Author: AMA_admin

Let’s Get Real: Building Virtual Relationships So You Can Sell More!

By AMA New Orleans Blog

It often seems as if going digital — whether it’s been your preferred method of working for years, or a recent adaptation due to the COVID-19 pandemic — completely flips the game of sales and relationship management on its head. “While it is true that everything has changed, the reality is that nothing is really different,” Tom Martin explained in his recent webinar for the New Orleans Chapter of the American Marketing Association.

Tom is the founder and President of Converse Digital, and author of The Invisible Sale and Sell Greatly. For most of his career he’s worked with clients outside of New Orleans, and has perfected the art of engaging in a digital space.

Tom has developed a method of five P’s: Proximity, Preparation, Presence, Patience, and Preference, to stand out when building virtual relationships. The greatest of these, he insists are preparation and proximity. He suggests conducting social reconnaissance to ensure you never talk to a stranger. Start with LinkedIn and Facebook to find out not only who you need to be talking to, but the catalysts for future conversations. This is also a great way to build proximity to those you hope to form a relationship with.

Tom sees relationship building not unlike a taco truck- we must find where our clients are and take ourselves to them. Once those needs have been met, we must move again to somewhere else and continue to always find the markets where people are already interested. This is how we build propinquity- they state of being close to someone not just physically, but emotionally as well.

We’ve come a long way from when buying attention to land a sale was common — taking a client to dinner, attending a ball game, or drinks. Now that we live in a virtual world, it is more important than ever to earn someone’s attention, because it is easier now to simply ignore an email, or a call. Tom says the key in building any relationship is to always be of value, not simply in a transactional relationship for one’s benefit.

You can learn more about Tom’s “5P’s of Successful Sales” in his latest book, The Invisible SaleView the full webinar here to hear Tom’s answers to questions and examples of building strong digital relationships.

By Olivia Morgan, Fund Development Coordinator at Culture Aid Nola.

Marketing Tourism in a COVID Economy

By AMA New Orleans Blog

New Orleans’ tourism market is slowly returning, and leaders from across the city are working to return the city to its status as a major destination.

Mark Romig of New Orleans and Company explained this comeback will first be with the “drive market,” those within a 250-mile looking to get out of their towns for a quick trip without air travel. They are ramping up a fall campaign promoting safety and leisure travel, built on the idea that staying in a New Orleans hotel, rather than taking just a day trip, gives you the full hospitality experience.

Brigette Folse, Director of Sales and Marketing for Royal Sonesta New Orleans, says while leisure travelers are returning alongside a season of scaled-back weddings, the major meetings and conferences that once drew thousands are missing.

Brigette thinks of this challenge from the perspective of the event planner, and is reaching out and partnering with companies to begin delving into creative practices for hybrid meetings and conferences. She says maintaining safety expectations and branding cleanliness is key to returning people to hotels.

Most paramount to recovery is ensuring this safety, said Alana Harris, Deputy of Arts and Culture for the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy. “What we do now will impact what we are able to do in the future. Supporting initiatives like the gig-economy worker’s grants, and rental assistance funds is a big help to our cultural landscape,” Alana explained. 

The city has implemented Embrace the Culture, a virtual platform supporting creators in the community. This sets up a digital infrastructure for culture bearers to continue to practice safely in front of a global platform marketing them to future visitors.

While focusing on safety to draw in visitors is key for the city, it is important to also consider marketing to locals. Daniel Hammer, President and CEO of the Historic New Orleans Collection, says traditionally 65% of visitors to THNOC were regional tourists, out of town guests, 15% further away. During the pandemic THNOC pivoted their programming, and turned the assets of their catalog, including performances, lectures and film screenings into blogs, social media features and webinar programs. Over last five months, engagement with these programs has been approximate to the number of museum visitors they would have under normal circumstances.

“Our new challenge is how can we convert those engagements into visitors to the museum when we begin to be able to host on-site activities,” Hammer explained. Their marketing is now focused on bringing the local audience to the French Quarter, he said as THNOC reopened outdoor spaces and larger rooms and galleries to a slow trickle of visitors. 

Alana encourages everyone to support the artists and musicians who have kept the culture not only by visiting our local attractions as they reopen, but tipping culture bearers and giving them a seat at the table to not just at the party but where decisions are being made. She said, “Continue to stimulate, create, and preserve the culture virtually and digitally, keep ourselves safe so that we can all be together soon.” 

By Olivia Morgan, Fund Development Coordinator at Culture Aid Nola.

Follow AMA New Orleans on LinkedIn

By AMA New Orleans Blog

The New Orleans Chapter of the American Marketing Association now has a page on LinkedIn. To follow, click here.

The organization provides monthly programming for local marketers.

