JephMaystruck.com | A Regina Marketing Consultancy

The Best Ted Talks of All Time

Jeph Maystruck — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 09:09:40 +0000

Below is a collection of my favorite videos that teach you something. They’re mostly from Ted.com. Please share any of your fav videos in the comments at the end. Enjoy.

Dan Pink on the Surprising Science of Motivation

This Ted talk is based on book “Drive” written by Dan Pink. The video is basically the thesis of the book but the book supports the videos core message on motivation with so many relevant examples and case studies. You’ll enjoy it.

Ken Robinson Says Schools Kill Creativity

A classic Ted Talk, this is usually one of the videos that gets people addicted to Ted Talks. Careful, watch with caution, Ken Robinson is a brilliant presenter, he’ll have you laughing throughout and you’ll learn a lot too.

Sugata Mitra: The Child-Driven Education

The one will blow your mind. Its amazing with Sugata Mitra has researched so far, this video is a much watch.

Simon Sinek – How Great Leaders Inspire Action

Based on the book “Start With Why” by Simon Sinek this video is still one of the most popular on Ted.com. Any company manager, VP, Exec, or Leader should read this book if they have any say in the future of their company.

Malcolm Gladwell on Spaghetti Sauce

Makes you look at grocery shopping/decision making in a different way. Mr Gladwell is one of the most fascinating writers of our time. Writing three of my favorite books, Blink, The Tipping Point, and Outliers.

Seth Godin – This is Broken

The smartest marketing mind since David Ogilvy, Seth Godin has a way of telling a story in his presentations that’s is unlike any other. Definitely worth a watch.

Clay Shirky – How Social Media Can Make History

Clay Shirky is one of the smartest minds on the evolution of online media. He has written, Cognitive Surplus, and Here Comes Everybody two very educational reads on science and some of the history behind social media. This video is a must watch for anyone wanting to understand social media more in depth.

Seth Godin on Standing Out

Again, Seth is one of the the best, I would make a conscious effort to watch all of Seth Godin’s videos from now on.

Kevin Slavin – How Algorithms Shape Our World

A fascinating talk on how we’re almost getting too smart for our own good.

Steve Jobs’ 2005 Stanford Commencement Address

Some of the most important advice you will ever here is in this speech from Steve Jobs, watch it.

Randy Pausch – The Last Lecture – Achieving Your Childhood Dreams

One of the most inspirational and incredibly emotional videos. Its long but worth the watch.

Garr Reynolds – How To Make An Amazing Presentation

Garr Reynolds is one of the smartest authority’s on presentations, he has one of the most popular websites on presentations at presentationzen.com.

Gary Vaynerchuk: Do what you love (no excuses!)

Gary Vaynerchuck is one of the most inspirational speakers out there, he’s brilliant. You’ll learn a lot in this video.

How Is a Bad Radio Station Like the Public School System?(Podcast)

This is the best thing I have ever heard about how to save the school system. In New York they have this project called School of One its the future of education. I think everyone needs to listen to this podcast then go research School of one.

Seth Godin’s Road Trip – Part 1 from Seth Godin on Vimeo.

The Password to watch the videos is: (iboughtthebook) for all parts. Here are the links to the other parts:

Seth Godin’s Road Trip – Part 1

Seth Godin’s Road Trip – Part 2

Seth Godin’s Road Trip – Part 3

Seth Godin’s Road Trip – Part 4

TEDxToronto – Drew Dudley “Leading with Lollipops”

This guy is from Toronto and he ever Tweet at me after I shared this video on Twitter says “it was pretty powerful” so you should probably watch it…

15 Ideas To Improve Your Boring Corporate Give-A-Way

Jeph Maystruck — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:28:46 +0000

The calendar you give away every year is cliche, that monthly newsletter of yours bores people, and if you still think sending a generic Christmas card in the mail every December keeps you “top of mind”, you’re completely off kilter. Its time to get smarter about what you’re giving away on behalf of your company. Remember; “there is no such thing as a neutral brand interaction, you either increase or decrease the perception people have of the value of your brand, every time they come in contact with it.”

