From Classroom to Connections: Building My Marketing Future One Conversation at a Time

From Classroom to Connections: Building My Marketing Future One Conversation at a Time


💬 Part 1 – What I Learned

The Marketing Seminar Series at George Brown College has been one of the most valuable experiences of my academic journey so far. It was more than just a series of lectures—it was a real-world classroom where professionals shared stories that textbooks could never capture. Each session brought new energy, a unique perspective, and practical lessons that I could immediately see myself applying in my own marketing career.

While all the speakers had something meaningful to share, three individuals stood out to me the most: Adam Rodricks, Eric Alper, and Kwame Boison. Each of them offered a different dimension of professional growth—Adam showed me the courage to be authentic in digital spaces, Eric reminded me of the joy that comes from loving the process, and Kwame emphasized the transformative power of networking.

Adam Rodricks – social media with Courage, Clarity, and Connection

Adam’s talk was a turning point for me. His journey from unexpected career challenges to becoming Canada’s Top Social Media Strategist proved that setbacks can be the launchpad to something greater. He showed that marketing success isn’t just about learning how to “beat” the algorithm—it’s about building genuine conversations with your audience.

One of the biggest takeaways from Adam was his philosophy: “Talk with your audience, not at them.” It sounds simple, but it’s something many brands overlook. Too often, social media is used as a broadcasting tool, but Adam showed that the real magic happens when you create dialogue.

After the seminar, I connected with Adam to thank him for his insights. I plan to stay in touch with him, not just because he’s an industry leader, but because he is the kind of mentor who makes you rethink your approach. His emphasis on being authentic, taking calculated risks, and being unafraid to show personality in content has already made me reconsider how I want to shape my own professional brand.

Eric Alper – Loving the Process

If Adam’s session was about courage and connection, Eric’s was about consistency and passion. Eric Alper’s energy was contagious from the moment he started speaking. With decades of experience in the music industry, his approach to PR and social media is rooted in one simple truth—love what you do, and the results will follow.

Eric shared that he started with posting on social media every few hours, then increased his frequency to one post every thirty minutes. He wasn’t chasing likes or followers—he was doing it because it brought him joy. That joy became his brand.

A particularly useful takeaway was his recommendation to use tools like Zoho for managing timely posting, and his endorsement of Hootsuite as a great option for cloud-based campaign scheduling. As someone who intends to work in marketing and PR, knowing about these tools gives me immediate, practical ways to streamline my own content planning.

Listening to Eric reminded me that passion fuels discipline. Consistency doesn’t feel like a chore when it’s something you genuinely love doing. He also reminded me that recognition often comes naturally when you focus on showing up and adding value day after day.

Kwame Boison – The Power of Networking

Kwame’s story was perhaps the most relatable for me at this stage of my career. He spoke about his early gig and a missed opportunity to network with someone who later became a rising star. His message was clear networking is a hidden multiplier. You never know which connection might lead to an unexpected opportunity year down the line.

This struck a chord with me because I realized I often focus on building new connections but don’t always put enough effort into nurturing the ones I already have. Since hearing Kwame’s talk, I’ve made it a personal goal to be more intentional about keeping in touch with the people I meet, both online and in person.

🌐 Part 2 – Network and Resources

Who I Have Networked With

I’ve taken the first steps toward building a meaningful professional network by connecting with the speakers who inspired me most.

  • I reached out to Adam Rodricks after the seminar to express my gratitude and start building a relationship.
  • I sent LinkedIn connection requests to Eric Alper and Kwame Boison, with the goal of engaging with their content and learning from their expertise over time.

Events and Activities

The Marketing Seminar Series itself has been my most impactful networking opportunity to date. It didn’t just provide insights into marketing strategies—it gave me direct access to industry leaders and peers who share my career goals.

I also participated in Q&A sessions during the events, which allowed me to ask questions and be visible in the room. These small interactions are stepping stones to more meaningful relationships.

Groups I Have Joined

To keep growing my network and staying informed:

  • Social Media Marketing (LinkedIn public group) – Offers daily posts, case studies, and discussions that keep me updated on industry trends.
  • Set Marketing | Digital Marketing Set AI and Guest Post Group – Pending approval, but it promises opportunities for collaboration and guest contributions.

Volunteer Experience

While I haven’t volunteered in Canada yet, my work with Lions Club International in India taught me how to build relationships through service. These contacts have already helped me navigate aspects of life in Canada, and I fully intend to find a volunteer opportunity here—especially one connected to marketing or events—to expand my network further.

Job-Finding Resources

From what I’ve seen, networking is the most powerful job-hunting tool available. While I still browse job boards, I understand that a strong recommendation or a personal introduction can move your application to the top of the list.

Networking also allows you to showcase your value before the interview. By contributing ideas, engaging with industry discussions, and being visible online, you create a professional presence that recruiters and hiring managers remember.

Staying Connected

My networking strategy is long-term, and relationship focused. I aim to:

  • Engage regularly with my network’s LinkedIn posts.
  • Share my own marketing insights to remain visible.
  • Follow up with personalized messages after meaningful conversations.

📌 Key Takeaways

This semester has taught me that networking isn’t optional—it’s a career essential.

  • From Adam Rodricks, I learned the courage to show up authentically and engage meaningfully with my audience.
  • From Eric Alper, I learned that consistency is sustainable when it’s fueled by passion.
  • From Kwame Boison, I learned that connections are seeds—you never know which one will grow into a life-changing opportunity.

🚀 My 90-Day Networking Action Plan

Goal

Action Step

Timeline

Strengthen existing connections

Follow up with Adam, Eric, and Kwame with personalized messages

Within 2 weeks

Expand industry network

Join at least 2 more marketing-related LinkedIn groups

Within 1 month

Increase visibility

Post once a week on LinkedIn sharing industry insights

Ongoing

Gain volunteer experience in Canada

Find and commit to a marketing-related volunteer role

Within 3 months

Build a resource list

Track useful industry contacts, events, and tools in a networking database

Ongoing

✍️ Final Thought

Networking is not about collecting business cards or adding random LinkedIn connections. It’s about building relationships that create mutual value over time.

The Marketing Seminar Series gave me a foundation of inspiration, practical tools, and real connections. But I know this is just the beginning. My goal is to stay curious, keep engaging, and always show up for the conversations that matter.

When I think about where I want my marketing career to go, I know that my skills and knowledge are important—but my network will be my greatest asset.

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