Improving your competitive position with the latest marketing trends and making new connections have never been more critical than in this chaotic economy! Join by June 12, 2009 and take advantage of the New Member Incentives:
Complimentary application fee - a $30 saving AND
A free $20 Prepaid MasterCard AND
$200 Coupon redeemable at any AMA national conference
Navigating Rocky Terrain to Cross the Finish Line a Winner!
As I begin the last month of my term as your Chapter President, I reflect on the past 11 months, and what a year it’s been! Just as you’ve experienced in your businesses, so also did your chapter leadership face the challenges of responding to an economy in turmoil, and the havoc it wreaked on our members.
Little did we know in the spring of 2008 how clairvoyant our strategic planning would turn out to be. As stated in my message in the July newsletter –
“Your 2008-2009 Board of Directors has adopted“DFW AMA – Your GPS for Marketing!”as our theme for this term, and we’re blazing new paths to ensure that you consider the DFW AMA your critical tool:
1.To help you navigate through unfamiliar territory or around detours
2.As a friendly voice giving you confidence and assistance on your journey
3.For reaching your destination most expediently.”
We’ve responded to the rocky terrain by constantly monitoring our progress and making necessary adjustments in our path, our plan, and our vehicle, which resulted in the following benefits:
PROGRAMMING: In order to accurately meet your changing programming needs, we solicited more feedback from you than ever before through a multitude of surveys at events and online, which resulted in more timely topics and SIGs to address your unexpected challenges, and more speakers from around the world for Beyond Borders.
MEMBERSHIP, NETWORKING, MCN: It became more important than ever for you to develop rewarding connections, so we increased the number of events and the networking time allotted at them. We also promoted our Marketing Career Network more aggressively, especially for job seekers. Additionally, we initiated our “Members Helping Members” efforts at the Executive Luncheons and on our website.
FINANCIAL: More members were laid off and facing personal budget issues, which directly affected our dues revenue. We became fanatical in managing our financial assets, which resulted in a drastic improvement in monthly reports and substantial budget cuts mid-year. Tightening our belts in January and creative thinking about the benefits we offer are allowing us to end the term in a better fiscal position than we had anticipated even last July!
VOLUNTEERS AND OPERATIONS: Due to career changes and increased work responsibilities, volunteer turnover has been high. We addressed the need for consistency and improved efficiency by developing written processes and policies that ensured a quicker learning curve. Additionally, we improved our process for matching up volunteer and committee needs, which improved volunteer retention.
SPONSORS AND DONORS: Sponsors and in-kind donors became more critical than ever, so we devoted significantly more effort to both increasing their participation and delivering a strong ROI for their support…resulting in the highest amount of sponsorships and in-kind donations in our history.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH: We recognized that ‘outside’ friends are an integral component to our success, and therefore partnered with other organizations more than in years past for joint events and cross-promotions.
MARKETING and PUBLIC RELATIONS: With the increased number of events and opportunities came the need to keep members more informed, so we created more communications pieces (paper and digital), posted items more quickly on our website, and submitted more press releases and events for community calendars.
LEADERSHIP: We continued developing our leadership succession plan to ensure we have well-trained and devoted leaders in the future. We also are capitalizing on the experience of our past leaders by creating a Past Presidents Council which will provide additional support to the Board and the Chapter. To improve our efficiency and internal communications, we introduced new online tools. We’re almost ready to submit for members’ approval the revision of our Constitution and Bylaws – the first since 1992! – to bring them more in-line with current technology and our actual methodologies.
We overcame the unexpected obstacles and are crossing the finish line as Winners, and all of the above wouldn’t have happened without the dedication of your Board of Directors and the myriad of volunteers. It’s been my privilege to have taken this journey with an outstanding Board, and I’ve been repeatedly impressed with their commitment to the chapter and pursuit of excellence. Their lack of personal agendas and egos enabled us to focus from Day One on doing what’s best for the Chapter. Knowing the personnel challenges other chapters face, I can’t adequately relate how fortunate you are to have this group of caring professionals as your leaders. The DFWAMA is in great hands for the future with Michelle and the incoming Board!
