According to the Australian Marketing Institute’s latest Directors Report and Annual Accounts, it made a net operating loss of $176,072 for the year ending 30^th June 2009 compared to a surplus of $92,340 in the previous year.

It details an operating loss built on the back of a net increase in membership of 2.8%, a 15.7% net increase in Certified Practising Marketer’s (CPM) and a 9% increase in function revenue. The loss means that the Institutes cash reserve has now been reduced by nearly a third.

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OMG! Is it true? The Australian Marketing Institute is actually having state elections in NSW, elections where members can actually vote for real candidates. Something I’ve been calling on for years.

I would like to encourage all AMI members in NSW to VOTE! It doesn’t matter if you agree with me or not, this is your chance to make a difference and have your say in the future direction of the Institute and the marketing profession.

Image by jrbrubaker

If you are going to vote do it quickly, your ballot paper has to be returned by post or in person to the nominated address, which must be received by 5pm on 28^th September 2009.

There are 9 candidates for 5 vacancies on the NSW State Council.

Here is my ‘How to Vote Card’ for change:

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I read with interest an article by marketing legend Al Ries titled ‘Metric Madness: The Answer to Mathematical Failure Seems to Be More Math.’

Al Ries talks about what he calls ‘Metric Madness’ a notion that companies can run everything by the numbers – especially marketing and how its becoming the hottest concept in business.

Sadly for us downunder, ‘Metric Madness’ is being championed by our very own peak industry body – the Australian Marketing Institute. They’ve been pushing it for five years.

Al Ries says “Marketing is certainly not 70% mathematics. It’s not even 1% mathematics.” Not in the hallways of our Institute.

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The King is dead. Long live the King! is a traditional proclamation made following the accession of a new monarch in various countries. With this proclamation, I hope Paul Nicolaou has a successful tenure as the AMI’s new NSW Council President.

Worst President Ever
Originally uploaded by Kier42

However, the AMI NSW Council is full of the same old faces and same old marketing ideas.

They have even elevated the OLD NSW Council President for the past three years to the position of NSW Director to the National Board.

What did he achieve over the last three years other than trying to threatening me over the phone?

Here is the new presidents plan as cut and pasted from the AMI’s Website:

“It is my intention during my term to develop strategic alliances with other similar specialist membership organisations to assist marketing professionals do their work.

Further, I will be working with fellow councillors, the National Board and the AMI’s other state councils to develop "principles and standards" in marketing practices across all facets of the marketing mix.

In addition, I will be taking a proactive approach in increasing the profile of the NSW Council in the business sector and the wider community. This will be done by participating in community debates on important issues affecting our society where marketing has an impact.

In the meantime, if you have any ideas or thoughts on our NSW Council or any other marketing issues, please feel free to email or call me. My details are nicolaou@bigpond.net.au or 0419 400 038.”

I do hope Paul Nicolaou has a successful tenure!