Everyone who knows me knows where my focus is right now – it’s on my daughter’s transition into college. As she prepares to go away for school, our conversations have naturally gravitated towards the importance of being open to new experiences. Those conversations have been reminding me of many lessons that a life in marketing has taught me.
This month, I’m sharing those lessons with you, because the key to success in college is much the same as success in your professional life.
Lesson 1: Being Open to New Experiences is Key to Fulfillment in Life and Work
In the world of academia, just as in life, the most fulfilled people tend to be those who approach each day with an open mind. They’re not afraid of what they don’t know. They’re curious, eager to learn, and willing to engage with perspectives that are different from their own.
This openness is not about abandoning your core beliefs, but being willing to explore and understand the vast array of ideas, cultures, and viewpoints that the world has to offer. As I’ve been encouraging my daughter, when you go away to college, start a new job, move to a new city, or face significant change in your life, your bubble doesn’t burst – it gets bigger. It’s on you to make the most of it.
Those who embrace a mindset of openness often find themselves happier and more fulfilled because they’re not trapped in fear or insecurity. Instead, they’re excited by the possibilities that come with learning something new.
For marketing professionals, this lesson is crucial. The industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies, tactics, and platforms emerging all the time. To stay ahead, you have to be open to these changes and ready to learn and adapt. Those who cling to outdated methods or resist new ideas will inevitably find themselves left behind.
Lesson 2: Embracing Discomfort is a Path to Growth
When you’re uncomfortable, it means you’re growing. Don’t resist the change. Embrace it.
One of the most valuable pieces of advice I’ve shared with my daughter is the importance of embracing discomfort. College will present her with many challenges and will push her out of her comfort zone. But it’s in these moments of discomfort that the most profound growth occurs.
This principle holds true not just in personal life but in the world of high stakes marketing, too. Whether emotional, spiritual, or professional, growth often comes from stepping into the unknown, and pushing yourself to do things that are new and challenging. For my daughter, it might mean connecting with a speaker after a presentation, or trying out for a club she’s never considered before.
In marketing, the same principle applies. To advance in your career, you must be willing to take on tasks that you may not feel entirely prepared for. This might mean embracing new leadership and work approaches after a merger or acquisition, or staying late to learn a new software program, or volunteering for a project outside of your usual responsibilities.
It’s in these uncomfortable moments that true learning and growth happen.
Lesson 3: Navigating Change with Confidence is Critical
The transition from high school to college is a significant one, and it’s natural for my daughter to feel apprehensive about leaving behind the familiar and stepping into a new environment. But one of the biggest lessons I hope she takes with her is that no one has everything figured out. Every freshman, no matter how confident they seem, is navigating this new chapter with a degree of uncertainty.
Understanding this can be liberating. It’s a reminder that everyone is figuring things out as they go along. In marketing, this lesson is particularly relevant. The field is dynamic, and the landscape is always shifting. A new campaign, a rebrand, or even a change in leadership can create uncertainty and fear. But those who succeed are the ones who recognize that change is a part of the process and who navigate it with confidence and adaptability.
Lesson 4: Remembering the Power of Connection and Networking is Key
One of the fears my daughter has expressed is leaving behind her friends, many of whom are staying home for school. She’s worried that they’ll make memories without her, and she’s right. They will. But she’ll make new connections and memories, too. And when she reconnects with her high school friends, they’ll all be better for the new friends they’ve made.
Change in your personal life and at work is an opportunity to expand your network and make connections that can benefit you your whole life long. Expanding your social network is not just about making new friends—it’s about building a network that will serve you throughout your life.
In the world of business and marketing, networking is invaluable. My father used to tell me that every hand I shook was worth $5, and with inflation, it’s now closer to $20. The connections you make, and the relationships you build, can open doors you never imagined.
For marketing professionals, this is a reminder that success is not just about what you know, but who you know. Building a strong network of contacts can lead to new opportunities, partnerships, and career advancement.
A Few Final Thoughts for Marketing Professionals
The lessons I’m imparting to my daughter as she embarks on her college journey are equally applicable to marketing professionals. In an industry that is constantly evolving, the ability to remain open to new experiences, to embrace discomfort as a path to growth, to navigate change with confidence, and to build a strong network of connections are all essential skills.
Marketing is not just about tactics and strategies; it’s about understanding people—both your audience and yourself. It’s about being willing to question the status quo, to explore new ideas, and to adapt to an ever-changing landscape. Whether you’re launching a new campaign or navigating a major structural change at work, these principles will serve you well.
As my daughter steps into this new chapter of her life, I hope she carries these lessons with her, not just through college, but throughout her life. And as marketing professionals, we can all benefit from embracing the mindset of a lifelong learner—because in a world that never stops changing, the ability to keep learning and growing is the key to long-term success.