77 [Useful] Things We Learned In New Orleans

Last month, AMA GVSU attended the American Marketing Association's annual national conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. Here's just a handful of things we learned over the course of the weekend:

1. Don't just be at work for the sake of being at work.
2. Don't share anything that you wouldn't share with your CEO.
3. Ask for feedback before the last minute.
4. Everybody needs to have a LinkedIn profile.
5. Let your work ultimately speak to your experience, not your creative style.
6. Experience studying abroad is good, but being bi-lingual is even better.
7. Networking is more than just connecting on LinkedIn.
8. Always follow up.
9. Digital is relevant.
10. Speak to the consumer when they want to be spoken to.

Let the banner fly...

11. Stay up-to-date: follow sites like @AdAge and @Mashable on Twitter and read the articles.
12. Users spent an average of 500 BILLION minutes on Facebook in March.
13. Do not put phone numbers on billboards.
14. Do not put QR codes on billboards.
15. Do put hashtags, logos, and social media icons on billboards.
16. Don't tweet after 10 pm.
17. Research "geo-fencing."
18. Engagements are "clicks," impressions are "views."
19. Do your research on "Near Field Communication," a chip inside your phone that will soon allow you to tap your devices to advertisements for an interactive experience.
20. Research "augmented reality."

Elizabeth and Brian, current and former Vice Presidents of Finance.

21. iPhones are most effective for QR codes.
22. QR codes are not entirely effective... yet.
23. 60% of the U.S. population owns a smartphone.
24. Less than 30% of smartphones are Android.
25. 83% of Hershey chocolate sales are outside of the United States.
26. Hershey is the leader in U.S. chocolate.
27. About 1/3 (32%) of all Hershey Kisses are sold outside of the U.S., with $100 million in sales in China.
28. The metallic foil wrapper of a Hershey's Kiss is popular in China because it symbolizes good fortune and prosperity.
29. It took 38 years for a majority of the population to adopt the technology of the radio.
30. It took 13 years for a majority of the population to adopt the technology of the television.

And to think it only took me about 2 minutes to adopt beignets into my diet.

31. It took 4 years for a majority of the population to adopt the technology of the Internet.
32. It took 2 years for a majority of the population to adopt the technology of Facebook.
33. It took 35 days for a majority of the population to play Angry Birds.
34. You should know, rather than hope, that your idea is a good one.
35. Marketing is an art and a science.
36. Always go to the consumer for feedback and ideas.
37. With change comes opportunity.
38. The best idea can become the worst idea if not executed correctly.
39. Research, research, research.
40. Always know when your target market is online on social media.

Moo.

41. Give consumers a positive reason to always want more.
42. Find your niche.
43. Set quantifiable (measurable) objectives.
44. Be adaptable and adoptable.
45. Hone your time management skills.
46. Don't simply build relationships; maintain them.
47. Keep track of everything you do.
48. Your resumé should highlight challenges you've faced, responsive actions you took, and the result that occurred.
49. The tone of your resumé should be self-affirming.
50. Add keywords to your resumé.

Your resumé should make you stick out in a crowd.

51. Passions lead to paths.
52. Networking is a 2-way street.
53. Help others before asking for anything in return.
54. When someone asks if you have a blog, do not respond with, "I have a Tinder," or, "Follow me on Tumblr."
55. Be prepared to answer the following questions at all times: "Who are you?" "What do you do?" "Why are you attending this event?"
56. Talk to strangers.
57. Listen better.
58. Look interested.
59. Involve yourself.
60. Stay on topic.

Like, seriously, what is the deal with this cow though?

61. Test your understanding.
62. Be confident.
63. Evaluate the message you are receiving.
64. Neutralize negative feelings.
65. Write notes (about appearance, conversation, career, etc.) about the person on the business card of everyone you meet.
66. If you build it, they will come.
67. Some helpful networking apps include TweetUp, Evernote Hello, Card Muncher, Refresh, LinkedIn Contacts, and Here On Biz.
68. Create Twitter lists.
69. Write a personal message when requesting to connect on LinkedIn.
70. Use a professional headshot on your social media profiles.

You want your audience's undivided attention.

71. Use Bitly for long URLs.
72. Create engaging content.
73. Repost engaging content.
74. Share engaging content.
75. Start a conversation.
76. Respect the opinions of others.
77. Be yourself :)

Chicago Firm Tours Trip Recap

Last Friday, AMA members hopped on a bus and travelled to Chicago to tour the marketing offices of Red Frog Events, Pandora Radio, and Coyote Logistics.

Ashley, Tawwney, and Katie on the bus.

We started off early, leaving downtown Grand Rapids at about 6:30 AM and arriving in the city at 9:30 AM (Chicago Time).

Our first stop was Red Frog Events, famous for hosting the Warrior Dash. Interns Sam and Jackson told us all about their internship experiences with Red Frog, gave us a tour of the office (which included a functioning bar, a conference room with swings instead of seats, and a tree house complete with a slide), and told us about what Red Frog does and how they started. Every member also received snacks, beverages, and a free t-shirt (thanks, Red Frog!).

Ashley, Elizabeth, Kelly, Sarah, and Megan at Red Frog HQ!

After Red Frog, AMA took the bus to our next stop: Coyote Logistics, where we were first fed delicious Potbelly salads and sandwiches before difference staff members introduced themselves and told us a little about what they do with client and carrier operations. Everyone was also given a little Coyote Logistics goodie bag as we headed out.

Our last stop of the day was Pandora Radio's Chicago headquarters, located in the Tribune Tower. There we learned about what Pandora does concerning advertising, client relations, internships, and "The Music Genome Project." Afterwards, members had some free time to shop and explore the city before everyone headed as a group to iCream, a specialty ice cream shop in Chicago that uses liquid nitrogen to freeze their sweet concoctions.

You can see more photos from the trip here.