How to Get the Most Value from Joining a Marketing Association Like IMA
In a fast-paced industry where trends shift overnight, staying connected and informed is essential for any marketing professional. One of the best ways to grow both personally and professionally is by becoming an active member of reputable marketing associations. Groups like the International Marketing Association (IMA) offer valuable tools, relationships, and learning opportunities that can help take your career to the next level.
However, simply joining isn’t enough. To make the most of your membership, you need a strategic approach. This guide will help you understand how to leverage marketing associations to maximize your growth, credibility, and impact in the field.
Why Join a Marketing Association?
Marketing associations bring together professionals from different industries and experience levels, creating a dynamic environment for learning, networking, and collaboration. Whether you’re a student, an entry-level marketer, or an experienced brand strategist, these groups can offer:
Access to updated industry research
Invitations to exclusive webinars and conferences
Certification programs and workshops
Mentorship and leadership development
Opportunities to join committees and panels
Top marketing groups serve as a support system, keeping members informed about best practices and upcoming opportunities in digital, print, and brand strategy.
Understand the Benefits Before Signing Up
Before joining, take time to research what each association offers. Not all marketing groups are built the same. Look into:
Member perks (discounts, job boards, publications)
Frequency and location of events
Relevance of resources to your niche (e.g., B2B, B2C, social media, analytics)
Networking reach (local chapters vs. national/international)
Professional development opportunities
If you’re targeting an organization like IMA, check if they align with your goals and how active their chapters are in your area.
Set Clear Goals for Your Membership
To extract real value from marketing associations, define your goals early. Do you want to:
Learn new marketing techniques?
Meet professionals for collaboration or mentorship?
Stay ahead in your niche?
Find new job opportunities or freelance gigs?
Your goals will guide how you use your time and which events or resources you engage with. A focused approach ensures that every webinar attended or conversation sparked serves your career path.
Actively Participate in Events and Discussions
Once you’re a member, don’t fade into the background. Join events, whether virtual or in-person. Attend mixers, Q&A sessions, and panels. Don’t just sit and listen—ask questions, introduce yourself, and take notes.
Some effective ways to stay active include:
Participating in member forums
Joining LinkedIn groups affiliated with the association
Volunteering to help at events or lead discussion groups
Applying to speak or present at upcoming conferences
Active participation not only enhances your visibility but also helps you absorb more knowledge and insights from peers in real time.
Take Advantage of Learning Resources
Most marketing groups offer a wide range of learning resources. These may include:
Recorded webinars
Online courses or certifications
Industry reports and whitepapers
Newsletters with tips and trends
Case studies from other members
Be consistent in consuming these resources. Try to set aside at least an hour a week to update your skills or read the latest reports. Over time, this effort can keep you ahead of trends in areas like content marketing, SEO, branding, and automation.
Expand Your Professional Network
One of the strongest benefits of joining marketing associations is the chance to grow your professional network. Don’t limit yourself to casual hellos. Build meaningful relationships by:
Following up with people after events
Connecting on LinkedIn with a personalized message
Offering to collaborate on content, campaigns, or research
Joining accountability or mastermind groups within the association
Networking isn’t just about collecting contacts—it’s about building trust and mutually beneficial relationships that support your career over time.
Use It as a Resume Booster
Membership in marketing associations signals that you’re serious about your career and invested in self-improvement. It can add credibility to your resume and LinkedIn profile.
Include specific details such as:
Your membership level
Committees you’ve served on
Certifications you’ve completed through the group
Talks or workshops you’ve presented
These additions can help you stand out when applying for roles or pitching your services as a freelancer or consultant.
Collaborate and Contribute
Many associations allow members to contribute to newsletters, blogs, and podcast features. Volunteering for such content opportunities can help you:
Build your personal brand
Position yourself as an expert
Drive traffic to your website or profile
By sharing your ideas and experiences, you also help others grow—creating a positive feedback loop within the group.
Evaluate Your Progress Regularly
At the six-month or one-year mark, take time to review what you’ve gained. Ask yourself:
Did I achieve the goals I set when I joined?
What new skills or knowledge have I gained?
Have I expanded my network meaningfully?
Did my participation lead to any job or business opportunities?
This reflection will help you decide whether to renew your membership, scale up your involvement, or even explore leadership roles within the organization.
Conclusion: Marketing Associations Are What You Make of Them
Joining marketing associations like IMA can be a game-changer for your career—but only if you use them well. Be intentional. Stay engaged. Take every opportunity to learn and connect. Whether you’re looking to gain skills, land a job, or build a lasting professional network, the right marketing groups can guide you every step of the way.
When used strategically, these associations offer far more than just a badge—they provide a path to lifelong growth in the ever-evolving world of marketing.