Written by: Mackensie Smith

The SFAMA is comprised of many different stories from the beautiful people who keep it running and progressing. Each month the “Member Spotlight” will feature one member and their personal insights into the marketing industry.

Our first member spotlight features Valerie Camarda, principal of Marketing Sens, and marketing maven of the San Francisco Bay Area. We sat down with Valerie to get her take on the world of marketing. Next time you see her at an SFAMA event, stop and meet her in real life!

Q. When did you first join the SFAMA as a member? What were the factors behind you joining?

A. I first joined the SFAMA in 1989 when I moved back to the Bay Area after living in Laguna Beach. I had just started my marketing career when I moved to Orange County and my career really blossomed while living in Southern California. When I moved back to the Bay Area the job market was a lot tighter and more competitive up here and I thought it would be a good idea to join a professional organization where I could meet other marketing professionals. Because I’d been gone for a while I had to start all over again in building contacts and getting to know what was available in marketing jobs in the Bay Area.

Q. What, in your opinion, has been the biggest industry change you have seen since beginning your career as a marketer?

A: The Internet, email, and social media has dramatically changed the way we market. Another change is the move away from printed materials (I love PRINT!) to the use of more and more electronic media.

Q. How do you predict marketing will change in the next 5 years? (There are no wrong or silly answers!)

A. We have the ability to gather more and more information about our prospects and clients so I see much more targeted campaigns with very specific demographic and psychographic info being used in every aspect of marketing to the Nth degree. To some it will feel like Big Brother is watching their every move.

Q. What is your role within the SFAMA currently?

A. I have been working with Unit + Partners, our design sponsors on new branding for our chapter. (I had also worked on our current logo with designer Ryan Gerber some time ago.) I’ve also been working with Eric Weider and Unit + Partners on our new website.

Q. What’s your favorite aspect about being a member of the SFAMA?

A. I always enjoy meeting new people and I make it a point to meet at least two new people at every meeting I attend. I also love the programming and always learn something new. It’s important that as professional marketers we stay current with what’s new in our industry. I also enjoy being part of team and that’s what happens when you volunteer. I’ve held two previous Board positions over the years and that’s how I really got to know people. In fact, I got three of my biggest clients because they got to know me when I was serving on the Board. My membership has more than paid for itself over the years!

Looking to network? Connect with Valerie on LinkedIn!

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Mackensie Smith will be interviewing members every month. If you are member and want to be interview, just email the blog manager at nicole.moreno@sfama.org.