Another great day of learning at the American Marketing Association’s Higher Ed Symposium. Thank you again to the planning committee for putting together such a strong program.
Reporting is Important
In the work that we do, it’s important as MarComm leaders to report our work in the communications and marketing space. We all think about sharing quantitative pieces of data – metrics, hits, impressions, etc. However, I think as leaders we need to find better ways to engage in the qualitative work, too. Additionally, we need to share that up and also with our campus partners. This allows us to show how we’re meeting key objectives that are aligned with the university work, emphasize changes in perceptions, and show how the media work has supported the university.
Retention Matters
I sat in on a great presenation from the Student Affiars team at Florida State University. They shared great tools about how they thought through covering student events. Some of their regular social segments were weekly events, student support program features, and slice of life events. As we all talk about declining enrollment, retaining students is critical. The team explained how they view social media as a way to help support retention by making sure students are engaged in the campus experience.
Leave No Detail to Chance
In planning our videography and photography assets, there is power in really taking the time to perfect the brand shoots. The Purdue team talked about their process in building great brand images. Specifically, they discussed the details that could take a shoot from good to great. Some of the ways they considered all details, included planning someone for helping with makeup, providing vision boards for photo shoot attire, and collecting items that can serve as props, to make the shoots more dynamic.
Understand People
The people who understand people always win. As we approach our work, we have to take the time to understand the people on our teams. Understanding the people is critical for leading teams, but it also sets us up to lead, to inspire, and to better support our teams. If we understand people, we can do better at knowing their needs and engaging with them in ways that will matter to them and help us achieve our goals. Often, the work itself can sometimes be so taxing that we don’t take enough time to think about the people. We are too focused on running from meeting to meeting that we don’t fully take the time to get to know our team.
Leadership is Better When it’s Together
In a conversation about leadership, Claire Skelton and Nikki Peters talked about the value of collaboration. As rising leaders at the same institution they are navigating their journey as new leaders together. I found such value in the notion of having someone to do leadership with. Too often, we find ourselves alone in our leadership journey. Talking with them reminded me today of the value of having someone be on your leadership journey with you. That can be a friend, a colleague, or a mentor. However it looks, it’s important to find people who can be part of that journey with you.
Claire Skelton & Nikki Peters
Your Takeaways?
I’m curious what takeaways you had after the first full day of sessions? Looking forward to a great day three!
And Carrie On 