“Given the number of responsibilities that marketers need to juggle on a daily basis, many will think before joining a professional organisation and committing their time to yet another business activity. However, being part of a professional body for individual direct marketers brings critically important benefits in terms of professional career development, exposure to and alignment with best practice trends, business opportunities and networking,” says Brian Mdluli, CEO of DMASA.
“In particular, given the complex legislative landscape dominating the direct marketing industry at the moment, which will have a fundamental impact on the manner in which DM practice is implemented and conducted, being part of this will provide critical insights, guidance and interpretation of these laws.
“Joining a professional body means that individual members now have access to some of the best minds in the industry from various perspectives including legal and financial, creative and strategic, database and analytics and more. This is where the true value of being a member of an industry association comes to bear,” adds Mdluli.
However, being a member of an industry association as vocal and active as the DMASA also calls for proactive engagement and participation from the member. “The core purpose of an industry association exists for the betterment of its members in terms of conducting their business in a manner that is professional, fair, ethical and to the overall betterment of the entire industry.
“Nevertheless, some onus also lies on the member. Simply showing up once or twice a year to a meeting will not help you get to know the other members of the group. It is at the committee level where the real networking occurs and where you will develop deeper relationships with other members of your association and realise its true value,” concludes Mdluli.
For more information on the 121Club go to www.dma121club.com or e-mail .
