Could use some advice from brokers on pursuing a career in this field.
So a little backstory - I work as a graphic design/marketer for a pretty big commercial real estate firm and I've only been in this position for almost a year. Previously, I worked in marketing for a tech company. Coming into a year of working in this industry, I am really looking into pursuing a career in brokerage. Having to work personally with tenant reps and landlord reps and seeing what they do, how they tell their story on pitches, and selling themselves - it's peaking my interest day after day.  I would really love to get started on this journey but I have a few concerns. 

One, not really knowing anyone outside of my firm. This is an assumption and correct me if I'm wrong but most successful brokers know people who know important people (CEOs, Presidents, etc.). I haven't done the exercise in which I sit down and jot people I know but if I had to come up with something I would only know one person who is the CEO or soon to be CEO of a company but is outside of the state I would work in. So my question is - does knowing contacts outside of the company make a difference on whether you'll be a successful broker or not?

Two, me being able to provide anything useful to my team. My concern is would a brokerage team consider myself, a marketer, important and would they even consider me joining? I mean I can bullshit my way into selling designs. I've done it my whole career but I can also tell a really good story. It's just, does it matter if I dont have much experience in this industry and I'm coming from a marketing background? I was also planning on transitioning to a research analyst role to better understand the market. But that's on the back burner until I fully commit. 

Depending on the answers some of you have and when I sit down with my managing principle and a few brokers on whether this is something I should pursue or not. I was planning on getting my license this summer where it's not too busy in the office. 

Thanks for anyone willing to read and respond. I greatly appreciate it.
[{"id": "fhff6yx", "text": "Whether people want to admit it or not, real estate is about marketing. Market yourself, market a property, market a deal. Can you tell your own story to your broker?", "replies": [{"id": "fhfia8z", "text": "I appreciate the response and I agree with you. There is a mixture of marketing involved along with sales. Could you elaborate on that? My story as to why I'd like to pursue in the career? Or why I am of importance to the team? Thanks again!", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "fhfytgg", "text": "Marketing is big, but I believe knowledge is bigger. I'm a young guy who wants to someday enter commercial brokerage. I got advice from a relative in the CRE industry to start off in a research position, as this will provide the foundation of knowledge you need to communicate effectively. After some additional advice, I got a job at a commercial appraisal company. From what I hear its beneficial to start out as an appraisers as you gain a broad understanding of how the market works. I've been here a year and am learning a lot about the industry and local market (Seattle) and just absorbing as much as possible from the senior people in the office. So I would say shoot for a research role and with your marketing background those would both pair well for a firm to be attracted to you as a potential hire.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fhg59z5", "text": "Dont worry about number two. There are plenty of brokers (or teams) that hire their own marketing people. Try to meet with the brokers in your office and discuss their marketing needs. It might be beneficial for them to have someone on their team handle this, and you can try to work out an agreement where you learn the brokerage side of the business. Have you made a decision on what type of asset youd want to focus on? Get some local research reports for that asset and just read over it, then talk to brokers about it. For one, yes there are plenty of relationship brokers that have this, but there are also (id say the majority) brokers that just out work/hustle everyone on the phones and make their own relationships. I think its definitely something to talk to people in your office about.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fhgibga", "text": "I work in Acquisitions for a REIT - you want to know the Acquisitions guys/gals at any REIT or fund.  Those are the people that will be your contact.  If you go into leasing, you will want to know the Asset Managers.\n\n&amp;#x200B;\n\nThe CEO of said investment company will most likely only pass your info onto them.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]