AAM Circles
Circles are one of AAM’s most significant networking and peer learning benefits.
What is a Circle? Think of them like a chapter, but unlike chapters, these aren't limited geographically. They're small communities of like-minded members (approximately 15 or less per Circle). Circles are meant to be organic, informal and unstructured. They are truly for members, owned by members and led by members!
Circles meet (virtually) at the time and frequency of the group's choosing. Many meet monthly. Discussion topics are decided by the group but are typically tied to the theme of the Circle or a current hot topic. The goal of Circles is to provide peer-to-peer engagement to learn from one another and grow professional networks and practices.
Examples:
- One group of beginner CPA firm marketers meets monthly with a seasoned industry expert to learn the ins and outs of accounting marketing.
- Some groups have each Circle member bring a challenge to their regular meetings and the group brainstorms solutions together.
- One group focuses on Hubspot and serves as a catalyst for firms to learn best practices from one another regardless of where they are in their CRM adoption journey.
- Many groups bring in outside experts to speak on specific topics.
"Circles have been incredibly beneficial to me and to many other members. The ability to ask questions, collaborate and learn from peers and leaders in the industry has been invaluable for my firm and career. I love being able to connect with accounting marketers who understand the industry and where it’s headed. I leave every Circle conversation with a new idea or perspective that I can use to move the firm forward!"
Senior Marketing & Growth Specialist, Adams Brown
"Joining the Rookie Circle almost a year ago was one of the best things I could have done to stay involved and personally connected with AAM. It has proven to be a great source of knowledge sharing and relationship building. It was especially fulfilling being able to meet up with a friend from my Circle at Summit and continue to connect! Highly recommend joining a Circle, whether you’re new to AAM or been involved for some time."
Marketing Coordinator, Venturity
Each group is led by a volunteer Circle Leader who schedules the meetings and keeps things moving. Circle Leaders also meet on a regular basis to share best practices and feedback with one another to continuously improve the Circle program.
It is AAM's recommendation that members join no more than two circles at one time.
Below is a list of all of the different Circles that exist today. You can join a Circle by submitting the form below.
"I belong to AAM’s Hubspot Circle. Not only have we learned how to use Hubspot better within our industry, which is one of the best parts of our Circle, we all now know we have colleagues we can reach out to for our particular challenges (Hubspot or not!). Like everything AAM oriented, having a group of like-minded peers is incredibly valuable for increasing my knowledge, pushing the boundaries of my role, and keeping me sane."
Business Development Director, Landmark
Circle Descriptions
Advanced – BD: Marketers who are more advanced/senior in their careers with an interest or focus on business development.
Advanced – BD – CX: Marketers who are more advanced/senior in their careers with an interest or focus on business development and client experience.
Advanced – BD – Dept of 1: Marketers in departments of 1 who are more advanced/senior in their careers with an interest or focus on business development.
Advanced – Comms: Marketers who are more advanced/senior in their careers with an interest or focus on internal and external communication.
Advanced – Dept of 1: Marketers who are more advanced/senior in their careers who serve in departments of 1.
Advanced – General: Marketers who are more advanced/senior in their careers with a focus on all aspects of marketing in their firms/aren’t focused solely on one area.
Beginner – General: Newer accounting marketers looking to get to know the industry and other accounting marketers, while covering a variety of topics. This Circle is led by an experienced accounting marketer.
Beginner – BD: Newer accounting marketers with an interest or specialization in business development.
Beginner – Comms: Newer accounting marketers with an interest or specialization in internal and external communication.
Canada: A geography-specific group of marketers in Canada.
Comms – BD: Marketers with an interest in internal and external communication and business development.
Consultants: A group for accounting marketing consultants who serve firms but aren’t in-house marketers.
CX: A group of marketers who have an interest or focus on client experience.
DEI: Marketers with an interest in either brining or enhancing a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program at their firm.
Digital Marketing Managers: Marketing managers that have an interest or specialization in digital marketing.
Hubspot – Tech-Innovation: Marketers with an interest in technology and innovation, who specifically use the Hubspot platform.
Innovation and Driving Positive Change: Individuals who want to move their firm forward with purpose and be seen as innovative leaders in the accounting industry and within their firm. Discussion topics will include, but not be limited to: new services, the shift to the consulting model, recruiting, sustainability, driving culture, and tech stacks.
Introhive Users: Marketers who specifically use Introhive
Leadership and Career Development: If you are in your first year in the profession, or an experienced marketer, have you ever wondered what is the next step in your career? It can sometimes be challenging to see when there is not a set path. The Leadership and Career
Development Circle will focus on the journey to leadership within your firm. Topics will include marketing best practices, how to get a seat at the leadership table, firm initiatives to be a difference-maker, identifying firm advocates, and how to create your own road if there is not already one paved. Come prepared to share your story to help others write theirs.
Major Firms: Any large firm member of AAM with $60M+ in revenue.
Manager – BD: Marketing managers with a focus or interest on business development.
Manager – Comms: Marketing managers with a focus or interest on internal and external communication.
Manager – Dept of 1 - 11M+: Marketing managers that serve in departments of 1 in firms with $11M+ in revenue
Public Speaking/Presenting: Presentations to Partners, leading lunch-n-learns, speaking on industry panels and keynotes, even training staff in public speaking: the modern accounting firm marketer is increasingly a public speaker. Come join a group of fellow marketers working to improve their public speaking and presentations skills - along with their firms'. We meet monthly to share learnings and tips from past speaking engagements, help each other on upcoming presentations, and learn from public speaking experts.