Significant Career Lesson From a CEO and Co-Founder at Nuñez The People's Agency
Ray learned that "every conversation is a job interview" and that networking is paramount, emphasizing that while talent and a strong portfolio are valuable, connections are essential to open doors. This approach, consciously cultivated since college, led to unexpected opportunities, such as a client who reached out five years after a brief elevator conversation, proving you "never know who's gonna be that callback."
Networking, Career Development, Building Relationships, Opportunity, Marketing
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Ray Nuñez
CEO, Co-Founder
Nuñez, The People's Agency
Johnson & Wales University
Film, Media Arts, Visual Arts
Advertising, Communications & Marketing
Business Strategy
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Every conversation is a job interview, emphasizing the constant opportunity to make a positive impression.
2. Networking is crucial for career success; knowing the right people can open doors, regardless of talent or portfolio strength.
3. Building connections, even without immediate benefits, can lead to opportunities years later, highlighting the long-term value of relationships.
Transcript
What is one lesson you have learned that has proven to be successful in your career?
It's hard to break it down to one, but somebody mentioned that every conversation is a job interview. Every day is a job interview, even if you're not looking.
What that really translated to is that the network is power. It's really about who you know. We could talk about being the most talented marketing person or designer, but it's about knowing the people who can get you into the door.
Going back to my college days, I made a conscious effort to connect with everybody I could. I knew this was how I could learn about different industries, make connections, and have doors open for me.
You never know who is going to help you out. I've had people reach out to me as a client because I met them 10 years ago and they remembered a conversation we had.
There's one specific example: the Rhode Island School for Progressive Education, a college in Rhode Island. I met the founder in an elevator heading up to my office back in 2020. We were both masked up and had a great little interaction.
She wasn't looking for services, and I didn't really pitch to her. Five years later, she contacted me saying, "Hey, we're ready to finally work with you guys." We hadn't spoken in that time, but that conversation stuck in her memory. She knew when she needed marketing support, that's who she would call.
You never know who is going to be that callback for you.