can universities rekindle alumni relations through social media?
Post on 17-Oct-2014
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Given the advent of social networks likes LinkedIn & Facebook, university alumni organizations are feeling a tad insecure. Are they still relevant to alumni? Should they be threatened by technology or can they harness its power to facilitate better relationships between the alumni & their alma mater?TRANSCRIPT
By now, we all know that social media is for real & here to stay; but how do we make good use of it?
We must leverage on digital & social to be a
better facilitator to connect alumni & to add immense value to them!
This framework is based on the following principles that alumni relations need to think through & accept:
• Alumni relation’s future role will be less authoritative and more participatory
• They will be equal contributors to online conversations
• We must accept that no longer hold monopoly we long held over data and that we are one of the many channels for alumni connectivity
Train your staff in new media & technology and offer the same to alumni to ensure that everyone is on the same page!
• Many alumni researches show that alumni (old or young) are receptive to new age social media communication/tools
• But what is counter-intuitive is that many are unsure of how to use them for their personal & professional benefit?
• So, why not invite them to learn and understand your organization’s digital communication platforms and ensure that everyone is on the same page!
Equip your alumni with the relevant content that enriches their lives and gives them a chance & reason to spread the word!
• Compelling blog & podcast content
• Open courses
• Mobile apps
• Computer/smartphone wallpapers
• Buttons & badges
This may take investments but the value added & returns generated will be worth it!
This may take investments but the value added & returns generated will be worth it!
Deploy your fund-raising/donation campaigns online and give your alumni a reason to contribute & participate in the drive!
• Think grassroots organization as opposed to a top-down model
• Involve, encourage & empower enthusiastic alumni volunteers
• Give them instructions and incentives on what to share, when, where and how and then let them do the job!
• Consider facilitating crowdfunding initiatives to collect money not just for yourself but for your alumni!
Deploy platforms to allow alumni to organize localized re-unions globally; collect funds through enthusiastic alumni at these events
Become a crowd-funding platform to collect funds for your alumni, students & their pet projects and interests!
Sometimes you can “gamify” the fund-rasing donation process to make it fun and newsworthyJ
Profile your alumni and give them a chance to share and contribute and celebrate their success!
