AAM Leadership Corner

Kevin Kiefer
Consulting Marketing Leader – Manufacturing
Deloitte
kkiefer@deloitte.com

AAM committee / volunteer involvement:
Board Member; Past Membership Committee Member

What one thing would you like to share with members?
Being one of the newest board members, I find it refreshing to see that YOUR voice counts. In a recent strategic planning session for 2012 goals, our board (along with Association Headquarters) worked to identify key priorities based on feedback from our membership survey. It was at the heart of the planning session. So please be sure to complete the annual survey and share thoughts with AAM leaders at any time!

What advice can you give people to get more involved with AAM?
This is a passionate one for me. If you are not actively participating with AAM, you’re missing out. Becoming more involved will have a direct return on your time and investment. It will make you a better marketer and offer greater opportunities for your firm to leverage best practices. One of the best ways to get involved is through volunteering on a committee. It will get you active in best practice conversations and allow for extensive networking opportunities. Think it’s too much of a time commitment? Think again! It really is not a huge time commitment. There are many committees to become involved with, so find one that fits your interests. Again, don’t wait! There is a need for you whether you have one day of accounting marketing experience or 20 years. Visit the website or contact headquarters for a listing. Other ways to become more involved include reading the daily discussion list and making it an absolute priority to attend the annual summit.

On the Job

How is your firm using digital media/social media?
We definitely leverage social media at Deloitte, for both internal and external communications. I think firms of all sizes need to figure out what works best for their own firm. Don’t just “be there” to be there…identify strategic social media goals, draft social media policy, execute your strategy and continuously measure. One of the recent initiatives at Deloitte was to create a group for alumni on LinkedIn. Current and past associates can receive timely articles, start a discussion and be notified of alumni events in their region.

Share one marketing tip.
Don’t ever pass up the opportunity to promote your marketing efforts. Be sure to share the value that marketing brings to your firm. Perhaps it starts with presenting capabilities or results at a department meeting (tax, audit, etc.). It’s amazing how word of mouth can be your biggest champion. If you can demonstrate value, expect an invitation from another department at their next meeting. And don’t wait, find out the next meeting and seek time on their agenda.

What is your favorite part of your job?
One of the favorite parts of my job at Deloitte is working with consulting leaders from a wide variety of service offerings. I know its cliché, but every day is different. It definitely keeps it fresh and engaging. The key is to leverage marketing goals that connect through each unique offering. Oh, and one other favorite…a flexible work environment to be remote or at the office. Pretty cool.

On the Side

Describe your family.
My family is the single most important thing in my life. I’ve been married to my beautiful wife Nicole for 3 years. She teaches math at an elementary school. In September, we welcomed the first addition to our family. Aidan is a healthy and growing baby boy. He provides us with countless hours of entertainment (and some sleepless nights too).

Civic Organizations/Community Involvement.
While I am involved in a few civic/community organizations, I really enjoy the time that I get to spend with Make-A-Wish. MAW grants wishes to children who are facing life-threatening illnesses. It’s amazing to see the strength of the wish kids and how much joy that they receive from having a wish come true. About half of all wishes are trips to Disney World.

What would you be doing if you hadn't become a marketer?
If I hadn’t become a marketer, I would have liked to become a detective because I enjoy putting the pieces of a puzzle together. If the detective gig didn’t work out, then a stand-up comedian…because life needs a good dose of humor once in a while.