 

Senior Women Marketers to Discuss Future of Industry in NOLA

By AMA New Orleans Blog

The New Orleans Chapter of AMA is hosting a panel of senior-level
woman marketers to discuss the marketing industry and gender equality from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 18 at the New Orleans Advocate, 840 Saint Charles Avenue, New Orleans Louisiana 70130. The group will also share personal experiences and ways to help other females grow in their career paths.

To purchase tickets, click here.

About the Panel

Christine Albert, MPP, APR
Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications, LCMC Health

Christine Albert is the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for LCMC Health and its five-hospital system. She provides strategic leadership for all marketing planning and operations across the network, developing and executing marketing plans to position LCMC Health as the market leader. Ms. Albert received a Master’s of Public Policy degree from The George Washington University and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Mass Communications and French from Loyola University, New Orleans. She is a member of the Board of the American Hospital Association’s Society for Healthcare Strategy & Market Development (SHSMD).

Caroline Hayes
VP of Marketing, AOS Interior Environments

Caroline Hayes is the Vice President of Marketing for AOS Interior Environments. In her role, she leads the marketing, communications and strategic planning efforts across all four of the company’s divisions (furniture, manufactured interior construction, filing and storage and operations and service). She is charged with driving branding, advertising, sponsorships, events, community initiatives and charitable contributions. Since joining AOS in 2014, she has championed a team development-training program, built a marketing department and strengthened the internal culture of AOS as well as the company’s reach in the community.

Katherine LeBlanc
CMO, Painting with a Twist

Katherine LeBlanc has marketed some of New Orleans’ most recognizable brands including Smoothie King, Dickie Brennan and Co., Louisiana SPCA and is now the Chief Marketing Officer of Painting with a Twist. Katherine is leading the Painting with a Twist team, just as the brand approaches several important milestones including the recent acquisition of Bottle & Bottega, reaching 10 million paintings and turning 10 years old.Katherine lives in New Orleans with her husband and two children where they own Bevi Seafood Co., a neighborhood seafood market dedicated to preserving the culture of tradition through food in South Louisiana.

Leslie Monson
CMO, Ballard Brands

Leslie Monson comes to Ballard Brands as a Marketing Leader for Churchill Downs and the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, and OTB & Casinos. She was responsible for general marketing strategy through Promotions, Advertising, Creative Design, Retail Offerings, and Corporate Partnerships. Leslie has been engaged in Hospitality Marketing Management for over 1 year having previously worked for Harrah’s New Orleans Casino & Hotel where she also managed Marketing, Promotions, Special Events, and the Total Rewards consumer loyalty program. Leslie’s career history has always been in the field of Marketing and Advertising having served as the Director of Marketing for Louisiana Publishing and prior to that, she was the Marketing Manager for Planet Beach Franchising Corporation.  In addition to her Marketing background, she has several years’ experience in Business-to-Business Sales.

The New Orleans Chapter of the American Marketing Association is a professional organization run by a volunteer board that serves the local marketing community by providing educational programming, resources and networking opportunities. More information about AMA New Orleans can be found at amaneworleans.com.

AMA Hosting Workshop for Design Thinkers on Feb. 16

By AMA New Orleans Blog

Design thinkers are invited to a workshop hosted by the Nola Chapter of the American Marketing Association at Tulane’s  Freeman School of Business from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 16.

Local design thinking professionals Antonio Alonzo and John Alexander will instruct participants on the following:

  • The design thinking framework, terms of trade
  • How to get insights from a user or audience and design for that user
  • Methods for brainstorming and using creative confidence
  • Articulating a clear and useful design challenge and design brief
  • Critical making, bodystorming, and prototyping methods
  • Testing and iterating prototypes, user testing

Participants will also gain a clear understanding of how to bring design thinking and innovation into their own projects.

REGISTER

Tickets are available for both members and nonmembers of AMA for $35 here. Lunch will be included with registration.

The New Orleans Chapter of the American Marketing Association is a professional organization run by a volunteer board that serves the local marketing community by providing educational programming, resources and networking opportunities. More information about AMA New Orleans can be found at amaneworleans.com.

October Luncheon to Feature Artificial Intelligence in Marketing

By AMA New Orleans Blog

AMA’s October Luncheon, which will feature artificial intelligence in marketing, is set for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 18 at Greater New Orleans (GNO) Inc. at 1100 Poydras Street in New Orleans

Elonide Semmes

The luncheon will be hosted by Right Hat founder Elonide Semmes who will discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming industry, where it can be found in business and what ethical and legal implications it may have.

Semmes founded Right Hat specifically to help companies and schools better articulate their intangible value. Where many branding agencies are hyperfocused on the design of marketing materials, she marries exceptional design with deep thinking about how buyers think. Most recently she led an 18-month initiative for the International Legal Marketing Association (LMA) on artificial intelligence. She is also a member of the LMA Hall of Fame..

