Contributed by April Clark, AAF Omaha Board Member and Membership Committee Co-Chair
AAF Omaha has stayed viable when many other marketing organizations have disappeared. The reason – we offer a unique opportunity to our members. We offer strong networking events that allow our members to: share ideas, search out job opportunities, and learn from each other and from excellent speakers. The reason? Because our members are the people who make things happen in our industry. They are plugged in, want the inside track, and like to stay connected. AAF is the water cooler for our business, and our members have a lot to discuss.
NEWS FLASH! Speaking of member networking – SAVE THE DATE – Please add November 3rd from 5 to 7 PM to your calendars. We want to give back to our awesome members. Our goal is to create a quarterly series of free events for our members ($5 for non-members) to connect, network, and relax with your advertising and marketing peers. We’re excited to kick off the first one at Wilson & Washburn – a fantastic downtown venue at 1407 Harney St. Light appetizers will be served. A cash bar will be available. Thanks to NCM and Terrance Martin for sponsoring this event!!
Be on the lookout for an email soon. Please start spreading the word. We look forward to seeing you there! Invite your friends! Who knows – we may reward the first 5 members who show up with a guest with a free drink – come early and find out! Be sure to register.
You may not realize it, but when you joined your local AAF club, you also became a member of the American Advertising Federation’s national network of advertising professionals.
That means you are a part of something even bigger than your local chapter. You are also a part of a national organization that is an important part of the overall image, viability, and prosperity of our industry. Both your local club, and the AAF work every day to provide professional development opportunities and recognition for our members, and to effectively protect your ability to work in our industry free from government intrusion or excessive taxation. And that’s a huge benefit to all of us.
So now that you know that, how can you get the most out of your membership in AAF? Well here are three easy suggestions you can start right now:
• When you go to luncheons, happy hours, or other programs, introduce yourself to at least five new people and then sit with some folks you don’t already know. It might help you get you a new client or your next great job.
• Join a committee. Joining a committee gives you a voice in your club’s events and activities. It gives you a chance to show other members how awesome you are, which can be far more powerful than an interview when looking for that next career opportunity. It also gives you a chance to develop a new skill set that you’re not getting at work in a supportive environment.
• Take advantage of professional development opportunities. Attending your local club’s programs can keep you current on industry trends in leadership, technology, creativity, and marketing. Your local club and AAF national make thought leaders from top agencies, media, and brands, accessible to you locally.
Now, more than ever, the ad club is the place to be. It’s the best place to learn from one another, share ideas, and help both our industry and our own careers grow. If you’ve found yourself asking, “Why should I get involved? What’s in it for me?” as you can see, there’s a lot in it for you. I hope you start taking full advantage of all the benefits your AAF membership offers today. Go to our website – www.aafomaha.org and join officially if you are not a member. Start getting ALL the benefits today!
Ideas for this column borrowed from an article by Shelley Magee, AAF of the Midlands and Chair of the AAF Council of Governors.
