I’ve been working on my elevator pitch. You know — the description of what you’re all about that can be told to someone in the span of a typical elevator ride. Actually, mine was more of a literal “party line” as I moved from gathering to gathering over the recent holidays.
As a marketer, it was … More of Elevate Your Elevator Pitch

The past few years have brought an increased emphasis on working smarter and seizing the natural opportunities for connection within a university. Even as the economic strain we’ve felt in recent times begins to ease, we can’t forget the lessons we’ve learned. Being thoughtful, effective, integrated and polished are all now requirements of today’s event … More of 2012 Trends in Higher Education Engagement

Some of you may be thinking that I’ve gone rogue and the Feats editors are asleep at the wheel. Nope—just thinking of an interesting conversation that I had recently with a friend who is a local philanthropist.  He is a self-made man and very passionate about giving back to the community. His one pet peeve—boring … More of Let’s Make Meth

ROE, and by this I mean Return on Experience, is crucial to every successful engagement strategy. I know that I have discussed this concept here before and in-person with many of you, but as the budgeting process for many institutions comes to a close, I believe it bears repeating.

Without a clear understanding of … More of ROE

Ever wonder what really goes through the mind of a donor as they contemplate their next gift? A post on the site of Canadian newspaper, The Globe and Mail, allows us a peek into the motivation of such well-known individuals as Bill Clinton, Peter Buffett and Guy Laliberté as they explain the thought processes behind … More of Wake Up Call

It always feels a bit strange to me when we encounter institutions that are in campaign mode but don’t have a corresponding marketing plan. Of course they have the requisite fundraising goals and even a business plan and certainly a case for support or prospectus. But it frequently seems that the marketing plans around all … More of Marketing Your Campaign

No, it’s not a typo. Today I am encouraging a bit of self-reflection, courtesy of one of Feats’ crackerjack technical directors with a dash of poetic license courtesy of me. We’re all bound to have this in mind at least once in a lifetime.
Four things to think about before speaking on just about any topic … More of Talk Amongst Yourself

This is such a special time of the year. It’s a great opportunity to take stock of all that we have achieved personally and professionally. And a welcome reminder that much of our success is due to the support and encouragement we receive from others.
I’ve heard it said in Development that there is always a … More of Giving Thanks

In our travels around the country this fall, one of my colleagues developed a little ritual that made me smile.  Each time we arrived at a new school she stopped, took a deep breath, and said “ahhhh…a college campus.” I think what she was “breathing in” was the spirit of open-mindedness, shared goals, respectful debate, … More of Embracing Exclusivity

Fall is always über busy for Feats and this one in particular has been a wonderful whirlwind filled with fabulous experiences from far and wide. Now that we are once again back at headquarters, it seems the perfect time to reflect on lessons learned.
Top of mind for me is the necessity of assembling the right … More of Some Assembly Required