I’m in the Guild of Marketers. I didn’t just join — I earned my way in.
This association doesn’t accept members “for a pretty face.” There are two paths:
Get two recommendations from current members.
Defend your projects before the Guild Council.
I didn’t have time to search for recommenders among acquaintances who were members. So I chose the second, more demanding path — the path of proof, not connections.
I presented and defended two major projects that I had initiated, developed, and implemented at KYOCERA Document Solutions. These case studies became my ticket into the professional community.
Project #1: The Chemical Truth About Toner.
We conducted independent research at the country’s largest chemical laboratory (“RosTest-Moscow”). We compared emissions when printing with original toner, compatible toner, and refilled toner.
The Result: Original toner was proven to be safer — it releases the fewest chemical elements into the air. This study didn’t just give us a competitive edge — it rewrote the playbook for the entire industry selling original supplies in Russia and the CIS. We weren’t just selling powder; we were selling office safety.
Project #2: A Vendor-Controlled Online Store.
This wasn’t just another “shopping cart” on a website. I developed and launched a digital ecosystem: central management stayed with KYOCERA, while “white-label” online stores with our inventory were placed on the sites of verified dealers. No marketplaces, only controlled channels. This gave the vendor power over the brand’s digital presence and gave dealers a ready-made solution for online sales.
It was these projects, their measurable business impact, and market influence that served as my argument. I gained entry not through favoritism, but through results.
For me, Guild membership is recognition that my work changes the rules of the game. It’s a new level of responsibility and access to dialogue with the best in the profession.
Now I’m here. With renewed energy and new projects.
