Meet a Member: Megan Jones

JUST THE FACTS

• Name: Megan Jones
• Title: Marketing & Events Coordinator
• Years of Experience: 3
• College Name & Degree(s): Youngstown State University
• Firm Name: HD Growth Partners
• Firm City & State: Youngstown, OH
• Firm Size: Mid-Sized
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Professional Memberships: AAM & BDO Alliance
• Community Involvement: I am a board member for SMARTS Youngstown and I also volunteer at Salem Community Theatre, Animal Welfare League, my church and various other non-profit organizations as needed.
• Twitter Handle: N/A
• LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganjones2014/

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

• What types of event planning strategies does your firm employ?
  • Our core values are Balance, Belong, Dream, Fun, Impact and Learn. We follow these values in everything we do, including our events. Internally, we align by providing unique opportunities to learn that also incorporate team-building and fun. Externally, we focus on partnering with our community to make an impact.
• What is the structure of your marketing department?
  • We are currently a very small marketing department of two people. I would say we are structured internally vs. externally–I help with internal needs such as employee onboarding, internal branding, employee engagement, client experience, etc. and my colleague (our digital media specialist) focuses more on outward branding with social media and content creation.
• What have you learned the hard way?
  • I’ve learned the hard way that following up is absolutely key to getting things done. The initial conversation is just the starting point. Following up ensures that details don’t slip through the cracks and that relationships continue to grow. It’s a simple step that often makes the biggest difference in achieving success.
• What is a “must know” for new accounting marketers?
  • Don’t silo yourself into marketing. Build relationships with the accountants, client experience team, HR team, etc. You will learn best (and market best) by truly understanding their challenges, goals, and achievements.
• What are your special skills or what is something people may not know about you?
  • I would say that one of my special skills is identifying connections between people, skills, and opportunities. I have a knack for recognizing where a specific talent or individual can make the biggest impact and plugging them into the right place. It’s less about traditional networking and more about aligning the right resources to the right needs for maximum success.
• What is the biggest benefit you receive from your AAM membership or what effect has AAM had on your career?
  • AAM is like anything else—it’s what you make of it. For me, the most invaluable aspect has been the connections I’ve made with other professionals. Additionally, volunteering on various committees has provided me with external experience and opportunities that I might not have had within my firm, broadening my perspective and skills.
• Share one marketing tip.
  • Never underestimate the power of storytelling. Whether you’re showcasing a client success story or celebrating a team achievement, storytelling creates a personal connection that statistics or fun graphics alone can’t achieve.
• What do you feel is the biggest issue facing accounting marketers today?
  • The biggest issue facing accounting marketers today is the turnover within firms and the lack of new accountants entering the field. It creates a difficult balance to maintain—clients want to see the expertise and value we bring, while potential recruits are drawn to a workplace that looks enjoyable and fulfilling. Maintaining this dual focus requires creativity and careful messaging to ensure both audiences feel seen and valued.
• What would you be doing if you had not become a marketer?
  • I have a passion for storytelling in all mediums. I think if I wasn’t in marketing/events I would be an author and write fantasy books or in theatre–I love performing!
• What is the biggest project you are working on right now?
  • The biggest project I’m working on in this moment is our holiday party, which takes place tomorrow evening. I’m making sure every last detail is finalized to create a memorable event for our team. Once the party wraps up, my focus will shift to planning our 2025 events calendar, ensuring we have a strategic and exciting lineup for the year ahead.
• If you had an unlimited budget, what is one thing you would implement immediately?
  • A comprehensive client appreciation/retainment program that includes personalized gifts and exclusive events to celebrate those partnerships.
• What books have you read recently that you feel would be beneficial to other AAM members?
  • “I See You!: A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team Through Radical Empathy” by Erin Condren is great for anyone who is a leader (or hoping to be) or someone who deals directly with internal culture initiatives.
  • “Contagious: Why Things Catch On” by Jonah Berger – it helps break down the science behind why certain ideas go viral.
• What blogs/social feeds do you subscribe to that are helpful?
  • I love following the typical marketing blogs you hear about such as HubSpot and MarketingProfs, but I also enjoy following Jason Staats for his knowledge in the accounting industry and AI.