Get Tickets

Tickets are $10 for members $25 for non-members and are available here. 

The New Orleans Chapter of the American Marketing Association is a professional organization run by a volunteer board that serves the local marketing community by providing educational programming, resources and networking opportunities. More information about AMA New Orleans can be found at amaneworleans.com.

Chris Donaldson to Speak to NOLA Marketers About Their Personal Brand

By AMA New Orleans Blog

UPDATE: Get your ticket’s at the AMA member price as part of the ‘Friends of AMA’ discount with this code: amanolamember0918

Chris Donaldson

Local real estate broker and popular keynote speaker Chris Donaldson is set to speak to New Orleans marketers from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 27 at Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar and Restaurant at 701 Tchoupitoulas Street.

The Sept. 27 luncheon, part of the New Orleans Chapter of the American Marketing Association’s monthly luncheons, will focus on building personal brands and the importance of it in the marketplace.

“This is not only for the Kardashians, or big mouthed politicians seeking your vote – it is an essential business tool for all of us,” said Donaldson. “You have one now, whether you know it or not. The only real choice is whether to be proactive or allow the rest of the world to dictate your brand”

Chris Donaldson is a real estate broker, popular keynote speaker, teacher, business coach, entrepreneur, and a leadership expert in the New Orleans area. Jumping into the world of real estate while still just a college student, he quickly transitioned his love of teaching to become one of the youngest certified real estate instructors ever in his home state of Louisiana. Now the CEO of Donaldson Educational Services, Founder/CEO of Donaldson Training Solutions and active real estate broker his daily mission is to make lives and careers better.

Register

Both AMA Members and nonmembers are invited to attend. Click here for tickets.

The New Orleans Chapter of the American Marketing Association is a professional organization run by a volunteer board that serves the local marketing community by providing educational programming, resources and networking opportunities. More information about AMA New Orleans can be found at amaneworleans.com.

9 Things You Missed from Our Social Media ROI Luncheon

By AMA New Orleans Blog

Marketers and communicators heard from local social media guru Jeff Januszek on the importance of ROI in the field while they dined at the New Orleans Chamber on Aug.22.

Here are 9 takeaways from Januszek himself:

  • Learn everything specific about your analytics
  • Set specific key performance indicators
  • Know what’s important to your boss or bottomline
  • Test everything
  • Spend a little cash on ads
  • Engagements are one-on-one customer conversations
  • Use tools to compile data in one spot
  • Don’t ignore what the data says
  • Don’t fear failure

Need more info? Contact Jeff here.

The event was hosted by the chamber and the New Orleans Chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA). For more information on AMA events visit our website at amaneworleans.com/events.

Facebook Community Boost Program Coming to NOLA Aug. 7-9

By AMA New Orleans Blog

The Facebook Community Boost Program, a multi-day workshop that will bring together small business owners, entrepreneurs, job seekers and community groups is coming to New Orleans Aug. 7 – 9 at River City Venues 1380 Port of Orleans PL New Orleans, LA 70130.“We’re inspired by what small businesses have been able to do using Facebook, but we
want to do more—particularly for those who are transitioning to careers that require more digital skills,” said the company in a statement.  “That’s why we have launched the Facebook Community Boost program, which will visit 50 cities across the US in 2018, in an effort to help US small businesses grow and to equip more people with the digital skills they need to compete in the new economy.”

Attendees of the program will learn how to use technology to grow their business to learn new skills. Some of the workshops being offered include:

  • Facebook for small business 101/201/301,
  • Facebook for non-profits,
  • digital skills education,
  • leveling the playing field with big brands by going global,
  • Instagram for small businesses, financial readiness, and other programming to help make it easier to run a non-profit or business

Since 2011, Facebook has invested more than $1 billion in training, technology, tools, support and research to help people and small businesses alike. In the US, this includes training more than 60,000 small businesses in person and more than one million small businesses online. And, we recently created a digital marketing curriculum that will help train people in digital skills development over the next two years.

For more information on the Facebook Community Boost program, please visit: www.facebook.com/business/m/community-boost

Register

For more information, including registration and a detailed schedule of events, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/business/m/community-boost/neworleans

SMPS Hosting Beginner, Intermediate InDesign Workshops July 17

By AMA New Orleans Blog

Our friends at the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Southeast Louisiana are offering InDesign courses at Loyola University from 9 a.m. to noon on July 17.

The classes are geared to both beginner and intermediate skill levels and run $55 for members of SMPS and $75 for nonmembers of SMPS and will be located in the Monroe Hall Room 512, 6323 St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans.

Parking is free in the West Road Garage for attendees.

Register

Here is the link to register http://smpssela.com/meetinginfo.php?id=288

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