The judges for last year's Maroon & Gold Awards were underwhelmed with how University communicators were using social media. Their comments could be summed up by saying that they feel we who are using Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube need to start thinking of those formats as ways to communicate back and forth, not as one-way conversations with our audiences.
As I look at how my colleagues have been using these media during the past year, I would say we've made great strides in that direction. I'm not on the Awards Committee this year so haven't seen the entries, but my guess is the judges gave higher marks this year for all the great social media work that's been done.
Here's an article that I think makes some good, basic points about social media and how to best use it: http://tinyurl.com/4at2gr4.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Turning inspiration into action
If you're like me, attending a conference--be it for the Communicators Forum or other groups--results in a host of new ideas and inspiration. I leave recharged and ready to use my new-found knowledge on the job.
And then I get back to the office.... there are a flurry of emails to catch up on, printer's proofs to review, and--of course--back-to-back meetings. I often struggle to make time to put these new ideas to the test.
When thinking about the fantastic lineup prepared for the Communicators Forum conference on May 12, I decided that I need a new post-conference strategy...
I booked an hour of desk time after the conference to review my notes and think about how I can incorporate what I learned into my upcoming work projects. If my boss reads this, she can hold me to it. :)
Hopefully this will help turn my inspiration into action.
If you've put conference-inspired ideas into action on the job, we'd love to hear about it. Post in the comment field and share your ideas.
And, for those of you who haven't yet--be sure to register for the May 12 Communicators Forum conference BEFORE April 12 for the early bird rate.
And then I get back to the office.... there are a flurry of emails to catch up on, printer's proofs to review, and--of course--back-to-back meetings. I often struggle to make time to put these new ideas to the test.
When thinking about the fantastic lineup prepared for the Communicators Forum conference on May 12, I decided that I need a new post-conference strategy...
I booked an hour of desk time after the conference to review my notes and think about how I can incorporate what I learned into my upcoming work projects. If my boss reads this, she can hold me to it. :)
Hopefully this will help turn my inspiration into action.
If you've put conference-inspired ideas into action on the job, we'd love to hear about it. Post in the comment field and share your ideas.
And, for those of you who haven't yet--be sure to register for the May 12 Communicators Forum conference BEFORE April 12 for the early bird rate.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Friday (Random) Links Roundup
Remember Links Roundup? I am reviving it, if only for one post. Here are some of the places I'm getting my ideas and advice of late.
TargetX is a provider of interactive marketing technology and services
in higher education, helping more than 400 colleges and universities
recruit web-savvy students. Even if you aren't actively working in
recruiting, their Recruitment Minute emails on Friday are a quick
insight into the working mind of the typical tech-using 16- to 18-year
old. Register for the Recruitment Minute by scrolling down their iThink
blog (on the left).
SmartBrief on Social Media is a daily compendium of social media actions
and trends mostly in the corporate world. Sometimes a bit overwhelming,
but when I do read I usually see something useful. Read the sample
issue to see if it's for you.
Brandmanager's Notebook is all about higher ed branding and marketing.
Recent topics: The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Student-Made Videos, Branding a
Schizophrenic, and Help and Support Pages in Higher Ed.
Some of you will remember Leslie O'Flahavan from our conference a few
years ago. She and partner Marilynne Rudick run the Writing Matters
blog, and their advice is so down-to-earth and real world, I just love
it. Check in to their blog and there is always a fantastically bad
example. If you want advice about clear, concise writing, especially if
you communicate with external audiences or in any sort of customer
service venue, this is a must-subscribe.
What are your favorite online resources? Share with us in the comments section.
TargetX is a provider of interactive marketing technology and services
in higher education, helping more than 400 colleges and universities
recruit web-savvy students. Even if you aren't actively working in
recruiting, their Recruitment Minute emails on Friday are a quick
insight into the working mind of the typical tech-using 16- to 18-year
old. Register for the Recruitment Minute by scrolling down their iThink
blog (on the left).
SmartBrief on Social Media is a daily compendium of social media actions
and trends mostly in the corporate world. Sometimes a bit overwhelming,
but when I do read I usually see something useful. Read the sample
issue to see if it's for you.
Brandmanager's Notebook is all about higher ed branding and marketing.
Recent topics: The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Student-Made Videos, Branding a
Schizophrenic, and Help and Support Pages in Higher Ed.