That’s correct, every time you put your logo on something that doesn’t scream, “your brand” you’re decreasing our perception of you. Below are some ideas of how to improve your corporate swag.

1. Make it something worth talking about – Floprint gives away magnets with their logo and tag line on it “Fast & Good”. It’s kind of funny and I can use it. Win-win!

2. Make is something lucky – what if you gave away $1 scratch-and-win tickets as your company swag? You could print your website or e-mail address on the back. You will never give someone a scratch-and-win ticket and have them forget about you anytime in the near future.

3. Make it something really thoughtful – what if you printed out a favorite/meaningful/interesting/fascinating Tweet of theirs and frame it in a nice picture frame? Don’t be afraid to put some effort into it.

4. Make sure its a quality product – a client of mine, KSP Technology gave me a coffee mug that is better than anything I’ve ever bought. Want to make sure I use product with your logo on it? Put your logo on a really good product. That’s pretty simple.

5. Make it something cute – in a gift pack, I once received a pair of FCC branded mitts. Who can’t resist a big ol’ pair of comfy mitts? Great corporate gift.

6. Make it something everyone needs – what if you put your logo on packs of “screen wipes”? You know, the ones you use to clean your laptop, desktop and cellphone screen? Who couldn’t use more of those?

7. Make it “one of a kind” – host a BBQ in the summer for a client of yours. Better yet, host a BBQ for your client in the Winter time. Talk about a remarkable Christmas gift.

8. Make it inspirational – what if you printed sticky-notes with little inspirational quotes on the bottoms of them? Then give them away by the truck load. We all need more inspiration…..and sticky-notes.

9. Make a better business card – make all your company business cards useful, doubling as an ice scrapper or origami (with instructions on your website) or a throwing star.

10. Make it something useful – your logo on a small bottle of sun tan lotion, mosquito Spray, hand lotion, hand sanitizer, lip chap, tooth paste…….what a minute, tooth paste? Imagine your logo on a small tube of tooth paste. Weird, right? People talk about the things that a weird.

11. Make it delicious – one day make a huge batch of your Grandmas famous cinnamon buns and hand deliver them yourself to your best customers.

12. Make it timely – in November give away branded mustache combs. That’s funny, useful AND for a good cause. win-win-win.

13. Make it weird – start giving away those little dinosaurs that when you put into water they expand to 20 times their size. If you can, instead of dinosaurs, get your logo made into these fascinating bathtub toys.

14. Make it smart – why not give your favorite book to every important business contact you make? Rarely you give someone a book without them being very thankful and appreciative. On the plus side, if they read it, they’ll always remember that you made them a little smarter.

15. Make it local – why not be the company that always gives away tickets to local events? The Regina Symphony, Globe Theatre, The Pats, Roller Derby’s, you name it. Be the most supportive local business in Regina.

Please, whatever you do, just be different.

I look forward to hearing the best corporate give-a-way you’ve come across in the comments below. Now I’m going to see if I can get little expanding sponges made with “JephMaystruck.com” on them. Thanks for reading.

Episode #8 – An Interview With a Professional Wordsmith, Linden Wilcock

Jeph Maystruck — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 07:11:40 +0000

Episode 8 – Linden Wilcock on Twitter, Facebook, the Tweetup and the future of Social Media

Enter Linden Wilcock. He’s about to graduate from the Hill School of Business at he University of Regina. I met Linden on Twitter and several Hooka Lounge nights later a friendship was born.

Linden is working on Social Media strategy and implementation over at Highland Mortgage Partners. He’s smart. He gives presentations regularly on Twitter and Facebook. If you want to attend one you should ask Linden (tell him Jeph sent you and you’ll get a free session).

Linden thinks differently, he’s not afraid to disagree with you and look at a problem or situation in a completely different light. He thinks beyond today and tomorrow and tries to understand the future implications of implementing ideas. I enjoy talking to him because he makes me look at problems differently. I think you’re going to learn something from him in this episode.

