From Seminar to Lessons: My Networking Adventure

Picture this.

You walk into a room buzzing with energy. Excited chatter, shared laughs, and an atmosphere filled with possibility.

This was my world during the Digital Marketing Seminar series.

It's changed my life in more ways than one. I met incredible people from the marketing industry who shared their knowledge and experiences.

They didn't just teach me about marketing. They showed me a new way to network and build relationships.?

What I Learned - Key Takeaways and Inspirations?

The Seminar series was a great mix of real-world stories, expert tips, and one-on-one talks. I learned a lot from many speakers, but three stood out: Lauren G. , Sam Leung , and Ashley Walsh . They are experts in AI, Social Media, and Influencer Marketing.

Each one told us their own unique story. They talked about their work, their successes, and their challenges. Lauren Galeana's talk, in particular, caught my attention. She spoke about her journey of running her own business and how networking played a big part in her success.?

I saw a lot of myself in Lauren.

She was a business owner, like me, working hard and using the power of relationships to grow. Her words made me think, and I decided to follow her advice.

I started to go to in-person networking events. I even attended a networking event in downtown Toronto organized by ToDoToronto. It was a great experience, and I met other entrepreneurs and business owners just like me.

But the learning didn't stop there.

We also had to write about our experiences in eJournals. This helped me get better at storytelling. I’ve always enjoyed writing, but these journals gave me a chance to work on long-form storytelling.?

Storytelling turned out to be the most important thing I learned from these seminars. It's more than just writing well. It's about how you share ideas and make them attractive to others.

Every eJournal I wrote was a chance to practice this. I wasn’t just sharing my thoughts; I was learning how to tell a story that other people would want to read.?

The Networking Journey

The power of networking isn't just in meeting new people. It's about building a community. During these sessions, I tapped into local networking events and even set my sights on the BNI Toronto Chapter.

One crucial learning came from these events: the importance of having contact information readily available. I found a game-changer iPhone tool that allowed me to exchange contact details with a simple tap - a tip I would've missed had I not been actively networking.

Focusing my efforts on entrepreneurship, I engaged with the StartGBC community inside George Brown College. The passionate ideas and shared ambition in that space were infectious, and I got accepted into their Work Integrated Learning Program for my coop! The excitement of applying the lessons learned in this real-world scenario is beyond words.

Of course, building a network is just half the job. Maintaining these relationships is another challenge. And for this, I turned to LinkedIn.

I keep in touch with my contacts through LinkedIn messages, starting conversations that eventually lead to more extensive networking calls. It's not just about touching base; it's about nurturing these connections and growing together as professionals.

During this time, I picked up some practical networking tips, especially regarding vocal fitness. Surprisingly, at networking events, it's not just about what you say but also how you say it. Vocal fitness is crucial for effective communication, and I realized its importance in connecting better at these events. So much so that I even made a LinkedIn post about it!

The things I learned at these seminars have stayed with me. They have changed the way I look at my career and the opportunities around me. I now see that making and keeping strong connections is crucial to success. This is what I took away from the Seminar series, and it guides me as I move forward in my career.?

Final Thoughts

So, the Seminar series was more than just a series of talks. It was a journey of learning, making connections, and picking up valuable tips. It was a chance to learn from others' stories, broaden my viewpoint, and come up with new ideas for the future. And now, I get to take all these lessons and apply them in my professional and personal life.

As we draw to a close, I realize it wasn't just about networking or learning from the speakers. It was about the connections I made and the resources I discovered. It was about realizing the immense potential that lies in the simple act of reaching out, sharing ideas, and listening to others.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to all the speakers who shared their experiences and expertise, inspiring us every step of the way. And, of course, to our wonderful professor Wendy Greenwood . She made these seminars a reality, creating an environment where we could learn, connect, and grow.

In the end, this journey made me realize one thing - Networking is not just a strategy; it's a lifestyle. It's about opening yourself up to new opportunities, learning, and growing together with your community. It's about making connections that matter.

Because in this interconnected world, we're all just "one conversation away from our next big opportunity".