Some of you will remember Leslie O'Flahavan from our conference a few
years ago. She and partner Marilynne Rudick run the Writing Matters
blog, and their advice is so down-to-earth and real world, I just love
it. Check in to their blog and there is always a fantastically bad
example. If you want advice about clear, concise writing, especially if
you communicate with external audiences or in any sort of customer
service venue, this is a must-subscribe.
What are your favorite online resources? Share with us in the comments section.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Brief is on Facebook!
It was inevitable. After 41 years as the U's internal news digest for faculty and staff U-wide, Brief has dipped a toe into the cool waters of social media via Facebook.From the salmon colored paper of old delivered in a frenzy of envelope stuffing parties, to today's all electronic variety, Brief continues its evolution. We're just now getting our feet wet, but expect that this supplement to Brief proper will go swimmingly. Our content will very often highlight faculty and staff at the U, with a particular focus on community and culture--the manifestations of our aspirations, expectations, values, systems, and programs as embodied in our people that characterize the U.
So tell us about your people. Come post on our wall.
Befriend us at http://z.umn.edu/2uv
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Membership system upgrade
Hello, Forum members.
You asked and we listened! We've simplified our membership system.
In the past, Communicators Forum membership has been tied to joining/renewing when registering for the annual May conference. However, many of you expressed concern, because if you joined later (say in March) your membership would be up for renewal just a few months after, in May.
To simplify the process, we have upgraded our membership system. Effective now all Communicators Forum memberships will be set for renewal one full year after you join (or one full year after your last renewal) date.
You will be assured to get a full year of member benefits--regardless of when you joined. Plus, the cost for the annual conference will be slightly lower, because the fee will no longer include your membership renewal. ***All conference attendees must still be current with their Forum memberships to attend the conference and submit entries for the Maroon and Gold Awards.
Our next program is Tuesday, March 15. Hope to see you there!
Robyn White
Communicators Forum, chair
The Lost Art of the Hand-Written Note
What to do? What to do? What to do?
"It" happens every year about this time. Well, "it" happens almost every year and I do believe that "it" has been several years now so "it" is particularly time-intensive, thought provoking and messy this time around. I ask myself the same questions every time...
"Why do I keep all of this STUFF and what am I going to do with it?"
I go through the boxes from storage, decide to throw away a few items, rearrange the contents of said boxes, re-label each box with the current date and, invariably, end up with approximately the same number of boxes. The boxes are then returned to their proper places in a somewhat more organized fashion. But why? I think it is as if I need to re-establish a relationship with all of my possessions and reaffirm that they exist.
Some stuff is easier to part with than others. The Animal Muppet I kept because I thought someday I would be a millionaire by selling it on EBay is now gone. The third set of dishes we acquired when selling our cabin - donated. And, yes, the 1969 toddler outfit is, well, actually back in the box because my sister is pregnant and I think if she has a girl it would look adorable on my niece! I admit here that I am not fully cured of my pack rat syndrome, but ask me again next year if she has a boy.
The dilemma herein emerged when I rediscovered all of the letters, cards and correspondences that I have kept. Until now, these letters and such have been spread out among multiple boxes in various locations. I would only come across them in fleeting moments when I scanned through a handful of boxes every so often. Following the sale of our cabin, all of our possessions have become contained within the previously mentioned limited space. It has been, therefore, much easier to find all of the correspondences and subsequently organize them.
But, now back to my original question, "what to do?" These letters and cards are dated before I was born and continue until today, though decreasing in number exponentially since the advent of Facebook. The communications, conversations and memories that they represent are irreplaceable. The information, though dated, is an important reflection of the times that were.
Who, besides me of course, keeps cards or letters anymore? Who actually receives cards or letters anymore? Even around the holidays the postal carrier is twiddling his thumbs wondering where the cards are. The written - truly hand-written - word is becoming a lost art. Whose penmanship and correspondence skills are up to snuff these days? I suspect the answer to this question is those over the age of "I-remember-when-there-were-dot-matrix-printers-and-when-computer-screens-were-green."
Regardless of when they were written and from whom they were sent, what is their purpose in my life right now? Yes, they take up space in my storage - at least one Rubbermaid box full of space. Is there something more to them? I suppose I could go through and read every one. I could just recycle them. But there seems to be more to these correspondences than just the paper on which they are written.
The letters are these individuals' life experiences at that moment. Birth announcements, thank you cards, wedding invitations, "just because" letters from friends and family members... I did read some of them. I cried a few tears reading thoughtful expressions of sympathy when my dad passed away. I laughed out loud when I found a five-dollar bill in a birthday card from my grandparents. I struggled to figure out who "Barb" was and still don't know! What are these letters but communications from the past?
