Marketing & Sales Symposium Breakout Session Takeaways

MSAE started April off with our Marketing and Sales Symposium. Nearly 100 of our members attended to learn new tips, trends and techniques within the marketing and sales realm. Here are the top takeaways from our breakout sessions at our Marketing and Sales Symposium:

How Photography has been Transformed in the Digital Age

• Postproduction apps will transform your work.
• Megapixels don’t matter.
• Use optical zoom – avoid digital zoom.

Social Media Marketing: Can it Drive Sales?

• You need to have a strategy.
• Schedule time – be intentional – have an editorial schedule.
• Monitor and analyze activity.
• Look into HootSuite to manage your social media accounts.

Be Heard, Create Messaging that Resonates with your Audience

• Be aware of others’ communications.
• Be authentic. Human-ness is key.

Drawing Attention to Your Exhibition Booth

• Keep all information at top 2/3 of your booth.
• Phone – credit card (adhere) holder.
  
  

How your iPad can Reinvent your Work and Workflow

• Get a keyboard for your tablet.
• Back up your files (Apple compatibility is key).
• Microsoft Office is available for iPad.

Maximizing your LinkedIn

• Make sure your profile is at 100%
• Manage your endorsements.
• Have a strategy.

Handling Sales Objections

• Send mail – sendoutcards.com
• Kill them with kindness.
• Persistence!
• Listen – "No" means "needs more information".
  
  

Integrate Your Marketing or Die. Be Simple. Be Consistent. 

• Audit all your material – what can you eliminate?
• Send out your communications in small, bite size nuggets.
• Listen to what your audience wants and how to communicate to them.
• ...You won't die.

We had great reviews and are already looking forward to next year!

Want more? Check out our event hashtag on Twitter for our members’ thoughts and pictures - #MSAEsymp.

Unique Workplaces

MSAE’s Young Professionals Networking Group met to discuss Unique Workplace Environments. We had an exciting discussion on ways to make your workplace “you” and how to maximize productivity.

Top Takeaways:

1. Stay organized and keep your work space clean.

2. Add personal touches (pictures, plants, etc.).

3. Summer hours can drive productivity. Encourages efficiency and leads to retention and a more positive morale.

4. Take time to relax at work. Surround yourself with soothing colors like blue or green, listen to mellow music.

At our next meeting, August 8, we will discuss the The Art of Resumes. Hope to see you there!

Membership Networking Group Recap

MSAE’s Membership Networking Group met to discuss Return on Investment, Retention and Strategies to Recruit Members. We had an insightful discussion on the art of selling memberships and looking at who your audience is.

Top Takeaways:

1. The new ABC’s of selling: Attunement, Buoyancy and Clarity.

2. Use your phone! Don’t forget the importance of personal connection – even if it is leaving a 15 second voicemail to a new member.

3. What is your biggest return on investment? Dollars? Connections? Saving time?

4. Do your research. Potential members know as much about your product and services as you do.

At our next meeting, Tuesday, May 20, we will discuss the “Member-Only” section and resources on our websites.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Good thing cuz we have Holiday Party on 12/11. Wall of Wine proceeds will benefit MN Military Family Foundation. MSAE

Go to twitter.com - msae to join the talk about ugly sweater contest. What's in your closet?