314 - Why You Should Attend Events in Your Community with Aya Robinson, Opry Entertainment Group
Feb 28, 2025
auto_awesome
Aya Robinson of Opry Entertainment Group shares her journey of integrating into the Nashville marketing scene after moving from Hawaii. She emphasizes the importance of attending local events, not just for exposure but for genuine interactions that can lead to professional growth. Aya shares practical tips for marketers on how to build supportive networks and maintain connections after events. She also discusses overcoming the emotional challenges of isolation in marketing and the pivotal role of community outreach in expanding organizations.
Engaging with local organizations fosters meaningful relationships that enhance both career development and emotional well-being for marketers.
Effective networking in the marketing field requires a mindset of mutual growth, prioritizing supportive friendships over self-serving goals.
Deep dives
The Power of Community Involvement
Community involvement is essential for personal and professional growth, especially in marketing. Engaging with local organizations allows marketers to connect with like-minded individuals and create meaningful relationships that extend beyond transactional networking. Joining groups such as the American Marketing Association or local industry associations can provide valuable support and foster friendships that enhance both career development and emotional well-being. Ultimately, building a community can lead to unexpected opportunities and a more enriching career experience.
Finding and Building Connections
To effectively network and build connections, one must explore various avenues to meet fellow marketers in their area. By tapping into local organizations, social media platforms like LinkedIn, or attending industry events, individuals can find their niche within the community. True networking involves a mindset focused on mutual growth rather than self-serving goals, allowing connections to develop into supportive friendships. This approach not only combats the isolation often felt in marketing but also strengthens the individual's professional network.
Balancing Professional and Community Engagement
Maintaining a balance between work and community involvement is crucial for marketers to ensure they can contribute to both effectively. When faced with a busy work schedule, prioritization becomes key; sometimes stepping back from organizations is necessary to focus on immediate responsibilities. However, finding a manageable way to engage with community groups ensures ongoing connections and opportunities for collaboration and learning. Active participation can yield significant professional benefits, enriching both personal fulfillment and career advancement.
Now that events are back in-person, are you going to them?
This episode’s guest, Aya Robinson of Opry Entertainment Group, shares why going to events in your community is more than just about showing up. It’s a way to interact with and learn from the people near you. For example, when Aya moved to Nashville, she was able to attend events with associations like the local American Marketing Association chapter. It’s a great way to meet new people if you’re new to the job or the area in general.
Plus, outreach is a huge part of growing local organizations. If you’re in charge of your organization or club, how do you expand? Who should you contact? The answer is usually the marketing teams at related companies.
And, Aya shares some pretty valuable advice about reaching out to others, even if you feel hesitant.
If you’re a marketer who wants to grow your network and create meaningful connections beyond just LinkedIn, this is the episode for you.