Founding member Jim Cuene shares his past and future hopes for MIMA.
When “dot comms” were emerging as virtual spaces for brands, Jim Cuene found himself emerging into a new career trajectory. Originally planning to be a teacher, he realized that his heart didn’t agree, and moved to Minneapolis – where a group of marketers were leading digital transformation for local companies on the Internet (capital “I”).
It was new and exciting but also scary, nobody knew what it was or how to work with it. But Jim saw a future there and knew that others did too. There wasn’t a place for them to go to learn and experience the changing digital landscape together until Tom Borgerding tapped him on his shoulder and asked him if he wanted to begin a life-long community of individuals who could share in this new technology. That is how Jim became a founding member of MIMA, from 1996 – 1997, helping to grow the organization from the ground into the community it is today.
Jim, Founder + CEO at Fahren, continues to credit MIMA for his career. MIMA provided the opportunity to join with others who were just as passionate about the emerging trends of digital marketing. It continues as a way to connect experienced professionals with receive advice, jobs, inspiration, and solutions from peers around their own branding problems and how they’re leveraging emerging technology.
“So much is learned from doing and MIMA provided the tools to sharpen minds and put digital ideas to the test with others to grow collectively,” remarked Jim.
Whether through workshops or events, much of his success came from simply showing up and meeting new people.
Regardless of how fast technology and digital trends are changing, MIMA continues to provide a community of individuals who want to share their knowledge and gain some to continue to be a leader in the industry.
“MIMA’s focus on providing a space for members to come and share their problems and ideas in a public way, has always been their biggest strength,” Jim commented.
Jim marvels at the community who has continually remained engaged within MIMA to continue the legacy. As an example: With emerging, transformative technology like AI, Jim believes marketers will need the knowledge and insights of those who have been around for a while.
“Similar to when the Internet was beginning, AI will pose a new opportunity and challenge that will take both the veterans and the newcomers to figure out communally,” Jim said.
That’s exactly what MIMA provides, a community to come and work together through new technologies and trends to work towards a broader goal. With MIMA’s strong ability to bring folks together, Jim continues to look toward the community of leaders and learners to know that the future is in safe hands.
Jim Cuene is a MIMA Next 25 Luminary. MIMA’s history is filled with local leaders who volunteered, spoke, served on the board, or participated as members of the community. These luminaries ignited a passion for digital marketing in our community, nourished the flame for the past 25 years, and new luminaries are lighting the path for the future of local marketing exploration and evolution.