It’s been an honor to have served each of you as your President this past term. The long hours of work and usual frustrations were offset by the pleasure of getting to know hundreds of you, and the support you’ve shown me. I’m particularly proud of our accomplishments this term that delivered added value to you and enabled the chapter to run more smoothly. This year has been an experience I’ll treasure always – Thank You for the exciting ride to the top!
Appreciatively,
Paige
D/FW American Marketing Association Supports the Salvation Army
Melissa Mihelich, EVP Media & Community Outreach
As part of our community outreach efforts, the D/FW AMA is very pleased to announce our partnership with the Salvation Army D/FW.
Did you know...? The Salvation Army’s national average is to use 83 cents of every dollar donated in direct services for people in need which is why they have been recognized as one of "the most efficient and effective organization in the U.S.”. Salvation Army services and programs include: social service programs for families, homeless men, women and children, substance rehab, senior citizen care, and youth programs for the poor. For more information visit: http://www.uss.salvationarmy.org/uss/www_uss_dallasac.nsf.
This is one of many opportunities to come to pay it forward. Please plan to join us at our upcoming Business Meeting held on June 17th to learn more about the Salvation Army and volunteer opportunities available.
Web 2.0 Deployment, Marketing Effectiveness Key Opportunities for CMOs
Reagan Cook, Past President
Chief Marketing Officers of major companies based in North Texas gathered last week for a meeting to share their top opportunities and to share some of their progress in these areas. These organizations see similar challenges and priorities even though their industries are quite diverse. From companies in both B2B and B2C industries with annual revenue exceeding $1 billion, these executives cited twelve topics for continued exploration and development as a group.
Participants enthusiastically supported exploring these topics in subsequent meetings, discussing their experiences and uncovering new directions moving forward. They recognized their individual solutions would be uniquely adapted to their specific businesses while the process will reveal the most productive approaches.
These topics provide some early indications, along with other available research, of the marketing needs and strategic direction companies across North Texas are pursuing to ensure their messages and brands remain on target for their clients in dramatically changing times. Topics identified included:
Web 2.0/interactive marketing
Marketing effectiveness in building business
The digital divide and generation differences
Driving a stringent customer focus
Working in virtual teams
Developing more adaptable workforces with their current people
Globalization and developing submarkets
The CEO’s perception by the market (reputation management)
Rebranding, and brand/product inconsistencies
The DFW AMA CMO Roundtable provides an exclusive environment for CMOs of top firms to identify and discuss challenges they face. It is currently open only to the top marketing executive of organizations headquartered in North Texas with annual revenue exceeding $500 million. Hosted by the Dallas Fort Worth Chapter of the American Marketing Association, the roundtable will meet again in July to share their perspectives on Web 2.0 opportunities, challenges and progress. Qualified CMOs can contact Reagan Cook, Past President, for more information at reagan.cook12@gmail.com.
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Calendar Events for 1-Jun-09 to 30-Jun-09
Meet 'N' Greet Day: Thursday 4-Jun-09 5:30 PM Location: Fillmore Pub
1004 E. 15th Street
Plano, TX
75074
Summary: Happy hour prices and appetizers.... RegisterMapquest | Add to Calendar
Summary: The Internet offers unparalleled opportunities to build awareness for nonprofits and to differentiate one organization from another. By leveraging the Internet to effectively market their organization, nonprofits can build stronger relationships with existing donors, engage new donors and cast their net to reach a wider audience.
In today’s environment, it is more important than ever for nonprofits to truly connect with supporters to get them engaged and keep them passionate about their organization. Through effective eMarketing programs, nonprofits can significantly expand their circle of supporters which means new and enhanced fundraising opportunities. Nonprofits need to understand the technologies and social networks available and which ones are most viable to help their organization reach “today’s donor”. Not only are the economic times challenging but nonprofits are also faced with limited staff so it is crucial that they are as efficient and effective as possible.