Subscribe to The Marketing Revolution Podcast in iTunes

Running time: 22:52

In this Episode:

What is a Tweetup?
What happened at the last Tweetup in Regina?
What goes on at a Tweetup? (Hint: its not just a bunch of people Tweetin’ away on their phones)
Who goes to a Tweetup?
Tweetup’s are a great place to meet a wide range of people, you never know who you’re going to get in a conversation with
Linden tells us about the first day he joined Twitter
How Twitter has affected Linden’s life
How Linden uses Facebook
How he’s changed since the beginning of his Facebook career
I ask him “If you had to explain Facebook to a person who’s never seen it before, how would you do it?”
How could a business use Facebook?
How could a business use Twitter?
What other platforms Linden’s on (Google+, LinkedIn, Pinterest, ICQ?)
I talk about how Zlatan from Lookmatters gave a Social Media presentation and talked about how Hillberg & Berk use Pinterest. Very interesting example
What other companies could make a win out of Pinterest?
What does marketing look like in two years?
How will the younger generation continue to push the envelope on how we marketing ourselves?
Why Greg Hluska is the man
What Linden loves in life (and writes about in his blog

Episode #7 – Poking on Facebook & How Squareflo Looks at Your Website Feat. Derek Wu – Part 2 of 2

Episode #6 – Who’s Derek Wu? – Part 1 of 2

Episode #5 – What Does The Vintage Tea Room & The Imax Have In Common?

Episode #4 – Ryan Holota On Why Your Marketing Strategy Needs To Be Risky

Episode #3 – Nothing’s Impossible, For The Regina Symphony Orchestra

Episode #2 – Why would a car dealership use social media?

Episode #1 – Your Corporate Twitter Account is Boring

6 Ways to Use QR Codes That Are Actually Useful

Jeph Maystruck — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:10:55 +0000

I actually don’t know why the QR Code debate still continues. Any half minded marketer can see it’s not a major break through, game changing technology or even remotely worth the amount of attention we’ve put towards these ugly boxes. Having said that…

I will admit that they are actually quite useful if you’re creative enough. There I said it, happy? QR codes are useful but that’s relying on a very important caveat. You have to creatively solve a problem. You can’t just be putting QR Codes all over the place willy nilly and definitely not on all your printed material. They should be saved for special occasions.

Here are some examples of smart ways to use to use QR Codes:

New York City putting a QR Code on all building permits by 2013. By 2013 in New York, to find information on any city buildings or projects all you’ll have to do is scan a QR Code on the permit. Simple, creative and solves a problem.

Instead of a physical airline ticket, an e-mailed QR Code is a lovely convenience. I find it a hassle now when I forget to check-in with my phone and have to carry around physical boarding passes. Solves a problem.

Charity’s are realizing how partnerships and QR Codes can work hand-in-hand. Notice how I didn’t just say “Charity’s are finding good use of QR Codes”? That’s because it takes more that just putting a QR Code on a sign and expecting the world to scan it. No, you must give us a reason to scan.

The Cure Starts Now Foundation partnered with Graeter’s Ice-Cream to come up with “Cones for The Cure”. An innovative way to use QR Codes, create awareness for a deadly disease, and give away a ton of Elena Blueberry Pie ice cream. Named after the Foundation’s founders’ late daughter (Elena) who died from brain cancer at the age of six.

When scanned it leads to a ConesfortheCure landing page where it talks about the foundation and in exchange for your contact information, you receive a coupon to try Graeter’s Ice-cream. Simply brilliant.

These billboards have been found in airports:

1st Bank is using QR Codes to help you waste time on your phone by offering free Sudoku, Books or Crosswords. One may ask, “why in the hell is a bank offering free Sudoku, Books or Crosswords? How does that help the bank?”. Well that’s probably because every advertisement for a bank we see is so generic and predictable, 1st Bank wanted to standout and do something different. The problem they solve? They just gave you something to do on your phone while you wait for your flight to leave. They also get to understand what people would rather download for free. Books, Sudoku or Crosswords.

