While I was still in college, I attended an entrepreneurial conference aimed at helping students dive into the start-up world. It was called CEO, a place where young entrepreneurs gathered to hear real-life stories from people who had been in their shoes. One of these sessions stuck with me—a senior sharing his journey about what led to his own success. He had a business that delivered gifts for college students to their girlfriends. A practical idea for a college campus, but his biggest takeaway was surprisingly simple.
“90% of it is being present,” he told us. Showing up—when it’s easier to stay in bed, make excuses, or convince yourself to skip—made the biggest difference for him. Over time, I realized how true this advice is, especially in digital marketing. Being present and building relationships is a foundation of success that often goes overlooked, both personally and professionally.
The Power of Presence in Building Relationships
In a world where everyone is fighting for attention, being genuinely present can be a game-changer. We live in an age of constant distractions, endless notifications, and pressures to multitask. Yet, the people who achieve the most success are often those who commit to showing up, even in small ways, consistently. Here’s why being present can change everything:
Networking and Relationships
Let’s face it: skills are important, but often, opportunities arise because people remember our presence and efforts. Consistently attending industry events, joining relevant groups, and being active in community conversations are steps that help build your reputation and create new opportunities over time. It’s not about landing a client immediately; it’s about creating connections that lead to growth later on.
Building Trust in Business
Just like with friendships, trust in business is something you build slowly, by being there and showing up consistently. Whether you’re engaging with colleagues, clients, or even competitors, being present over time builds trust. If people see you’re genuinely involved, they’ll remember you as someone who adds value, not someone who just “drops by” when they want something.
Being Present in Digital Marketing: A Case for Authenticity
In digital marketing, one of the biggest challenges is grabbing and keeping people’s attention. It’s tempting to think, “I’ll just reach out when I need to make a sale,” but here’s the reality: people can sense when they’re only seen as a potential sale. Think about door-to-door salespeople who interrupt your day. You know they’re there for one thing, and it’s often a turn-off.
That’s why major brands like Nike invest in ongoing relationships. They don’t just advertise; they work with athletes and people who embody their brand values. Instead of bombarding people with ads, they create relationships with their audience, staying relevant and respected.
In our own businesses, big or small, it’s the same story. We have to build trust, not just expect it. And that starts by showing up in the places where our audience is and engaging authentically, even when we don’t have something to sell.
How to Be Present in Marketing: Steps to Build Real Connections
1. Engage Authentically
Join online forums, participate in industry discussions, and attend community events—but don’t just go with a sales pitch. Focus on adding value first. Share advice, listen to what others need, and be genuinely interested. Over time, people will remember you as someone who cares and contributes, not just as a salesperson.
2. Consistency is Key
It’s one thing to show up once; it’s another to be there consistently. Think of it like building a friendship. If you only reach out when it’s convenient, you’re not building a strong connection. In marketing, too, presence needs commitment. Make it a habit to engage with your community frequently, whether that’s posting consistently on social media, being active in industry forums, or simply staying in touch.
3. Add Value First
If you want people to care about what you offer, show them you care about their needs first. Whether it’s giving useful information, answering questions, or offering support, focus on making a positive impact without expecting anything in return. This is what builds trust over time, so when you do make an offer, people are far more likely to listen.
Why 90% of Success is Just Being There
At the end of the day, being present is about creating and nurturing relationships. Success isn’t always about having the perfect strategy or offer. Often, it’s simply about being there, ready to engage and support, and putting in the time to show you’re committed.
Whether you’re networking, building a business, or engaging with an audience, remember: 90% of it is just being there, investing in relationships, and showing up consistently. It’s a simple principle, but one that has a real impact on both personal and professional success.
