Be Dependable, Know Your Story, and More Insights from the Marcus Graham Project x Warriors Sports Marketing Workshop
When I first read about the Marcus Graham Project’s Sports Marketing Workshop with the Warriors and Fanatics, it felt like the stars aligned. Though it was a little over a week away, I quickly updated my resume and applied. Then all my subconscious thoughts came flooding to the surface asking, “Can I find the time for a 4-day program? Can I leave behind my crazy work schedule? Will I have a car to drive myself there every day?” But I told myself to leave it in the hands of the Universe and wait to see if I would be accepted.
A week later, I was handed a laminated Warriors badge with my face on it. Eek! :) What a surreal experience- stepping into Chase Center as a marketing professional, representing my agency at the home of the Warriors.
Throughout the week, I heard from inspiring professionals who shared their stories and advice on how to break into and make a name for yourself in the marketing industry. The Marcus Graham Project’s focus on minorities and people of color centered the conversations around advocating for yourself and making sure your voice is heard- something I could definitely work on.
The conversations both on the panels and among the other participants far surpassed any expectations I could’ve had. The week passed too quickly and ended with our group presentations addressing ways the Warriors and Fanatics could engage the community on Fan Night in 2023. My group won- shout out to 41Strive agency, and we received huge goodie bags with jerseys and signed basketballs. I couldn’t have asked for a better cherry on top of an amazing week.
Here were some of the key insights that stood out to me throughout the week:
Be dependable and help as many people as possible. Jeni Marvitz (Fanatics)
Ask yourself how you can get the most out of your (existing) network. Xavier Cunningham (Chocolate Chip Media)
The scope of the Warriors marketing team includes Brand & Creative Services, Growth & Retention, Game Presentation, Consumer Products & Tech, Retail, and Youth Programming. Jen Millet (Warriors)
Know your story. Be confident and comfortable telling it. Xavier Cunningham (Chocolate Chip Media)
Work with clients that are in alignment with you. Kimberley Alula (Fanatics)
Find a mentor in every age group. Jason Garrett (CocreativeCLE)
Develop industry crushes. Tajj Badil-Abish (Lyft)
If there’s no one like you in a space you want to be in, it’s got to be you. Justin Abu (Logitech)
Anticipate the ask from your client. Tajj Badil-Abish (Lyft)
If you lose your inspiration, that will show up in other areas of your life. Ivelisse Morales (Bombilla)
Go with the flow. Have less resistance and more openness. Selena Davant (Made in Color)
Know what makes you dope. Tajj Badil-Abish (Lyft)
Make inroads by being really, really good at what you do. Ivelisse Morales (Bombilla)
Overall, my personal takeaway was that I need to spend more time in these kinds of spaces. I need to be meeting industry professionals, advocating for my peers, and of course, straightening out my marketing company on a more regular basis. Empires don’t build themselves, and I have the power to build mine while empowering other women and people of color. It’s time to get Off Your Plate, fully on my plate.