If you didn’t tune in for Association Chat #assnchat Tuesday, you missed one informative episode! We talked all things marketing with expert Adele Cehrs, (@epicbva), owner of Epic PR and Inc. contributor.

The Topic: The CMO Playbook

Check out the highlights of the chat below or listen in to the replay here:

https://www.crowdcast.io/e/association-chat-the-cmo/register?session=1

Our weekly host, KiKi L’Italien, began the chat by asking, “What are the upcoming marketing trends that associations should look out for?”

Adele explained that influencer marketing is a huge trend, and KiKi was a living, breathing example of an influencer.

“Another really big trend is responding to real-time issues,” said Adele. “But the key to doing that is relating it to your niche!”

Adele stresses that every marketing strategy must have context, “The associations that really get it, are the ones who are winning the Summit Award year after year.”

What do associations need to do to improve their strategy? One F word.

“The F word for many associations is FOCUS. They want to be many things for a lot of people, and they can’t,” said Adele.

Associations need to FOCUS on strategy and planning which are huge components for associations.

Leading Adele to make her biggest mic drop of the chat:

“Everyone thinks they can do marketing because they took a class in college.”

This is a very broad and general claim, but we see the truth in it.

Adele urges #assnchat viewers to “Be bold in your marketing approach. Don’t be so scared to fail. You really have to get out of your comfort zone.”

One way to step outside of your comfort zone is by saying ‘maybe’ more.

“You don’t have to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to everything,” said Adele. “If you come from a place of ‘no,’ no one wants you in the meeting. Try saying ‘maybe’ more.”

By saying ‘maybe’ more you are increasing your own creativity and being a team player.

“Always ask questions,” says KiKi.

Leading Beth to comment: “Curiosity is the number one skill I look for in building a team.”

After picking Adele’s brain for sources of inspiration, KiKi concludes the chat with this takeaway message:

“No matter where you are you should look for ways to improve not only the message, but the product.”

The biggest takeaways from this chat?

• “You can’t just get out there without a strategy. Context is king.” – Adele
• “Put your own spin on something and make it unique.” – KiKi
• In regards to SEO People love zombies and bacon.
• Associations and brands both benefit from building communities,

What are you going to do to ensure you’re using creativity and marketing to your advantage? We want to know. Tweet @assnchat using #assnchat to share your game plan or thoughts.

Check out the full stream here:

https://www.crowdcast.io/e/association-chat-the-cmo/register?session=1

Want more of Adele Cehrs? Check out her column for Inc. here:

http://www.inc.com/author/adele%20cehrs

Need more marketing information to take your brand forward? Check out these helpful resources – provided by Adele!

The CMO Playbook:

http://epicprgroup.com/the-cmo-playbook

Real Time Crisis Management:

http://epicprgroup.com/real-time-crisis-management

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