Social Media

How many of you are engaging in or at least considering integrating social media--blogs, networks, videos, RSS feeds, etc.--into your recruiting, marketing, and fundraising efforts?

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Chris Brogan... on October 28, 2008 at 2:01pm: I use it daily, but then again, that's my wheelhouse. : )

It's a great question to ask. Why wouldn't someone, given the economic benefits, the ability to enhance "real world" programs, and the ability to produce more rich content for interaction?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by ScottLeamon on October 28, 2008 at 4:02pm: In specific regards to Higher Education Marketing I believe the looming question is not "Should we", or "How" - but, who manages it. Is it Marketing/PR, admissions, advancement - a combo of all?

Then, who is this person/gatekeeper? I often see the term "Social Media Evangelist" tossed around. However, doesn't an evangelist simply "preach to the choir"? I prefer the term Chris often refers to in his blog - Community Manager.

I see a Community Manager as an individual who understands the intrinsic nature of Social Media - how to connect the dots in a strategic fashion. One who lives and speaks the DNA of an institution, understands the rules of engagement and can align all facets of an institution under one strategy.

The next question - how to measure ROI and/or results ?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Karlyn Morissette on October 28, 2008 at 4:19pm: I think a lot of people want to use them, but for the wrong reasons - people make the mistake of picking out the flashy sounding technology first and then figuring out a use for it. All of this technologies are valuable to an institution, but they should be used primarily to meet a business goal...not because its the cool thing to do.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Karlyn Morissette on October 28, 2008 at 4:20pm: ScottLeamon said:
The next question - how to measure ROI and/or results ?

I'll be talking about this next week ;-); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Brad J Ward on October 28, 2008 at 4:22pm: 11-6-08
1-2:15 p.m.
Eye on the Prize: Implementing Technology with an Eye on ROI

11-7-08
9-10:15 a.m.
Turning ROI into Return on Influence

The ROI Battle. Only at Stamats08.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Fritz McDonald on October 29, 2008 at 9:24pm: Chris Brogan... said:
I use it daily, but then again, that's my wheelhouse. : )

It's a great question to ask. Why wouldn't someone, given the economic benefits, the ability to enhance "real world" programs, and the ability to produce more rich content for interaction?

Chris: first, let me say how excited we all are to have you speak at our conference. Many of us our fans--I count myself as a huge fan--and can't wait to meet you in the flesh and see your puppet show (that's the rumor on Twitter). I owe you a tremendous debt of gratitude--I've learned more about social media from you that nearly anyone else.

Second, your comment is right on. I've often thought that academic institutions and the social web have much in common--both value the free and open exchange of ideas--and that joining the larger conversation would not only be good for colleges and universities, it would help them do what they do best--build communities of engagement.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Larry Musick on October 30, 2008 at 6:17am: We use it for recruiting our undergrads. and are considering it for other areas.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Larry Musick on October 30, 2008 at 6:19am: Return On Influence. Nice.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Larry Musick on October 30, 2008 at 6:28am: Fritz -
I appreaciate your question ". . . why wouldn't anyone use this . . ."

I have been the one at our institution with the "slow down" message. I love the concept, but I truly wonder why our alums. or another group would be interested in joining a university-run social media group when they are already on Facebook. I've encouraged running through Facebook instead of starting something new. I'm coming to this conference, in part, to learn the answer to this question.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by ScottLeamon on October 30, 2008 at 9:07am: For those interested in this topic, I encourage you to check out Fritz's most recent White Paper:

"The Five Fundamental Steps for Developing a Powerful Social Networking Strategy for Colleges and Universities"

This is available free of registration until Saturday, November 1st.

http://bit.ly/2ss6oT; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Fritz McDonald on November 4, 2008 at 1:19pm: Larry: you bring up a major challenge everyone faces when considering network options--why would prospective students join something that mirrors what they already have? This doesn't mean, however, you can't build your own network. I think it means that you have to build a network that is different that what they already have. Many of the networks out on the social web succeed because they offer different kinds of experiences, themes, etc. Twitter is different than Digg is different than MIxx...they each focus on a particular kind of content...or put another way, have their own content identity. Each also offers different ways of interacting with that content: on Twitter you get 140 characters; on Digg you vote on news items; etc. So, your network has to offer its own specific kind of content opportunities and identity...and I think this is true whether you build your own network or simply join facebook--to succeed at both, you need to build a substantial community.

I will be talking about this at both of the sessions I'm presenting. You'll also gain great insights from our other presenters, particularly Chris Brogan on this subject.

Larry Musick said:
Fritz -
I appreaciate your question ". . . why wouldn't anyone use this . . ."

I have been the one at our institution with the "slow down" message. I love the concept, but I truly wonder why our alums. or another group would be interested in joining a university-run social media group when they are already on Facebook. I've encouraged running through Facebook instead of starting something new. I'm coming to this conference, in part, to learn the answer to this question.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Barb Dreger on November 4, 2008 at 11:00pm: I agree with you Scott. How to support and manage the effort internally is a challenge.

ScottLeamon said:
In specific regards to Higher Education Marketing I believe the looming question is not "Should we", or "How" - but, who manages it. Is it Marketing/PR, admissions, advancement - a combo of all?

Then, who is this person/gatekeeper? I often see the term "Social Media Evangelist" tossed around. However, doesn't an evangelist simply "preach to the choir"? I prefer the term Chris often refers to in his blog - Community Manager.

I see a Community Manager as an individual who understands the intrinsic nature of Social Media - how to connect the dots in a strategic fashion. One who lives and speaks the DNA of an institution, understands the rules of engagement and can align all facets of an institution under one strategy.

The next question - how to measure ROI and/or results ?; ▶ Reply to This