When we’re not actively solving marketing challenges in higher ed, we’re thinking about them.
And writing about them. And reading about them. And talking about them. Collected here are our insights and resources into all things related to higher education marketing, including white papers, presentations, videos, audio files, worksheets and the RHBlog.
How To Train Your Recruitment Team
June 18, 2018
I have been involved in a number of recruitment trainings, primarily on the marketing/messaging side, with a smattering of sales when the team doesn’t know the distinction. My intent in this piece isn’t to prescribe training or offer a training service. Rather, I intend to outline a few key tactics that, in my 15 years of experience, have produced the greatest successes; in particular, I focus on parameters for training that have a significant positive effect upon recruitment…Read more
CRM as Technology and Strategy: A Core Value of Student Success
June 11, 2018
A few months ago, the Chronicle highlighted recent efforts by the University of Maine to centralize its processes and programs through an initiative called “One University.” This initiative not only creates system-wide efficiencies, but also breaks down barriers to student success. As Lee Gardner wrote in the piece, “bringing more students into a traditional ecosystem…Read more
How To Shop for Professional Services in Higher Ed
June 4, 2018
I cringe when someone refers to me as a “vendor” and especially when clients refer to me as “their vendor.” The word conjures up a picture of someone on the street with a dancing monkey on a leash. It’s true that RHB sells professional services. I’m good with that; in fact, I love what we do and I’m proud to bring our expertise to the higher ed market. But, we do not have much that can fit readily into a shopping cart, whether on wheels or online. I admit that it may be difficult or even confusing to “shop” with us. And, for colleges and universities who are seeking marketing and design counsel, the big question is, inevitably, “Where do I start?” And that question is shaped by elements like cost, needs, insecurities about your challenges and current circumstances—maybe even fear of exposure. All of those feelings and concerns are highly reasonable to us. But none of those should stand in the way of finding a great solution to your challenges, nor should they prevent you from engaging in a conversation about your interests. This post is intended to make it easier to shop at RHB (or at any of our competitors, for that matter). Here are five considerations that will help you do a better job of finding the right services and confidently securing the solutions you need for your specific circumstances…Read more
Best Practices for Successful RFPs
May 28, 2018
My goal in this piece is to help you achieve your objectives when submitting RFPs for professional services. I have to say at the outset that I don’t believe RFPs are the best avenue for securing the results you want and need from a consultant. RFPs may be great for buying staples and tissues, but not so much for buying expertise. We’ve read hundreds of RFPs in the course of our RHB history and 99% of them are problematic for one reason or another. For one, they generally fail to seek the best match between a client and a service provider. The requisites and questions aren’t crafted for a multitude of variables…Read more
If Delta Can Do It, So Can You
May 21, 2018
Teams of recruiters and development officers tell us that high levels of personalization are impossible given all of the demands on their time. We’ve been told that personal notes just cannot be expected when inquiry pools and alumni lists are as large as they are. Taking time for a personal note following a visit or phone conversation or for a hand-written event may, in fact, be the best possible investment you can make…Read more
Best Practices for Campaigns in Slate: An Interview with Alex Williams
May 14, 2018
Configuring email campaigns in Slate can be difficult, but doesn’t have to be. Whether you are at the start of an implementation or nearing the close of your most recent build-out, there are pivotal tactics and strategies that can significantly streamline your enrollment marketing process. You can maximize key data points and leverage Slate’s many…Read more