Presentation Takeaways:
Understand the variety of ways to eMarket the non-profit organization
Professional Development SIG - Networking on Steroids Speaker's Name: David Rawles, President & Co-Founder, Career Solutions Day: Friday 12-Jun-09 11:30 AM Location: University of Texas - Dallas, School of Management - Executive Dining Room
800 West Campbell Road
Richardson, TX
Summary:
David will show participants what to do and how to do it to develop an army of contacts and energize a team of individuals devoted to assisting you reach your objective. He understands the law of sowing and reaping; he proves the art of sound networking is within your grasp if you will only listen, learn and live a few techniques; and he'll share tools he personally developed to move his own job search along.
Presentation Take-aways:
Why good networking is so Important!
Effective Role of Strangers in Your Success
Secrets for Having a Productive Network of Helping People
Little-Known Techniques for Getting Meetings with Strangers
The Thrill of Planting Seeds to Reap a Wonderful Harvest
As the 2008/2009 DFW AMA term comes to a close, we thought it would be good to take a look at the State of the Union – at least from an economy and chapter point of view. Join us for an entertaining (no, really – this is not the same dry talk you are used to) presentation on the economy by Arthur Hollingsworth, Founder & Managing Partner of Lone Star Investment Advisors.
We will also take care of some chapter business - a quick DFW AMA Chapter Review as well as a thank you to all the volunteers that have worked so hard this year to put on our programs, events and meet & greets for our membership. We will also Introduce the new Board of Directors and unveil the charity the chapter is adopting. Finally, we will roll out the new brand for the Special Interest Groups and hear about the exciting things planned for the 2009/2010 DFW AMA year.
Event Take-aways:
Bring AMA Members up-to-date on the state of the DFW AMA Chapter
Create awareness of our new DFW AMA chapter charity
One of the biggest mistakes a company can make is to spend marketing dollars without understanding who they really are and what differentiates them from others in their space. Having a strategic brand position, and the correct messaging to go with it, is even more important today with marketing budgets being squeezed.
In Part 2 of our series, we will talk about developing a brand position and targeted messaging. From creating a brand promise to writing a mission statement and elevator speech - including related exercises you can use immediately; this will be a business changing program.
Fort Worth Executive Luncheon - Take Your Marketing Program to New Heights on a Foundation of Rock-Solid Research Speaker's Name: Graham Duke, MarCom MGR, Aviall, Inc., & Dr. H. Jeff Warr, Ph.D., VP Research Services, Zachry Associates Day: Thursday 25-Jun-09 11:30 AM Location: Fort Worth Club
306 W. 7th Street
Fort Worth, TX
76102
Summary: Imagine that the service you’re currently providing your clients is so valued, that one of those clients wants to become business partners with your firm. That’s what happened to Zachry Associates after working extensively with Aviall to develop and manage the company’s brand and marketing program. Throughout their 10- year relationship, market research proved itself to be the foundation of their marketing program, from collateral and advertising to training and tradeshows.
During this executive luncheon, guests will learn:
How to maximize the value of an agency partner
How to use research as the foundation of your marketing program
Telecom SIG: Web 2.0 - Using Social Media In Business Speaker's Name: Michael Griffith, Cortney Nicolato & John Pozadzides Day: Friday 26-Jun-09 11:30 AM Location: Hackberry Creek Country Club
1901 West Royal Lane
Irving, TX
75063
Summary:
Is your company using Social Media or Web 2.0 to reach customers? Should you? Telecom companies have enjoyed the some of the largest transactional customer base of users. Is traditional media the only way to reach them?
There are 150 million people on FaceBook, 76 million on MySpace, 36 million on Linked/In, 5 million on Twitter and over 112 million Blogs. Reaching communities has never been easier, yet it calls for sophistication different from that of past media buys.
Marketing executives now need to know all about these new tools and how to employ them and track the results. Join a panel of experts at the cutting edge of Social Media as we examine current trends.
Event Takeaways:
Why is tracking important? How to track & What to track
Mapquest
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Speaker's Name: Michelle Wilde, President, TechNPO Consulting
Speaker's Name: Arthur Hollingsworth, Managing Partner, Lone Star Investment Advisors
Graham Duke, MarCom MGR, Aviall, Inc., & Dr. H. Jeff Warr, Ph.D., VP Research Services, Zachry Associates
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23-Feb-10