Marketing expert Mark Schaefer explained in this article that the disruptions of the coronavirus could lead to a wave of “Content Babies”. Essentially, with more time at home and the disruption to every day work life, content projects that were on the back burner will become a priority and will be “born” in the months ahead.I could envision this being the case for many academics who might now …
Content Recommendations from L&D Leaders
What content should L&D leaders be consuming? I asked this question to 14 different learning leaders on my Learning and Development Stories podcast. It has been interesting to hear their different recommendations. I wanted to consolidate their responses in one place for others in the learning space. So here goes:Dan Pontefract, Founder of the Pontefract Group, formerly Chief Learning …
Academics: Please Stop Rambling during Media Interviews
It was painful to sit through. A while back, I was listening in on an academic's interview with a journalist. Each answer was probably about eight minutes long as he segued from one topic to the next without giving the journalist an opportunity to interject. He was going on and on, flippantly using big words that the average person would need to look up. His points were communicated in a dry and …
Research Perspectives on the Challenges and Opportunities Facing Education Leaders
Frustrated by bureaucracy at your institution? Perplexed on how to manage the rankings process? If yes, you are not alone.My former IMD Business School colleague Janet Shaner, now the Founder of a consultancy called Top 10 Learning Solutions, surveyed management education professionals and unearthed some of their common challenges and opportunities. I believe there are insights from this …
Podcast Episode #44: Advice from Deirdre Breakenridge on Creating a Course via Lynda.com
Perhaps you have taken course through Lynda.com, the online education company focused on educating users in software, creative and business skills. If you are a professor or thought leader, have you ever thought about how to teach a course using the platform?If yes, you will want to listen to episode 44 of the FIR on Higher Education podcast. My guest Deirdre Breakenridge, CEO at Pure …
Join My Free Media Training Mini-Course on Periscope! (#MediaTrainingScope)
There are lots of shiny new objects that come out on a regular basis. All too often, what is the talk of town quickly fades away. I think Periscope is an exception. There are many unique differentiators about Periscope that set it apart from other social networks. If you haven't seen Periscope in action, I encourage to download the app and see how different individuals are using the tool.I have …
New Survey: The State of PR and Communications at Public Policy / Public Affairs Schools
Public policy and public affairs schools still have work to do in ensuring that their PR activities are aligned with institutional big-picture goals.This is among the findings from Experiential Communications’ inaugural public relations and communications survey of schools focused on public policy and public affairs. The 10-question survey was conducted in May and June 2015 with the goal of …
Re-thinking Media Training at Your Institution
For university communicators, it is important to get faculty engaged and on board with the school’s PR program. The problem is that many professors aren’t necessarily comfortable communicating their research and knowledge through social media and the traditional press. Hence, university communicators need to offer a first-class media training service.Communicators should re-evaluate how they go …
Podcast Episode 21: Marketing Leadership with Harvard Business School CMO Brian Kenny
Anyone who works in higher education marketing and communications surely grapples with the challenges of building consensus while not getting weighed down by meetings and politics. Balancing stakeholder demands - be it from the dean's suite, the faculty, students or alumni - can be challenging.Brian Kenny, the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Harvard Business School (HBS), discussed …
Do You Really Need to Pay Journalists for Ink in China?
Generating media visibility in China has always been a priority for the institutions that I have worked with in the past. Throughout the years, I have developed some excellent rapport with Chinese media, which led to some nice placements. I never paid a single Yuan for this coverage, so I was confused when I heard this notion that you had to “pay to play”.This New York Times piece outlines this …
Podcast 18: Adopting a PR 2.0 Mindset
Public relations has drastically changed in recent years. And these changes will only continue as we move forward.On episode 18 of the FIR on Higher Education podcast, communications thought leader Deirdre Breakenridge shared insights on how professors can prepare students and professionals for these new realities. Deirdre outlined the eight practices for the PR professional and discussed best …
Podcast 16: The Communications Landscape in Asia
How can institutions can use digital communications to attract students from Asia? What are some best practice tips for how communicators and academics can establish a media presence in Asia?These are among the topics I discuss with Professor Michael Netzley of the Singapore Management University on episode 16 of FIR on Higher Education.In addition to the main interview, the episode also …
Why Professors Should Disseminate their Knowledge and Share Opinions to Public Audiences
Professors have a megaphone to the world. There are incredible opportunities for academics to communicate their knowledge with the general public through traditional and social media. While many don’t for various reasons, there are a number of professors who are doing this incredibly well. One such individual is Mark Anthony Neal, an African American studies professor at Duke University and author …
Podcast 15: Interview with Professor Karen Freberg on Social Media Influencer Personality Traits
Are there common traits that personify social media influencers? Karen Freberg, a professor at the University of Louisville, has researched this very question. She and her colleagues did a study of Brian Solis, Deidre Breakenridge, Jeremiah Owyang and Charlene Li and identified common behaviors. Karen shares the findings and implications on the latest episode of FIR on Higher Education.We also …
Celebrating Higher – and International – Education in Switzerland
Today is Swiss national day! Switzerland is an amazing place – I called it home for eight years. If there is a heaven on earth in terms of natural beauty, Switzerland is it.Many are aware that tourists flock to Switzerland to take in the scenery, eat some of the finest chocolate in the world and participate in mountain sports, among other reasons. In addition, diplomats and business leaders …