Member Spotlight: Hilary Marsh

Hilary is a content strategist and association enthusiast! Find out what she love about her job and her secret hobby in this member spotlight.

By About the Author

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Hilary Marsh
President & Chief Strategist, Content Company, Inc.
 
How did you come to the association industry? 
I’ve worked in and with associations since about 2003, when I realized that Chicago is home to so many associations! As a content strategist, that was a dream for me, especially once I realized that associations create SO MUCH content.
 
As managing director of the member website for the National Association of REALTORS, I came to understand just how complex and unique associations are. Associations have many layers of accountability–to the board, committee volunteers, sponsors, members, and other audiences.
 
What is your favorite part of your job? 
I love helping associations help their highest-priority audiences find, learn about, and use everything they produce. This often means guiding them to adopt an “outside-in” approach to their work and their content, rather than an inside-out approach. Once associations plan and create content with members’ needs in mind, the members are more satisfied with their association and the organization succeeds in accomplishing its strategic goals.
 
It’s great that my work makes a difference in the lives of members and of association professionals as well.
 
A few years ago, I was honored to co-lead a study of content strategy adoption and maturity in associations, and I learned that many associations are already starting their content strategy journey. Folks still tell me the study helped them start or progress with their content strategy.
 
Tell us about a time that your involvement in this community had an impact on your career or life. 
I realize, more and more every year, that the association world is one big community–and I love being part of it! I’ve made so many friends and connections by volunteering and attending events, and I enjoy the chances to connect others too.
 
Through associations, I’ve had many chances to share my knowledge by giving presentations and participating in webinars and podcasts.
 
Tell us something about you that we wouldn’t find on your LinkedIn profile.
I love music. I play guitar and sing, and I’ve just started taking ukulele lessons.

About the Author

The mission of Association Forum is to advance the professional practice of association management. Founded in 1916, Association Forum serves 3,000 association professionals whose efforts serve more than 27 million members and generate $10 billion in global annual expenditures. Visit www.associationforum.org for more information.

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