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 …
How to Encourage Faculty to Engage in External Communications
"Our school punches below its weight." "Our school is not as visible at it should be." "We need to strengthen partnerships and engage more broadly with the business community." These are common refrains I hear from university presidents, deans, marketers and other school leaders. I would argue that it is virtually impossible to move the needle on these concerns if faculty are not engaged …
Academics: Create Content by Leveraging Different Assets
Terrific - as an academic you understand the importance of creating content for public audiences. (Watch this video if you need to be convinced why creating content from your research is good investment of your time). But maybe it is a challenge for you to identify ways to create content in a time efficient manner. Before you begin creating content, it is important to first think through your …
Podcast Episode #66: Using Instagram to Communicate Research
How do you communicate research visually for Instagram? Perhaps you have wondered about how to do this, whether you are a researcher or academic, or if you are a communicator supporting these audiences. I have grappled with this question as I have put together communications training materials for researchers and academics. I am not a visual learner per se, and am quick to hear complaints …
How to Make Your Bio Stand Out
Look around the web at various schools and research organizations and you will see a variety of different ways in which bios are presented. Perhaps you think your bio is stale. Maybe you haven’t updated it in many years. Or alternatively you might be curious to know about other compelling ways that faculty members and researchers write their bio. Here are some tips and ideas from others that you …
Podcast Episode #64: Communicating Research via Video
How do you communicate complex ideas via video? If you are a researcher or communicator, perhaps this is a question on your mind. On episode 64 of the FIR on Higher Education podcast, guest Jonathan Ezer offers advice on how to communicate your research via video. Jonathan founded a company that helps researchers, scientists, innovators and educators communicate their work via video. He …
Podcast Episode #57: Research Impact Tips from Kudos Co-founders Charlie Rapple and Melinda Kenneway
How do you measure research impact? This is among the topics discussed on episode 57 of the FIR on Higher Education podcast with guests Charlie Rapple and Melinda Kenneway, co-founders of Kudos, a web-based service that helps researchers and their institutions and funders maximize the visibility and impact of their published articles. During the interview, we also discuss the genesis of …
Podcast #54: Book Marketing Tactics from Professor David Burkus
It is not enough to rely on your publisher or school communications department to market your book. You have to put in the leg work. So says David Burkus, a professor at Oral Roberts University and the author of two different books: The Myths of Creativity which came out in 2013 and Under New Management which was published earlier this year. On episode 54 of FIR on Higher Education, Burkus …
Podcast Episode #53: Communicating Your Unique Value Proposition Around Your Career
Communicating our unique value propositions as it relates to our careers can be challenging. It is of course very important, especially since we know that the days of staying at one job for life are long gone. Studies show that the average professional changes jobs seven times. We need to have a communications plan as we think about career transitions and opportunities. Dr. Heidi Scott Giusto is …
Why Groups and Individuals Within Higher Education Should Consider Podcasting
It is a crowded content space out there. Attention spans are limited. As you think about your content marketing strategy, you should perhaps consider podcasting as a medium to achieve your goals. Podcasting is the only form of content that can be consumed while an individual is doing other activities. Whether you are doing housework, driving or exercising, you can tune into your favorite podcasts. …
Podcast Episode #49: Leveraging Social Media as a University Senior Leader
Different studies highlight how CEOs can reap positive benefits by using social media (see Weber Shandwick study). At the university level, there are some presidents, provosts and school deans who are also using social media in a strategic way. Take for example University of North Carolina Provost Jim Dean, who has been tweeting actively since 2009. On episode 49 of FIR on Higher Education, …
Episode #38 – How Professors Can Leverage Periscope in the Classroom
There are tremendous opportunities to use Periscope in the classroom. In addition, there are also some risks. On episode of FIR on Higher Education episode 38, we examine these opportunities and threats with three professors who have used mobile live streaming apps in their respective classrooms: Karen Freberg from the University of Louisville, Jimmy Sanderson from Clemson and Chris Yandle from …
Think Like a Media Company in Creating Content as an Academic
It seems the best content initiatives go by the wayside. We get too busy, other priorities creep up and we lose the inspiration. Does this resonate with you? At the same, there are academics / higher education communicators who are strategically creating content on a regular basis and consequently achieving some of their personal / institutional goals. The difference between those that succeed vs. …
How Professors Can Take Their Media Presence to the Next Level
Perhaps you are a media star. Or maybe communicating to public audiences is foreign territory. Regardless of where you are at on the spectrum, consider following these tips if you want to take your external communications to the next level. Study others. There are many academics that are acing various aspects of external communications. Surely there are individuals either at your institution or …
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 …