Why AMA Atlanta? (For a Houston Marketer)
By Glen Tyler
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 LinkedIn 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?
AMA Atlanta member Glen Tyler tracks market trends and cultivates long-term business relationships with retailers, QSR’s, and convenience retailers for Pointsmith, an at-store retail marketing firm based in Houston.
Got to love this. Great post.