We live in a Karaoke World 

A designer, recording artist and a manager his name is Malcolm McLaren who is commonly credited for the rise of punk rock. He was born on January 22^nd 1946 in London, England and was raised by his grandmother. The lecture is an hour long and focuses on the topic of How Does One Find Authentic Creativity? The lecture starts with his upbringing while casually filling in inspirational quotes that were taught to him which inspired him thorough out his career.  In the beginning of the lecture he stated that he lived in a time of necessity but he goes on to say,

“We live in a culture of desires… the desire to become famous overnight.”

Which stood out to me because if you would take a look at what is on television it is filled with reality TV people trying to get their fifteen minutes of fame, take The American Idol, X-Factor, The Bachelor, The Kardashians for example.

He also pointed out the consequence of this ideology, which is that it is harmful for children because you are teaching them the desire to be famous and wanting success overnight without the struggle. If you think about it is almost like false advertising. Most people that become successful happen over time not over night.

He then goes on to discuss the two different meanings of struggle, which is the main topic of his lecture, Authenticity and karaoke.  He believes that a majority of us live in a karaoke world. A world free from any real responsibility, and anyone and anything can be for sale. This world struggles to find anything authentic. While Authenticity is the exact opposite it is discovering something that is real that can only be achieved through a struggle.

I found this speech overall very intriguing and I didn’t know what to expect. If the audience was feeling the same way as I was feeling through out they were focused on every word that he said. You almost had to focus because of his think accent but it was more than that. His story that he told was truly moving and inspiring. Sometimes it is hard to be authentic in today’s society and it is almost better to be common like everyone else to fit into the popular mold. But his story proves and illustrates the best way to live ones life is only by truly being authentic and being true to oneself. 

The speech is a MUST see check it out! 

The American Marketing Association 

The American Marketing Association also known as the AMA, is an association for marketing professionals and students. The association is primarily focused on teaching, practicing and the development of marketing. Their principal roles for the organization are connecting, informing and advancing their members in the marketing field. The association stands behind their ethical norms and values, which all marketers should obey by; honesty, responsibility, fairness, respect, transparency and citizenship.

The association offers numerous publications and services that will benefit and enhance their members throughout their career by providing strategic thinking and practical solutions to common marketing challenges. Their publications consist of marketing news, magazines, journals and newsletters. They also offer numerous services for their members that focus on important marketing concepts such as direct marketing services, customer satisfaction firms and marketing consultants and consulting services.  AMA also offers their members perk partners where members can take advantage of specials and savings with featured businesses with the organization.

AMA Board of Directors consists of a variety of successful marketers in different concentrations. They provide guidance and direction to the organization and to the members.  The Board of Directors changes yearly to maximize exposure of knowledge and different concentrations within marketing.

AMA offers their members numerous media opportunities to help them connect with their target market such as media kits in print, podcasts, webcasts, magazine and journals schedule and rates, sponsorship opportunities at events and assistance with recruitment for staffing job positions. There are many event opportunities for their members each month across the country. The events specialize in key topics and marketing trends that are affecting the industry with important guest speakers. They also offer webcasts and podcasts of key events for members who can’t attend the events.

The AMA is great association for any marketing professional and has a wide range of different concentrations within the industry.  Within each concentration discusses any upcoming changes and news relating to that specific area.  When joining the organization you are asked to pick top three areas of focus within your profession. For instance my top three areas of focus I chose within the AMA are event management marketing, public relations and brand management. 

I plan on keeping up to date with the publications with the association so I am current with the industry and have an understanding of any industry changes. I also plan on participating in webinars and hopefully will be able to attend an event sometime this year.  With technology and trends changing all the time in marketing especially the music industry, an association like this is really important for marketers. The AMA aids members with information and many different opportunities with a wide range of marketing professionals in different fields. 

Anyone interested in the American Marketing Association should check out the website http://www.marketingpower.com/Pages/default.aspx