We’ve launched AMA Houston CoGroups to help build conversations and connections within our community of professional marketers. Today we’d like to introduce you to three dedicated volunteers who have stepped up to help us build our CoGroups for Small Marketing Teams.
First up is our CoGroup moderator, Angela O’Pry, Marketing Manager at Access Sciences
What are you most excited about with the new CoGroups?
I am very excited to create a community for Small Marketing Teams. I’ve attended many events over the years and heard from phenomenal speakers that represent large companies. While there were always valuable takeaways, I felt like my day-to-day challenges were vastly different. I’ve worked as a small marketing team for 10 years and can’t wait to bring this CoGroup to life for idea sharing, creative problem solving, and community building.
What new projects or campaigns have you started recently?
At Access Sciences, we are launching a campaign “AI for Business Leaders” targeted to business leaders looking for AI solutions that may (or may not) be a best-fit for their organization. It is easy to jump at the chance to adopt the latest AI tech for the sake of innovation, but it’s important to first step back and consider risks, benefits, and ROI.
What are you reading right now? What is your “go to” for great marketing info?
I’m currently reading “Do Better” by Rachel Ricketts.
I’m a total news junkie. I read The Daily Carnage and Marketing Brew every day.
What advice do you have for our CoGroup members?
Being a leader is tough, no matter how big or small the team is. How we show up every day has a tremendous impact on the entire group. It doesn’t matter if you’re using the latest automation tool or the best CRM tool. What matters is the investment you give your own well-being, self awareness, and emotional intelligence.
How do you think someone can get the most out of CoGroups?
Like many things in life, you will get out of this investment what you put into it. The first step (and often the hardest) is showing up. Be present and open. Don’t hold back! Ask questions, connect with others, try new things, and share the failures too.
Next is one of our CoGroup hosts, Alisa Hsu-Young, Sales Executive (or as she likes to think about it, “Client Relationship Manager”) at Control Shift Video
What are you most excited about with the new CoGroups?
I am most excited about the opportunity to connect with other members in a more intimate setting.
What new projects or campaigns have you started recently?
The entire world of marketing is new to me as I come from a sales and supply chain background in oil and gas. I am excited to be in the world of marketing, as marketing is everywhere, including how we represent ourselves day-to-day.
What are you reading right now? What is your “go to” for great marketing info?
I recently read (listened to) “How to Win Friends & Influence People” and “Courage Under Fire” (narrated by my husband, shameless plug). I am working on “Love as a Business Strategy: Resilience, Belonging, and Success” (written by a group of Houston local businessmen). I tend to check out the AMA and ANA newsletters for good marketing articles and webinars that could apply to what I do.
What advice do you have for our CoGroup members?
Small teams mean every member wears lots of hats but know your limit and when to ask for help. Communicate, communicate, communicate.
How do you think someone can get the most out of CoGroups?
Speak up and participate. There is no dumb question or idea. It is more worth your time to attend if you are part of the conversation.
Plus the Small Marketing Teams CoGroup has another host, Ashley Manivong, Social Media Manager at BMC Software
What are you most excited about with the new CoGroups?
Meeting new people and discussing how they are marketing in their industry
What new projects or campaigns have you started recently?
Currently onboarding at BMC Software — looking forward to creating engaging content for their social media. Deep diving into LinkedIn and Instagram in particular.
What are you reading right now? What is your “go to” for great marketing info?
Currently reading: How Women Rise
Also taking about one hour each week to gain more knowledge and certifications on LinkedIn Learning.
I also plan to sign up for the Digital Marketing certification through AMA this year.
I enjoy being subscribed to Social Media Today and an array of LinkedIn and Facebook groups specifically on social media marketing.
What advice do you have for our CoGroup members?
Take advantage of the virtual aspect of marketing that is booming right now.
How do you think someone can get the most out of CoGroups?
Come with an open mindset to ideas.
Thank you to this entire team for kickstarting the Small Marketing Teams CoGroup. A big THANK YOU to everyone (Also, a big CONGRATULATIONS to Ashley who just started at her new role at BMC Software!)
We think you’ll find that this team has a big heart for marketing, and their fellow marketers. We can’t wait to hear from you.
Be sure to visit the AMA Houston website for information about all three current CoGroups, and how to get started right away through email or Slack.
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