This lesson comes from a conversation shared on The Elite League Podcast, where founder Jake Margis explained how he grew his Austin-based business without ads, funnels, or complex campaigns.
But the principle he described reaches far beyond his story. It applies to every founder, creative, and CEO trying to scale a brand in a world saturated with noise.
The idea is straightforward:
Your willingness to show up consistently will outperform strategies, tools, and algorithms.
This blog expands that idea into a full framework you can apply immediately whether you run a startup, a service business, a creative brand, or a local company.
This concept was discussed in The Elite League Podcast, where entrepreneur Jake Margis shared practical strategies for growing a business through visibility, consistency, and authentic connection.
Watch the full conversation to learn how showing up in the right rooms can transform your brand’s reach, impact, and long-term growth.
Why Showing Up Matters More Than Ever
Most leaders misunderstand growth. They focus on reach instead of connection. They choose efficiency over presence. They want automation more than relationships.
But in today’s market:
- Consumers trust people more than ads.
- Communities grow faster than funnels.
- Presence builds credibility faster than branding.
The businesses that win are the ones people recognize, remember, and feel connected to.
And the only way to achieve that long-term is through showing up physically, digitally, and relationally.
The Visibility Principle: People Buy What They See Often
If people don’t see you, they won’t buy from you.
Not because your product lacks value or your service isn’t good enough.
But because you aren’t in their world often enough.
Greg Carlson
What “Showing Up” Actually Means
Showing up means putting yourself in the places where your audience already spends time:
- Events
- Industry meetups
- Conferences
- Local markets
- Online communities
- Strategic collaborations
- Guest features
- Partnered activations
You’re not waiting for customers to discover you.
You’re choosing to be discovered.
Greg Carlson
Why Most Entrepreneurs Don’t Show Up Enough
There are three common reasons:
1. They rely too heavily on digital marketing
They assume ads, posts, and automated systems will do the work for them.
The problem: algorithms can hide you.
People can ignore you.
Attention is unpredictable.
Presence is not.
2. They underestimate grassroots momentum
A single in-person impression can outperform 100 online impressions.
Why?
Because live interaction builds trust, not just views.
3. They don’t see visibility as a skill
Showing up isn’t about extroversion.
It’s about consistency, repetition, and choosing to be seen even when it’s uncomfortable.
Grassroots Visibility: A Strategy You Can Use Immediately
Let’s break down the strategy into steps any entrepreneur can use.
Step 1: Pick 3 Places to Show Up Every Week
These should be environments filled with ideal customers, collaborators, or partners.
Examples:
- Fitness entrepreneurs → gyms, wellness events, health fairs
- Real estate agents → community gatherings, local festivals
- SaaS founders → startup meetups, accelerator events
- Creatives → maker markets, pop-up shops, gallery events
- Corporate consultants → networking breakfasts, chamber events
Make this a habit, not a one-off.
Greg Carlson
Step 2: Become a Familiar Face
People trust what they recognize.
When you show up at the same events regularly:
- People start remembering your face
- Conversations deepen over time
- Your brand becomes a natural reference point
- You go from “stranger” to “community member”
Familiarity is powerful.
Familiarity converts.
Greg Carlson
Step 3: Add Value Before You Ask for Anything
Instead of pitching, focus on:
- Helping
- Connecting
- Sharing resources
- Giving advice
- Referring others
- Supporting events
- Collaborating
When you become the person who gives the most, you become the person people trust the most.
Step 4: Showcase Your Work in the Wild
Don’t hide your product or service.
- Bring it.
- Show it.
- Offer samples.
- Perform demos.
- Share case studies.
- Give live experiences.
This is one of the fastest ways to accelerate trust.
When people see your work in person, they instantly understand:
- The quality
- The effort
- The value
- The story
Your brand becomes real instead of abstract.
Step 5: Build Micro-Relationships Everywhere
Growth doesn’t come from one big introduction.
It comes from dozens of small ones.
Examples of micro-relationship actions:
- Say hello to event hosts
- Follow people on Instagram the same night
- DM people you meet
- Comment on others’ posts
- Join group chats
- Share photos, tag people
- Send thank-you messages
- Offer to collaborate
This small daily effort compounds into massive network equity.
Greg Carlson
Real-Life Examples of Showing Up in Business
Here are examples from different industries:
A fitness trainer
Shows up to 4 gyms weekly, offers free mobility workshops, meets coaches, demonstrates expertise → receives 12 new clients in 3 months.
A bakery owner
Attends local markets, hands out samples, partners with event planners → becomes the preferred vendor for weddings and corporate events.
A tech founder
Joins startup meetups, volunteers at events, mentors new founders → gains exposure to angel investors and accelerators.
A real estate agent
Becomes a familiar face at neighborhood events, school functions, and local volunteer days → builds community trust that leads to referrals.
They all grew not because they were the best marketers — but because they were the most present.
Why This Strategy Works for CEOs and Founders
Even if you run a large company, showing up still matters.
Executives who remain visible:
- Build deeper trust with teams
- Attract stronger partnerships
- Improve culture and morale
- Strengthen brand identity
- Inspire loyalty
A CEO who shows up is a CEO who leads from the ground and not from the top.
Practical Weekly Visibility Plan (For Entrepreneurs & CEOs)
Here’s a simple schedule you can adopt immediately:
Weekly Plan
- Monday: DM follow-ups, set event schedule
- Wednesday: Attend one industry event
- Friday: Show up at a partner or community space
- Weekend: Soft networking — gyms, cafés, markets, gatherings
Monthly Plan
- Two collaborations
- One presentation, workshop, or live demo
- One new partnership
- One hosted event or meetup
Quarterly Plan
- Participate in a festival, market, conference, or trade show
- Build a referral network
- Evaluate which environments gave the best ROI
Greg Carlson
Final Thoughts: Visibility Is a Choice, Not a Talent
Showing up is the simplest growth strategy but also the most overlooked.
You don’t have to be loud, extroverted, or perfect.
You just have to be present.
The moment you step into the rooms your audience already occupies, your business begins to shift.
Visibility compounds.
Consistency compounds.
Presence compounds.
And that is how you build momentum that can’t be ignored.
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