The document outlines key takeaways from the American Marketing Association Leadership Summit held in April 2005, emphasizing the importance of quality programming, networking, and understanding market dynamics to foster membership growth and engagement. It highlights challenges within the marketing profession and the need for leaders to effectively communicate their value while navigating competition and member retention. The document also stresses the significance of being innovative and adaptable in order to enhance the marketing association brand and better serve its constituents.

1. American Marketing Association Leadership Summit April 2005

2. Think Small and Grow Big Wes Morgan, Spencer Williams and Ric Sweeney

3. Introductions Who are you? ( I am …) Why are you here? ( Because I want to be the Next American Idol ) What are you going to do? ( I hope to take some of the ideas from this summit and …)

4. Programs A bit of advice: Do quality programs and the membership and enthusiasm will follow. Balance/content + lead time + communication = attendance/participation Networking SIGs - Consider your market. Consider the full scope of industries and expertise.

5. SIGS

6. Program Planning

7. What can I do for you? This ought to be the first thing you say to a new member. But it also is something you should ask your core members often. As a leader you should be seen as someone who can make life better for your constituents.

8. Vote for Pedro “ Vote for me and all your wildest dreams will come true” from Napoleon Dynamite Naturally you can’t do that but people will love you for allowing them to believe you actually care.

9. The Job of Any Association Addressing the common goals over those of one individual

10. Networking Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty Harvey Mackay

11. Heads Down Show of hands. Career Crisis within the last year? Job loss? Lost a key account/client? Merger/Acquisition making your position less secure? Kitchen Table Research Report

12. Defend Marketing The AMA is an awesome platform for defending what we do. Ideal: Accountable, Measurable, Proven Performance, Proven Value Unfortunate reality (all too often): Marketing activity is seen as OVERHEAD. Look out! (Make sure your network is in place)

13. The Ripple Effect No man is poor who has friends. Thanks for the wings. Recall the touching ending of Jimmy Stewart Movie It’s a Wonderful Life

15. WOW Three-quarters of American Business have NO PAYROLL New Business Start Up Business Sole Proprietor Incredible - think about that.

16. WOW Over 50% of new jobs in America are created by Small Businesses We need to consider that and its impact on Marketing - as a profession.

17. Where is the New Frontier? Professional Services Accounting, Law, Financial Planning Small Business New Business - New Businesses are New Brands! As marketing leaders we need to open some eyes

18. Champions of the Profession Advance the study, practice and teaching of Marketing Carry the flag Get members to understand the cause Recruit others to join the crusade

19. SLU - Marketing Club I was invited to speak to the Marketing Club at Saint Louis University I was impressed by the turnout in October Marketing is #1 major choice of incoming Freshmen A quick survey The New Undecided ?

21. Dinosaurs Respect your history and honor those who came before you (Seek advice from experience). But beware of Dinosaurs. Past presidents and past leaders have a right to judge you but You need to lead with your own style -------- (play to your strengths)

23. Parrot A little story about visiting PCC leader Wondering What tools are available for chapter leaders? What are some of the proven methods for programming, membership, and chapter leadership? How can leaders best prepare for their upcoming term? What might be a good basis for a board retreat?

24. The Good. The Bad. The Ugly. AMA is a platform You represent a brand that has been developed over 55 years Like all brands - a few bad experiences can quickly erode the perceived value of the brand Be a good brand steward!

25. The Good. The Bad. The Ugly. Example of a Good Program: Case History of Duncan Hines Aurora Foods (now part of Pinnacle Brands) GM of Bakery Products Division History of brand including vintage TV advertising Over 100 people Devil Food Cake Cupcakes w/ Icing,Sprinkles

26. The Good. The Bad. The Ugly. Example of a BAD Program: A start-up company asks for a slot on AMA program calendar. No track record. But may have a pretty good topic/idea. Turns out to me a big promotion for his/her company. There is a fine line. It’s important to brief the speaker.

27. The Good. The Bad. The Ugly. Example of a UGLY Program: Fortunately this presentation had a very small audience. What was promoted as Marketing presentation was actually a Multi-Level Marketing scheme. (Small audience thank God)

28. Mix it up. Niche Event Panel Rounds of 8 Classroom style Rubber Chicken Lunch - Power Breakfast Networking Evening Event

29. Meet the Need - Exceed the Need MIND - Information - training, mentoring, knowledge, understanding, creativity. BODY - Direct Response, Telemarketing, Research, Print/Design, Strategy Development. SOUL - Inspiration, Career Planning, Belonging to something larger than self.

30. Put it in Writing Your chances of success are exponentially improved if you and your board put a plan in writing. Retreat Launch - book it and communicate Review at least quarterly Core plan in place - be flexible and open to opportunities along the way.

31. Competition AMA is unique and serves a specific group However, there is a lot of competition for your audience Also plenty of overlapping agendas - PRSA, BMA, Ad Club, etc Not to mention routine business and personal affairs of daily life Deliver value and they will come back

32. Content Our association was once accused of being “content driven” compared to the Advertising Club Mostly we were flattered (we’d rather be studious/bookish than party animal) However, we did implement a very successful program of social/networking events without sacrificing the quality of regular programs

33. The Leaky Bucket Membership consists of two marketing challenges New Members Retention

36. Reach Out Don’t underestimate the power of our brand. Every market is different: Detroit - maybe Auto Industry, South Florida it might be Tourism, In Silicon Valley it might be Technology/Software. Understand your market/customize your calendar. But don’t go overboard - you can take it too far.

37. GO TEAM! Mind - Be Smart. Be a marketing person. Be Strategic. Body - Have fun. Have energy. Have enthusiasm. Make it happen. It will be contagious. Soul - Believe. Have goals (group and individual things - big and small).

38. Wesley A. Morgan Make Good Brands Better and New Brands Known [email_address] 2 Glenmaro Lane St. Louis, Mo 63131 314 692-7982