Based on some serious reflection, I now know what to do. My resolution is this:
- Correspondence, I acknowledge your existence.
- I acknowledge your purpose in my life and in the life of the individual
who sent you.
- I acknowledge those individuals who are still in my life and even some
who are not.
- For those individuals who are still on this earth, you will receive a small
package from me. It will contain memories that you may or may not
remember along with a handwritten note from me thanking you for being
in my life, then and now.
My point in all of this? Send someone a note today... hand-written... thanking him or her for being in your life today. Who knows? This little communication may be saved for several decades only to resurface at the most opportune moment in that person's life.
"It" happens every year about this time. Well, "it" happens almost every year and I do believe that "it" has been several years now so "it" is particularly time-intensive, thought provoking and messy this time around. I ask myself the same questions every time...
"Why do I keep all of this STUFF and what am I going to do with it?"
I go through the boxes from storage, decide to throw away a few items, rearrange the contents of said boxes, re-label each box with the current date and, invariably, end up with approximately the same number of boxes. The boxes are then returned to their proper places in a somewhat more organized fashion. But why? I think it is as if I need to re-establish a relationship with all of my possessions and reaffirm that they exist.
Yes, toddler outfit from 1969 that my mother saved so that one day you can adorn another child in a different era, I affirm your existence. Now, get back in the box until I reaffirm you next year!You got it. I not only save my own stuff, I save stuff my mother saved so that one day I can pass along another box to my daughter who can then save the same stuff and go through the same tormenting procedure every year. It is a vicious cycle that no one seems willing to break. Now, don't get me wrong. It is not harmful in any way to me, or the general public for that matter, so why change now? Well, the truth is that now is the time because our 750 square foot condo and two storage lockers cannot retain the amount of stuff we currently own. My sanity is at stake!
Some stuff is easier to part with than others. The Animal Muppet I kept because I thought someday I would be a millionaire by selling it on EBay is now gone. The third set of dishes we acquired when selling our cabin - donated. And, yes, the 1969 toddler outfit is, well, actually back in the box because my sister is pregnant and I think if she has a girl it would look adorable on my niece! I admit here that I am not fully cured of my pack rat syndrome, but ask me again next year if she has a boy.
The dilemma herein emerged when I rediscovered all of the letters, cards and correspondences that I have kept. Until now, these letters and such have been spread out among multiple boxes in various locations. I would only come across them in fleeting moments when I scanned through a handful of boxes every so often. Following the sale of our cabin, all of our possessions have become contained within the previously mentioned limited space. It has been, therefore, much easier to find all of the correspondences and subsequently organize them.
But, now back to my original question, "what to do?" These letters and cards are dated before I was born and continue until today, though decreasing in number exponentially since the advent of Facebook. The communications, conversations and memories that they represent are irreplaceable. The information, though dated, is an important reflection of the times that were.
Who, besides me of course, keeps cards or letters anymore? Who actually receives cards or letters anymore? Even around the holidays the postal carrier is twiddling his thumbs wondering where the cards are. The written - truly hand-written - word is becoming a lost art. Whose penmanship and correspondence skills are up to snuff these days? I suspect the answer to this question is those over the age of "I-remember-when-there-were-dot-matrix-printers-and-when-computer-screens-were-green."
Regardless of when they were written and from whom they were sent, what is their purpose in my life right now? Yes, they take up space in my storage - at least one Rubbermaid box full of space. Is there something more to them? I suppose I could go through and read every one. I could just recycle them. But there seems to be more to these correspondences than just the paper on which they are written.
The letters are these individuals' life experiences at that moment. Birth announcements, thank you cards, wedding invitations, "just because" letters from friends and family members... I did read some of them. I cried a few tears reading thoughtful expressions of sympathy when my dad passed away. I laughed out loud when I found a five-dollar bill in a birthday card from my grandparents. I struggled to figure out who "Barb" was and still don't know! What are these letters but communications from the past?
Based on some serious reflection, I now know what to do. My resolution is this:
- Correspondence, I acknowledge your existence.
- I acknowledge your purpose in my life and in the life of the individual
who sent you.
- I acknowledge those individuals who are still in my life and even some
who are not.
- For those individuals who are still on this earth, you will receive a small
package from me. It will contain memories that you may or may not
remember along with a handwritten note from me thanking you for being
in my life, then and now.
