Jul 10th 09 Posted by Eric Sickler

New President? New Priorities.

It’s official. We live in a twitter world. All of us. Whether or not we use the social media marvel known as “twitter.” Slowly but surely, we’re all being squeezed toward communicating in short bursts of carefully chosen words. If you’re a text-message user, or if you “tweet” on twitter, you must confine your blasts to 140 characters (including spaces). Likewise, if you’re being interviewed... read more

Jul 2nd 09 Posted by Bob Sevier

What is a Vision?

Because the purpose of a strategic plan is to help a college or university achieve its vision, it is important to have a clear sense of what a vision is. According to Burt Nanus, a vision is a “realistic, credible, and attractive future” shared by members of an organization. Visions are not about the past or what you hold sacred (that’s pretty much the domain of the mission statement). Rather,... read more

Jun 9th 09 Posted by Eric Sickler

There’s a New Generation in Town…

… and age has nothing to do with it. Last year I had the good fortune of working with cultural analyst Patricia Martin, author of RenGen: The Rise of the Cultural Consumer, on a National Arts Forum project funded by MetLife Foundation. As I read her book, listened to her presentations, and traded stories with Patricia, it became clear that her research packs a significant punch for the future... read more

Apr 14th 09 Posted by Eric Sickler

THE most important question today

Measuring the return on your school’s marketing investments has never been more important. In these uncertain times, we’re doubly focused on helping schools collect, track and manage the return on their marketing investments. Tell us what recruitment program metrics and measures matter most to YOU right now… What do you consider to be the 5-7 most important measurable returns on your... read more

Mar 20th 09 Posted by Bob Sevier

The Importance of Recombobulation

By almost any measure, flying is an ordeal and I greatly appreciate any sign of civility in an experience that is increasingly non-civilized. Recently I completed a client project in Milwaukee and was preparing to fly home. After passing through security toward my gate, while gathering up my briefcase, overcoat, hat, shoes, and carry-on, I noticed a sign, “Recombobulation Area”. According... read more

Feb 17th 09 Posted by Bob Sevier

When Lean Management Turns Mean

More and more, it appears as if colleges and universities have plundered the latest management bestsellers in a hunt for new ideas that will help them survive these challenging times. Conversations and plans are replete with terms like “tiger teams,” “ROI,” “accountability,” and “lean management.” Of the myriad terms in play, it is the last term, “lean... read more