More learnings ... (MIMA)

I went to MIMA Summit yesterday – the Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association’s yearly event where the who’s who of Interactive Marketing come to play, think, talk, energize, compete, and so on.

My boss, Laura Chavoen (@chavoen) spoke and I was there for two reasons. 1) Moral Support (she still doesn’t know how awesome she is) and 2) Client Relations.

One of our clients, General Mills (Pillsbury and Betty Crocker to be exact), is based in Minneapolis. So, of course, they were there … along with many other cool, smart, really smart and really really smart people.

Brands, just like people, are trying to figure out how new technologies will impact their ability to interact. And it is fascinating to watch.

Some brands get it. Some don’t. Some don’t even try. Just like people.

I am walking away with a few things …

• Don’t ever let anyone tell you it can’t be done. Push away from popular thinking.
• Don’t spend time finding customers for your services. Find services for your customers. Change with your customer. And if you don’t have people at your organization to influence change, you better get new people.
• Spend time on yourself. Self education is vital to success. Don’t expect anyone to hand you knowledge.
• The changing marketing landscape is all about relationships. If your company isn’t structured to nurture, grow and create solid customer relationships, you are doomed.
• The role for linear thinkers is slowly diminishing. Enough said.

It was a fantastic and refreshing conference. I just wish I could have hung out for longer to network. Next year ....