Zoo Records in Hong Kong thought the city could use some new, alternative music. So they tried spreading the word about new artists in Hong Kong by a completely unconventional, almost flirting with weird, method of using QR Codes. Watch this video:

Now I love this example because it actually blew my mind when I first heard about it. Tim Hortons does nationwide surveys every year and they now offer a QR Code to scan and fill out the survey. They incentivize you to scan by offering a chance to win free coffee for a year. Not a small incentive at all. The result? From early to mid 2011, just shy of 100,000 people completed the survey across Canada, 53% of those people who completed it, did so by scanning a QR Code to do so. (Source: Mike Distasi, Tim Hortons Operator)

That’s right, over half the people who filled out the survey, scanned a QR Code to do so.

My conclusion is this:

QR Codes are useless for “advertising” and most marketing initiatives. But…

QR Codes are very useful in solving problems that involve retrieving information digitally.

It comes back to the core of all marketing. It’s never the medium, it’s always the message. Get creative with how you use QR Codes, solve a problem for your customer, but please, please, please don’t put one on a billboard or your e-mail signature.

Have a neat example of how to use a QR Code? Do let me know in the comments below.

Sources:

How QR Codes Can Grow Your Business

Separating Trend from Fad with QR Codes in Social Media

Research Highlights QR Code Awareness Issue

QR Codes 101

All About QR Codes

Photo Credit: TomFishBurne.com

Episode #7 – Poking on Facebook & How Squareflo Looks at Your Website Feat. Derek Wu – Part 2 of 2

Jeph Maystruck — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:10:28 +0000

Episode #7- Poking on Facebook and Squareflo Websites Feat. Derek Wu – Part 2 of 2

In Episode #7 on the Marketing Revolution Podcast I talk to Derek Wu, again (with much better sound quality this time). That’s right, find Part 1 of 2, “Who is Derek Wu?” right here. The first one is more about where he came from, lessons he learned early on, and how he began the behemoth social butterfly he is today (haha sorry Derek, told ya I could get behemoth into your title).

This episode is different. Derek spills the beans on some very smart tips for your website, the future of them, how Squareflo looks at them, and some take-a-ways that’ll make you smarter. If I were you I’d stop reading this now and hit the play/download button. Go on now.

Running time: 34:26

Subscribe to The Marketing Revolution Podcast in iTunes

In this episode we talk about:

How does Squareflo look at a website differently?
User experience is the number one goal
“Within the first 30 seconds of being on your website, people should be able to accomplish exactly what they set out to do.”
How could you measure offline advertising on your website?
Jaco (one of the owners of Squareflo) is the brains behind Squareflo’s design
They study how the user physically looks at a website and try to make a better experience every time.
Do you know where the most important place on your website is for accomplishing your over all goal? Derek shares some information that taught me something about my own site.
Every website could look amazing, but your website needs to be consistent with your offline brand. Squareflo takes the time to understand their client’s offline personality and tries to infuse that into the websites they create. A very interesting approach to web design and development
Derek talks about websites in the age of search engine optimization (SEO)
What you need to know about Google and SEO
Derek tells about the future of websites and what might be the focus (it’s not the traditional robust cookie cutter website)
I ask him what does the next 6-12 months hold for web development (yes I ask him to predict the future)
He talks about how websites, micro-sites and Facebook app and page integration will become seamless (or already has)
The future is integrating Facebook with your website, if you aren’t already
I ask him how he got to 3900 Facebook friends
How a certain Dawna Harmen can’t keep up with all her friend requests
“Facebook isn’t a place to connect with people you don’t know, that’s what Twitter is for.” -Derek Wu
We talk about how inter-connectivity has it’s detriments too, people on Facebook know everything about what you’re doing (especially when you have 3,900 friends)
Remember: When you use a service that is ‘free’, they’re making money off you in another way (Ex: Selling your information to advertisers)
He talks about a relatively new social integration on websites they’re designing using Facebook. You can checkout how Facebook Connect works on: I Love Live Music website or The Interview Season 2
Derek shares what else he “does” in his spare time, from construction to slinging drinks at Pure Ultra Lounge, he doesn’t really have spare time
My last question for Derek is “why dif he gave up a BMW car to drive an old truck instead?”

