iThink Blog

Once upon a time, back when I was just a bright-eyed baby admissions counselor, I returned from a conference excited about the idea of IM’ing with prospective students.

While it seemed like a no-brainer to me (I had IM’d my way through most of my college years), the concept was met with puzzled looks and not-so-enthusiastic responses.

Years later, IM isn’t much of a hot topic anymore, but the scenario I’ve described does illustrate a common workforce issue we hear about on client campuses (particularly from Millennial counselor-types).  They’re usually very quick to point out their professional frustration and feelings that “no one listens to us.”

These days, there’s lots of attention being paid to marketing to Millennials — see last ...

One of the things I love most about working at TargetX (besides our fantastic clients of course) is getting the chance to rub elbows with some seriously smart people on a such a regular basis.

Lunchtime conversation here is typically an eclectic mix of topics ranging from what clients are up to and who’s where this week to last night’s TV lineup and how it relates to admissions marketing (you’re also very likely to hear some sort of joke about how I’m the Liz Lemon of the Free on Friday webcast series…blurgh;)

We’re certainly a colorful cast of characters with interests that are vast and varied — but if there’s one thing that unites this crazy crew it’s our sincere ...

Now now, before the Twitterstorm ignites, let me be clear: I’m talking about the term, not the tools!

For months now, I’ve been very gently hinting (ok, fine, straight-up ranting) about how I think the term “social media” is outdated and inaccurate.

Mostly because social sites and tools can’t be treated as some sort of new or separate outlet anymore. Forget “Web 2.0″ — these days, it’s just “the web.” And there’s not really a need to make a distinction between the two.

A recent article in AdAge also points to the maturation of the situation by offering the
“Ten Things Social Media Can’t Do.“

I think it’s a great read for any ...

This year we gave our individual “X Award” to a young professional who has led the charge for utilizing technology to streamline his admissions operation.

Bryan Lester is the Director of Enrollment Management Information & Admission Processing at The Sage Colleges in New York (whew, that’s a mouthful;)  He’s an IT enthusiast for sure — but don’t count him as just your average geek.   This guy really gets recruitment.

For years, Bryan has impressed our team with his ability to use technology to accomplish big goals with limited resources (sound familiar?)

Since I’ve spoken to so many of you who are frustrated on the front lines trying to do the same, today I thought I’d ask Bryan to share a few words of ...

The audience was abuzz at TargetX’s 3rd annual “iThink” held on the first day of the NACAC conference in St. Louis. What has become regarded as the unofficial kick-off to NACAC brought together a diverse mix of enrollment officers, vice presidents and presidents to discuss the challenges facing student recruitment.

In true TargetX fashion, things were a little different this year — a theme was introduced to panelists* and attendees for the first time. “The Perfect Storm in College Admissions” is a combination of economic, demographic and parental influences that dominate the recruitment cycle and panelists were prepared to discuss.

With so many opinions, observations and discussion points from attendees and panelists, here are just a few of the points made during ...

Well folks, it’s Monday and I’m here in the office “recovering” from yet another fantastic NACAC Conference.

Thanks to all of you who joined us for our events or stopped by the “TargetX Lounge” to say hello.  As usual, we had a productive (and entertaining) time hanging out with so many clients and friends both old and new.

Today I walked around polling our team about their takeaways from the conference so I could share them with you as a little “NACAC recap” — TargetX style;)

And since I figured you’re probably sick of hearing from people like Brian Niles and Jeff Kallay (and me for that matter;), this tip will feature some of the X-ers you don’t normally get to hear from.

When ...

To be an admissions officer means communicating on a daily basis with prospective students and their families. You have a variety of channels available — print publications, your website, personal conversations and more. Are you talking to your audience in a way that makes sense to them or is your choice of words missing the mark?

Lucy Kellaway of the Financial Times published an article that discusses the idea of “low language” and the Apple example. For many companies, their marketing materials (print, web, etc.) are written in a language that is impossible to understand. The article explains how Apple is a refreshing change of pace in the words game. Materials that are typically boring, confusing and nearly unreadable — Apple ...

The other day I was creating an email message and got stuck trying to get my text to align with an image (not that it’s that difficult, more like I’m just not that good at it;)

So I did what I’d encourage you to do:  I went straight to TargetX Client Support, where Jill Duppler from our support team was kind enough to fix my problem (while in my head I’m thinking of the Staples commercial and repeating “that was easy…”)

Jill mentioned other clients have been asking the same question, so today I thought I’d share what I learned in an effort to save you from any headaches and increase your html cred.

Here’s the deal:  If you’re trying to wrap text ...

Every since I read Pine and Gilmore’s 1999 Harvard Business School Book, “The Experience Economy – Work is Theatre & Every Business a Stage” I’ve been an “Experience Evangelist.”

Along the way, I’ve been wondering when will traditional advertising and marketing folks will finally figure out that “The Experience IS the Marketing”? When will they wake-up and realize that you just can’t produce TV spots and print ads? It’s the same for colleges. When will the notion of assaulting prospective students with ink on paper/publication or emails that end up in the trash stop?

Perhaps soon.

Adweek dedicated a cover story to Brian Collins, formerly of the Martin Agency (with client roster that included ...

There is a growing disconnect between the way students research colleges and how institutions communicate with those students.  Admissions offices need to understand the changes in higher education and the ways students decide where to attend in order to meet their enrollment goals.

At TargetX, we have spent the last 12 years helping colleges think and act differently. Something we like to call — Overthrowing Dead Culture.

Do you have a plan to change your recruitment strategies for your next class?  Perhaps it’s time you challenge the way you think and act.

We invite you to join our CEO, Brian Niles and our VP for Client Experience, Adrienne Bartlett for our Free on Friday Webcast this afternoon to learn 5 ways to overthrow ...