My #1 career/business growth tip

When I look back at the growth of my career, if I were to highlight one single thing that had the biggest impact, it would be this…

Find your champion and take them to the pub.

Whether you’re an ambitious employee or a SaaS founder, this tip can fast-track your progress, open doors you didn’t know existed, and give you the inspiration to take the next leap.

Step 1: Decide What You Really Want

Before you start reaching out to anyone, you need clarity. Ask yourself: what exactly am I trying to achieve?

If you’re an employee, it might be:

• A promotion or pay rise
• Switching functions, for example from sales to marketing
• Moving to a new company
• Finding more fulfilment in your role

If you’re a business owner, it could be:

• Scaling your company
• Entering a new market
• Launching a SaaS product
• Raising investment
• Preparing for an exit

Step 2: Identify Your Champion

Your champion is someone you already know. This isn’t about cold-messaging strangers on LinkedIn. It’s about tapping into your existing network.

Champions are people a few steps ahead of you. Someone whose opinion you respect. Someone who can offer advice, introductions, or perspective you wouldn’t get alone.

They might be:

• A friend or neighbour who runs a successful business
• A current or former boss
• A colleague further along in their career
• A connection from university
• Even that person you met at a wedding who impressed you with their journey

Action step: make a list of 5–10 people you admire. Don’t overthink it. If you feel stuck, ask close friends or family if they can suggest anyone.

Step 3: Invite Them Out

Now comes the leap. Reach out and ask them to meet you at the pub (or café, or restaurant if that’s more appropriate).

Do it properly. A quick text might feel too transactional. Instead, send an email or LinkedIn DM asking if you can give them a call. On that call, say something like:

“I’d love to take you out for a drink. I really admire your career/business journey and I’d be grateful for your advice on something I’m working through.”

The key is to show vulnerability. Be honest about what you’re struggling with. People respond positively when you’re open and genuine.

Ground Rules for Success

To make this work, follow two golden rules:

1. Go to them – Don’t ask your champion to travel out of their way. You’re asking for their time. Make it as easy as possible.
2. Pick up the tab – Even if they earn more than you, you should buy the drinks (and ideally some food). It’s a small gesture of respect for the value they’re giving you.

During the conversation, keep it relaxed. This isn’t a sales pitch or a negotiation. It’s an open, friendly chat with someone you admire. Ask questions, listen, and let the conversation flow.

Why This Works

When you take your champion out, a few things can happen:

• They may give you practical advice, like what skills to develop or which pitfalls to avoid.
• They might introduce you to someone in their network who changes your career.
• They could spark a collaboration you hadn’t considered.
• At the very least, you’ll walk away with fresh inspiration and a stronger relationship.

In short: you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Entering a new sector

Back when I ran a web design agency, I wanted to break into SaaS but didn’t have any contacts in the space. I asked a friend from my co-working space out for a drink. That one pint led to an introduction to a key figure in London’s tech scene. Within weeks, I’d landed a £4,000 contract, and that connection brought me referrals for years after.

Example 2: Launching Rocket SaaS

When I was preparing to launch Rocket SaaS, I knew I needed to understand what B2B SaaS companies actually wanted from agencies. I took one of my clients, a SaaS head of sales, to the pub. Over a few beers, he walked me through how to shape my pricing, refine my USP, and build stronger client relationships. That chat didn’t just give me advice, it sparked a partnership that boosted my early sales.

Both stories prove the same point: one evening out can lead to opportunities that change your trajectory.

Your Challenge

Here’s how you can put this into action straight away:

1. Write down your goal – be specific.
2. Make a shortlist of potential champions – aim for 5–10.
3. Pick one and reach out this week – call them, be honest, invite them out.
4. Have the conversation – listen more than you talk.
5. Follow up – send a thank-you message and act on what you’ve learnt.

Final Thoughts

Growth doesn’t always come from frameworks, funnels or ad spend. Sometimes, the fastest step forward is a pint with the right person.

By the end of this week, write down your goal, choose your champion, and reach out.

And when you’re heading home from that meeting, you may just realise you’ve unlocked the next chapter in your career or business journey.

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By Ryan James

Founder of Rocket SaaS