Find Derek at:

Squareflo New Media

On Twitter @DerekWu

Poke Derek on Facebook here

10 Quotes From The New Marketing Text Book – “Brand Against the Machine”

Jeph Maystruck — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 18:37:33 +0000

Brand Against the Machine by John Morgan should be a mandatory marketing textbook read by all business students and marketers.

John Morgan has a way of telling it like it is. A very down-to-earth, thought provoking read. The chapters are written in bite sized chunks, an easy book to get through, but that doesn’t mean it’s light in content. It was published in November of 2011 so the case studies he uses are very relevant and he shares a lot. You’re going to learn what branding means in 2012 and beyond. If you want to be relevant in the marketing industry in the next five years you better read this book. I’d follow John Morgan, he’ll be one of the leading authority’s on branding for a long time.

Below are the quotes that summed up the book:

(PS: I have to hand it to John Morgan, I almost forgot to share that he somehow gets two “that’s what she said!”s in in the book. That’s a sign of an amazing writer.)

How Blogging Impacts Human Resources (Guest Post)

Jeph Maystruck — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:07:51 +0000

A guest post from Erin Palmer, she works in online programs at Villanova University.

The days of faceless, voiceless companies are long gone. Social media has created a close connection between a company and its customers. Blogging has become an increasingly popular medium for businesses to communicate with customers and employees. Some businesses appreciate the fact that blogs can be easily created and managed with very little cost. Content can be published without having to worry about lead time and other limitations of traditional media. Blogs let a business develop a voice,
which helps people connect to the company on another level.

Although blogs have the potential to be an asset to businesses, it is imperative to implement and maintain a company blog appropriately in order to get the most benefit. A blog full of boring content will not help anybody. Creating a blog that is personable is important, but it also has to match up with the company’s culture. Below are some important considerations from a human resources perspective to build a successful business blog.

Blogs Should Foster Communication

Business blogs represent an opportunity to connect with customers in an informal manner while informing them about products, services, upcoming events, awards and other company-related information. Blogs should be written in an approachable style that suits the intended audience. Knowing the audience will help shape what kind of content will work best.

Just because the blog is from the company’s point of view does not mean it should be boring. Business bloggers should avoid simply disseminating company news or sales messages. Strong content should stimulate interest, conversation and ideally should be focused on providing the reader with useful information. Getting the customer involved means giving them something worth reading. Blog comments could also offer valuable insights into the customer’s mind.

Blogs Should Supplement Your Recruiting Efforts

Company blogs are a wonderful way to support recruiting efforts. Prospective employees can find information about company culture, products and services and communication style. It can also help identify company leaders and key staff members. Potential employees are far more likely to apply for a job with a company that seems engaging and forward-thinking. A blog can offer a real feel for what a company is like more than a website or job posting. Make a blog that makes people want to join the
company.

HR Should Create Blogging Policies and Procedures

The human resources department is responsible for establishing an appropriate strategy and policy for posting content to the company’s blog. However, companies should be aware that many employees maintain personal blogs as well. It’s important to establish policies and guidelines pertaining to both company and personal blog content. Policies should address the type of content allowed and how employees should represent the company on personal blogs. The key is to be proactive in order to avoid
potential issues. Once content is published to the Internet, it has the capacity to live on even if the content is later deleted by the original poster. Many search engines capture and archive older versions of web content and screen capture software makes it easy for people to spread content even if it’s no longer available at its original source. It’s better to be safe than sued.

Business Blogs Should Represent the Company in a Consistent and Positive Manner

On a company blog, it’s not just the words that matter. Every piece of content, including color, images, videos and sound contribute to the overall impression that visitors form of the company. Therefore, all content must be consistent with the company’s overall branding and marketing strategy. In addition, the style and tone of the writing must be in line with the company’s communications strategy and personality. For example, blog content for a company like IBM should look and sound much different than a blog for Apple. Represent the company in a clear and consistent matter.