My point in all of this? Send someone a note today... hand-written... thanking him or her for being in your life today. Who knows? This little communication may be saved for several decades only to resurface at the most opportune moment in that person's life.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Facebook at work
I find out more about what's going on around the U through Facebook than anywhere else except The Brief. I regularly see news from four or five colleges, Coffman, and many other units when I check into FB every morning, as well as from U Relations' University posts. And those are just the ones I've friended or fanned.
It's an excellent place to post press releases, video, podcasts, and ephemera that feels like it needs more exposure but would never meet Adam's strict standards for The Brief. :-)
Best of all, it gives you a reliable way to track interest on various topics, to get feedback through "Likes" and comments.
What interests me is that I am a relatively unimportant audience for most of these posts (not a student, not an alum, not a U-student parent--any more, not a donor). Are these more important audiences on Facebook? i.e. Is Facebook a useful tool for all of you out there taking the time to use it so well?
What is your strategic purpose in using FB? Communicating with students? Alums? Do any of you have metrics that show the value of using FB for particular audiences? Do you see it as a potential conversation starter or just a way to push people to your website?
It's an excellent place to post press releases, video, podcasts, and ephemera that feels like it needs more exposure but would never meet Adam's strict standards for The Brief. :-)
Best of all, it gives you a reliable way to track interest on various topics, to get feedback through "Likes" and comments.
What interests me is that I am a relatively unimportant audience for most of these posts (not a student, not an alum, not a U-student parent--any more, not a donor). Are these more important audiences on Facebook? i.e. Is Facebook a useful tool for all of you out there taking the time to use it so well?
What is your strategic purpose in using FB? Communicating with students? Alums? Do any of you have metrics that show the value of using FB for particular audiences? Do you see it as a potential conversation starter or just a way to push people to your website?
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Central Corridor Light Rail construction special presentation
The Central Corridor Light Rail construction is going to be a significant disruption to lives on the Minneapolis campus. Please join us for this special presentation:
Friday, March 4, noon-1 p.m., 108 Mechanical Engineering.
After years of discussion and planning, major on-campus construction of the CCLRT has begun. The 11 mile line will travel through campus on Washington Avenue as it links downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, and will include stops on the West and East Banks and in Stadium Village. When the trains begin running in 2014, the transit and pedestrian mall planned for Washington Avenue is expected to become a University of Minnesota landmark much like the Northrop Mall or The Knoll.
Over the next three years, the scope of the project and closure of Washington Avenue will create challenges on and around campus. This presentation will provide an overview of the project, outline the construction schedule, and discuss plans for minimizing campus disruptions and protecting University research. Please join us if you are able. All are invited--bring (or send) your non-communications colleagues!
Central Corridor Light Rail construction and the U
Presenter:
Tim Busse
Communications Director
University Services
Friday, March 4, noon-1 p.m., 108 Mechanical Engineering.
After years of discussion and planning, major on-campus construction of the CCLRT has begun. The 11 mile line will travel through campus on Washington Avenue as it links downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, and will include stops on the West and East Banks and in Stadium Village. When the trains begin running in 2014, the transit and pedestrian mall planned for Washington Avenue is expected to become a University of Minnesota landmark much like the Northrop Mall or The Knoll.
Over the next three years, the scope of the project and closure of Washington Avenue will create challenges on and around campus. This presentation will provide an overview of the project, outline the construction schedule, and discuss plans for minimizing campus disruptions and protecting University research. Please join us if you are able. All are invited--bring (or send) your non-communications colleagues!
Central Corridor Light Rail construction and the U
Presenter:
Tim Busse
Communications Director
University Services
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Making the case for communicators
The preliminary details released about the University's economic impact on the state illustrates the important role that the University plays from a broad perspective. With shrinking budgets and economic uncertainty, making the case for the U has never been more important.
But beyond making the case for the University, communicators should look at how they can "make the case" for the important role that they play.
Think about all that communicators make possible... We expand the public's knowledge of important issues and engage audiences--alumni, students, the public, etc...--to support our respective causes. We raise awareness and in many cases, help raise funds as well.
Many communicators seek to make the case for their work through data gathered in readership surveys and web analytics. How have you illustrated your impact as a communicator? Please share your thoughts in the comment section.
You will see this "making the case" theme carried through our May conference programming. Stay tuned for more in the coming months!
Mission impossible
"Graphic design will save the world, right after rock and roll does." -- David Carson
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