Norwegian Marketing Professor
Johan Arndt once said: “Informal conversation is probably the oldest mechanism
by which opinions on products and brands are developed, expressed, and spread.”
Professor Arndt knew the value of casual conversations and in my words,
networking.
Just like many of you, early on
in my career I learned the value of networking.
I attended many industry social gatherings which often led to stronger
relationships with my peers and clients.
A conversation which started out as a casual one led to engaging and
spirited conversations about personal matters, business and brands. Those conversations led to stronger
relationships and opportunities to speak at industry functions and serve on
industry committees. These in turn led
to increased awareness of my company and personal brand.
In the last year, the AMA Atlanta
chapter has been the best opportunity I have had to develop and build
relationships within the Atlanta marketing community. Keep in mind, I reside in the remote,
southwestern Atlanta “suburb” of Houston, Texas. Why Atlanta AMA when my own city has an AMA chapter? There are two reasons. One is because Atlanta is where a good chunk
of my target market is and secondly, because of the professional relationships that
have been developed, I have personal connection to several of the members. To expand on the second reason, I have found
it easy to stay involved in the chapter because AMA Atlanta has taken a
multi-channel approach in promoting its activities and events through their
social media efforts via Twitter and Facebook and online via the AMA Atlanta website and their Linked in
group. Without question though, my favorite part about being a member is
through their many opportunities to personally get to know others through the
events that they host each month. Monthly
chapter signature lunches provide an opportunity to network prior to the lunch
and are always packed with great content from the guest speaker. Each time I attend, I walk away with a bounce
in my step and have a notepad full of new marketing ideas, and a pocket full of
business cards. The signature lunch speakers
are always incredible. Where else can you take just a lunch hour out of your
day and hear premier speakers such as Hala Moddelmog, President of Arby’s and
Kat Cole, President of Cinnabon. Their
marketing knowledge, experience, practical ideas and personal motivations have
been a tremendous source of inspiration for me. The luncheons are only part of the events and
activities planned for the chapter. Please
review the AMA Atlanta events page for additional opportunities to connect.
As you read this, I would imagine
that you are faced with the same pressures and time constraints that I have. You may find yourself thinking, that you don’t
have time to be involved in extracurricular activities such as this. If this is the case, I’d really ask you to
consider well Professor Arndt’s above quote and dwell for a moment on your own
experiences and how you have grown by leaps and bounds by personally connecting
to peers and clients. I personally
endorse the AMA Atlanta chapter. Isn’t
it time for you to get involved?
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