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Inaugural networking event for UK marketing directors provides stage for productive community development.

The Only Marketing Jobs networking event for senior-level marketing professionals and business owners attracted some of the marketing industry’s most influential figures.  As well as the opportunity to make new contacts, the Who’s-Who hit parade were treated to sound-bites from three key business thought-leaders.

The Pipeline near Liverpool Street played host to the Director’s Cut networking event last night as 240 networkers squeezed into ‘London’s happiest bar,’ seeking to make new contacts, strengthen business relationships and learn more about social media and the Marketing Hall of Legends’ initiative, the Marketing Academy.  Business cards that weren’t plunged into the champagne and Spurs ticket draw buckets were liberally dispersed amongst eager connectors, keen to open doors to new opportunities in an improving market.

Community-building

The professional revellers (has a new phrase just been coined?) heard how 2010 heralds the accentuation of networking within niche communities, combining ‘new-age’ digital media channels with ‘antiquated’ face-to-face meetings.  Social media is gaining traction and ROI is becoming increasingly more tangible but nothing beats the transparency of banter over a beer.

Networking channels

Surprisingly, it was noted that amongst last night’s audience very few marketing directors were proficient social media users.  Carve Consulting chief, Paul Harrison, eulogised with typical panache about the benefits of integrating digital communications into forward-thinking marketing strategies.  Whilst social engagement resonated with some, it was clear many attendees had much to take home.  Twitter isn’t for everyone and Facebook has its own demographic, but those not proactive on LinkedIn are conspicuous by their absence.

View Paul’s ‘Understanding Corporate Social Media for Brand Engagement’ presentation.

Understanding the buzz

“Every day, millions of consumers converse in online communities, discussion boards, blogs and social networks. They turn to the Internet to share opinions, advice, grievances and recommendations. Are you listening, connecting and responding in a way that protects and promotes your brand?”

This is was the message from Brad Little, Vice President of Nielsen BuzzMetrics, a company that uses technological methodologies to monitor and analyze how consumers discussing your brand online really feel.  These insights leverage word-of-mouth to drive brand credibility and, ultimately, sales.  Another ringing endorsement for social media marketing. 

View Brad’s ‘Why does social media matter?’ presentation.

Chitter-chatter

Of course, this event’s primary purpose was to get real people talking about real things, face-to-face.  How had Q1 performed?  Are budgets affording the implementation of new initiatives or are the strategies being stifled by the money-men?  Perhaps the after-shocks of 2009 are still reverberating?  What’s in and what’s not as technology continues to influence both brand and product development.  These were some of the subjects being investigated as industry thought-leaders combined to weave a tapestry of insight, speculation and conjecture.

Bright young things

With business leaders increasingly concerned about the delta skill gap between experienced marketers and the upcoming generation of future leaders, The Marketing Academy aims to develop leadership capability in talented marketers through the medium of mentoring, coaching and experiential learning.

“This isn’t about finding UK starlets jobs,” said Academy founder, Sherilyn Shackell.  “It’s about identifying, nurturing and developing 25 exceptionally talented individuals and awarding them life-changing scholarships: turning the marketing talent of today into the leaders of tomorrow.”

Winners

No Only Marketing Jobs event would be complete without a champagne draw, and thanks to the fantastic donation by marketing recruitment specialists, Adam, of a magnum of bubbles, this was a prize worth winning.  Carol Clarke went home pleased – and no doubt ended up rather squiffy!

Lloyd Dalton-Brown was a happy camper, too, as he scooped VIP tickets to watch Spurs play Bolton on 1st May.

You can see all the pictures on our facebook page

And the speed-networking?

There wasn’t any.  There was no need.  Marketing directors might be unwilling late adopters to social media engagement but they can’t half waffle!  And they’re damn good at it, too.

Your take-away…

Building tangible communities is the powerful paradigm behind the Only Marketing Jobs concept.  Synergetic partnerships are constructed every day through the initiative of the UK Marketing Lounge, where currently 14,000 users search and apply for marketing jobs; read industry news via the blog; attend events such as this; and connect with like-minded professionals with ease and transparency.  Join the noise

Sign up to The Director’s Cut II in July

Did you attend the Director’s Cut?  If so we’d love to hear your thoughts.  What was good?  What needs improving for next time?  Please leave a comment below.

Thanks again to our sponsors:

 

Simon Lewis | Editor | Only Marketing Jobs

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10. The Leeds Link-up | Networking for Marketers | 2nd June 2010