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 …
Podcast Episode #65: Thoughts on Revamping Your Bio
A researcher, academic or expert’s bio is important real estate that often times is neglected. A compelling bio can go a long way towards supporting strategic goals, both at the individual and organizational levels. On episode 65 of FIR on Higher Education, I highlight common mistakes to avoid and interesting examples to consider. Links highlighted on the episode: Example of a scannable …
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 …
Communications Commandment #1: Know Your Audience
There is a common thread that led to success when writing a cover letter, marketing message and media pitch: know your audience! I recently interviewed Heidi Scott Giusto on the FIR on Higher Education podcast to discuss a topic that I am not an expert in: communications during the career search. It was interesting for me to hear Heidi discuss how many make the mistake of not communicating …
Institutional Social Media Goals – New Year Perspectives from Duke University and Indiana University
The beginning of the year is a time to re-evaluate our goals. On that note, we asked two different directors of social media strategy at two institutions the following question: In what ways are looking to experiment and innovate in 2016 to advance your institution's social media goals? Here are responses to this question from Cara Rousseau, Manager of Social and Digital Media Strategy at Duke …
Podcast Episode #39: Adopting a Social Selling Mindset
How can we use social media to generate sales, whether it is an academic selling his/her new book or an admissions or marketing team looking to increase the number of students who apply for a particular program at their institution? Greg Hyer, a social sales trainer, addressed this and other related questions on episode 39 of FIR on Higher Education. Among the topics covered this episode …
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 …
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 …
Episode #37: Periscope’s Place in Higher Education
There are tremendous opportunities for universities to communicate to new audiences through mobile living streaming apps. Among the possibilities are: - Providing the public with opportunities to catch a glimpse into the life of leadership - Showing prospective students tours of facilities - Taking viewers inside the classroom. Mobile live streaming apps also present new challenges, …
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT!! Announcing Arrival of Media Training for Academics online course
My wife and I welcomed two boys into the world in the last three years. Now, I want to introduce my newest "baby": the Media Training for Academics online course! See image above for key characteristics! The course covers how professors, researchers and PhD students can communicate their research and ideas through owned media (content they own, like a blog or website), earned media (traditional …
Episode 23: Social Media and Academic Freedom
Recent cases of academics posting inflammatory content has led to consequences. Case in point is Steve Salaita. A tenured professor, Salaita was ready to accept a new role University of Illinois. However, his job offer at U of I was rescinded, allegedly because of anti-Semitic tweets. David Guth, a professor at the University of Kansas, posted insensitive tweets about the NRA following the Navy …
Podcast Episode #22: Professor Deborah Lupton on How Academics Can Leverage Social Media
How can academics overcome the barriers of social media? What is the key to getting more academics to leverage social media? Deborah Lupton, a Professor at the University of Canberra, addressed these questions and other related topics on episode 22 of FIR on Higher Education. Deborah brings a unique perspective as the author of the study Feeling Better Connected – Academics Use of Social …
Podcast Episode 20: Professor David Burkus on the Myths of Creativity
Where do great ideas come from? Professor David Burkus of Oral Roberts University provides answers to this question on episode 20 of FIR on Higher Education. He offers insights on how communicators can creatively share thought leadership and what academics can do to innovate in the ways they research and teach. Host of an excellent podcast called Leader Lab (LDRLB), David also discusses how …
Podcast Episode #19: Dorie Clark on Developing a Content Strategy and Lessons from the “Dean Scream”
How can academics build their individual brand? What are the new realities of book publishing? How can individuals develop a content strategy? Author and executive education instructor Dorie Clark shares insights to these questions on episode 19 of FIR on Higher Education. A former presidential campaign spokeswoman, Dorie also outlines what one should do when things don't come out as intended. …
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 …