Eating at Your Competition’s Market Share: Join the Charlotte AMA November 11^th to Learn How the Bloom Grocery Chain Gets it Done

Successful marketing professionals know a recession offers many opportunities to both increase market share and leverage their company for even higher returns in the recovery. Join the Charlotte AMA at our November meeting as Angie Hunter, Marketing Director at Bloom, discusses the keys to the grocery store chain’s brand success, as well as Bloom’s plans to challenge Harris Teeter with the opening of their newest store in the heart of Dilworth.

At this program, marketers will:

• Comprehend the rationale and process behind Bloom’s “different kind of grocery store” branding strategy.
• Understand Bloom’s use of strategic planning and research in their concept development process.
• Walk away with tools and strategies for differentiating their brands in a crowded marketplace.

Individuals may register online for the event now through November 10th by visiting http://www.charlotteama.com/register.html

How to Use Facebook as a Weapon

Many so-called experts are trying to fill young people with fear about what they should post in their Facebook accounts. They make the case the school admissions staff and company recruiters are going to check your Facebook page and ding you for the stupid things you did. (Who among us has not done something stupid when we were young, but I digress.)

This advice is mostly defensive: “Don’t do this,” “don’t do that,” “someday it will catch up with you, and you’ll regret it.” This is, in my opinion, back asswards. You should assume that schools and companies are checking you Facebook page and use this to your advantage. I provide more details here about how to use Facebook as a weapon.

For more Facebook news and tips, check out Facebook.alltop too.

Author: Guy Kawasaki http://blog.guykawasaki.com/

Read more: http://blog.guykawasaki.com/page/2/#ixzz0UESErjPz

Join us for Charlotte’s Next Big Idea October 20th

In a nod to Donny Deutsch and his program "The Big Idea" on CNBC, pitch your business ideas and get great marketing feedback from Charlotte’s best and brightest entrepreneurs at the Charlotte AMA’s October event. Our panel of experts will include:

• Julie Rose (Moderator) WFAE News Team
• Louis J. Foreman Founder and Chief Executive, Enventys
• Winn Madrey Executive Vice President Topics Education
• Jim Bailey Founder, CEO and President Red Moon Marketing
  
• DATE: Tuesday, October 20, 2009; 5:30 p.m. Networking, food and bar; 6:30 p.m. Program
• VENUE: Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, 911 E Morehead St # 200, Charlotte, NC 28204-2856:
• PRICE: $20.00 AMA members/students pre-registered and paid online; $28.00 Affiliate members paid online; $35.00 Non-members pre-registered and paid on line
• Register online by Monday, October 19th: http://www.charlotteama.com/register.html

Are you a member?

Professional associations offer valuable and rewarding experiences that enhance professional credibility and broaden networks for active members. For those of you, who have already made the wise decision to join a professional association, pass this on to your friends. However if you have not yet joined a professional association, keep reading!

There are several reasons why you may not have joined. Maybe you have commitment issues, or your calendar is filled to the brim with activities. Or perhaps you just never gave a professional association much consideration. Whatever the reason, you are missing out on five key benefits that only members enjoy.

1. Industry exposure - Often professional associations will have guest speakers attend meetings and share their areas of expertise with members.
2. Learning opportunities - Many professional associations, like the Charlotte chapter of the American Marketing Association, will offer members an opportunity to volunteer in an area of interest. This gives you the chance to explore, take on new responsibilities, and gain some practical experience outside of your workplace.
3. Industry specific training - Most associations offer workshops and other forms of training that address hot topics in your field. Attending these training sessions can help you stay abreast of industry trends.
4. Professional credibility - Joining a professional association indicates that you are serious about your career and that you know how to take initiative.
5. Networking, Networking... and did I mention Networking? - The saying "It's not what you know, but who you know.", will always have some relevance in our professional lives. So be sociable and sincere while you get to know your fellow members. You never know what may come of the relationships that you build.

Keri Glover

Winning Words of Wisdom: September 16 CAMA Meeting to Focus on Best Practices in B2B and B2C

The Charlotte chapter of the American Marketing Association (CAMA) is pleased to host the Carolinas Winners of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year Awards on September 16 in an engaging panel discussion on navigating this recession and beyond. This year’s nominees and winners averaged a 91 percent increase in sales growth. Learn how they did it at our September meeting. In November, they will represent the Carolinas at the National Entrepreneur of the Year Awards in Palm Springs, Fla.

Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) experts participating in the event panel are Bob Salvin, Founder & CEO, Salvin Dental Specialties; Frank Spencer, President and CEO, Cogdell Spencer; and Philip Maung, Founder and CEO, Hissho Sushi.

Meeting attendees will enjoy pre-meeting networking opportunities and food at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille beginning at 5:30 p.m. Admissions costs are $20 for current CAMA members and students; and $35 for non-members and all walk-ins. Individuals may register online for the event now through September 15 by visiting http://www.charlotteama.com.

August 12th CAMA Meeting at the Great Wolf Lodge

"Howling" At the Recession: Marketing the Great Wolf Lodge

This March, in the midst of the worst recession in generations, Great Wolf Lodge opened in Concord, North Carolina. Yet despite this economic challenge, management is “howling” about exceeding expectations. Come learn how the Great Wolf Lodge has leveraged the “Staycation” phenomenon to create a growing business for kid-friendly vacations during a down economy. Attendees are invited to stay after for a guided tour of the Great Wolf Lodge complex.

To learn more or to register: http://www.charlotteama.com/events/index.htm

Check out Cause Marketing article from CAMA's VP of Programming

Check out Cause Marketing article from CAMA's VP of Programming:
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/406/story/371034.html

Attend CAMA’s July 15th event and learn how making a difference in your
community can make a bigger difference in your business: http://www.charlotteama.com/events/index.htm