you think. They want to meet the person behind the email, website and business card.

Many of us hide behind texts, emails and DMs. We're waiting for the "right moment", the "right introduction" or the "right timing".

While everyone else is waiting in a digital queue, you can be the one person who actually shows up.

In our age where everyone hides behind screens, simply being present in person isn't outdated. It’s revolutionary.

This isn't door-to-door sales or about pitching or persuading. It's about being genuinely curious about another human being's challenges and seeing if there's a way to help.

Think of it as 'showing up' rather than 'selling.' You're not there to convince anyone of anything. You're there to connect, learn, and offer support and value if it makes sense.

Some notes on how to show up:

• Research first. Know a little about them and their clients. Identify where they might need support.

• Pick your timing. Not Monday mornings or Friday afternoons. Find their slow moments.

• Know your story in 10 seconds. Who you help, what you do, what outcome you deliver. Keep it simple.

• Read the room. Be ready to leave and come back later. This isn't about forcing your way in.

• Ask about their problems. Make it conversational. What challenges are they facing? Where do they need strength?

• Always leave with a next step. Even if it's just "let's stay in touch."

• Follow up with a simple thank you message.

This method changed my entire life's trajectory. I met interesting people with amazing talent. I got paid to travel the country. I built relationships both professional and personal that last to this day.

None of that would have happened if I stayed behind my computer waiting for permission to connect.

Your industry's decision makers are sitting in offices right now. They have problems you can solve.

But you're at home perfecting your elevator pitch instead of actually using it.

The person willing to show up wins.

Not because they're the most talented.

Because they're the most human.

Your story matters. But only if people actually hear it.

Stop being your industry's best-kept secret.

Start showing up.