Blogs Can Be a Powerful Business Communication Tool When Used Properly

Many organizations have recognized the influence that social media has and its ability to reach customers directly. Business blogging can be one of the most powerful social media tools available when used correctly, which is one of the primary reasons why many businesses are turning to blogs as a communication tool. The human resources department plays a key role in ensuring that a business blog represents the company in a positive manner. By developing effective policies, HR can help companies
leverage the power of a business blog to strengthen its relationship with customers and employees. Every company has something to say. Who better to say it than the company itself?

This guest post was provided by Erin Palmer on behalf of the online programs from Villanova University. Villanova offers HR certification courses along with a masters in human resources online program. Erin would love to hear your thoughts on the best and worst company blogs. She can be reached on Twitter @Erin_E_Palmer.

Episode #6 – Who’s Derek Wu? – Part 1 of 2

Jeph Maystruck — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:17:37 +0000

Episode 6 – The Derek Wu Story Part 1 – The Marketing Revolution Podcast

This week on the Marketing Revolution Podcast I talk to Derek Wu. I’ve had the pleasure of being friends with Derek for a while now and have worked with him several times. Of everyone I know, no one knows more people than Derek Wu. And not in a sleazy used car salesmen type way. Derek sincerely takes the time to get to know people every day.

I try to understand how he does it. How he began growing this tribe of people who look up to him, myself included. It’s a fascinating story about how socializing and partying ends up helping charity’s, and how the guy at the centre of it all, was doing it for the right reasons.

Part 1 of 2, this Podcast includes:

How he began networking/reinvented networking
The evolution of a party. It began with Cabarets, moved to Gringo’s, then Derek took over the Distrikt and left his mark as the go to guy for a night out on the town.
The Cabarets supporting charities began in a very unusual way. You’ve heard of companies trying to create goodwill, how about a young teenage kid trying to impress a judge during his next court appearance by doing a good deed.
We discuss his 3,898 friends on Facebook. Yeah that’s correct, three thousand eight hundred and ninety eight. Probably over 3,900 by the time you read this.
I find out how he remembers the names of at least 90% of the people he knows.
Derek Wu on Twitter

Subscribe to The Marketing Revolution Podcast in iTunes

Episode #5 – What Does The Vintage Tea Room & The Imax Have In Common?

Jeph Maystruck — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:27:41 +0000

Episode 5 – Collette & Greg on Imax Popcorn and Future of Social Media <–Click Here

This one goes for almost an hour long, I’d suggest putting it on in the background and doing something else on your computer (or download it in iTunes and listen in your car). There’s some very smart points made on the future of social media and marketing in general, you’ll want to hear what Collette and Greg have to say. Enjoy.

I had an absolute pleasure talking to Greg (@Hluska) and Collette (@colletteparks), both are quite fascinating individuals. I met them on Twitter and since have seen them at Tweetups, and have lunch from time to time. Greg is the Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Land Surveyors but really has a love for entrepreneurship and web development. Educated as a marketer but really in an technology practitioner. You’ll enjoy the stories Greg shares in this podcast. Visit Greg’s website www.Hluska.ca.

Collette Parks is the Manager of Marketing & Communications at the Saskatchewan Science Centre. She’s a very smart marketing professional that takes a different approach to social media. See her website here: www.ColletteParks.com. When she started on Twitter with the Science Centre she listened to what local people were saying and tried to determine ways she could add to their conversations. Collette also approaches Facebook differently as she believes it’s an entirely different audience then Twitter. Take note (this is very smart). and she has taken Facebook on as her 2012 project.

In this Podcast we talk about:

Does everyone need a Twitter account?
What types of businesses could a Twitter account really benefit
How Mom and Pop shops could utilize Twitter
At the core of social media is word-of-mouth, if you’re good, people will tell people about you. If you suck, people will tell many other people that you suck
Greg tells the story of an amazing magazine he started and transformed some lives while doing so
Collette tells her story of meeting astronaut Chris Hadfield
We also talk about how Collette knows one of my favorite authors Julien Smith
Julien wrote “The Flinch“ – it’s free on your Kindle or Kindle app
Collette’s thoughts about Social Media summed up: “Don’t worry about what you’re supposed to be doing, just do what you think makes sense to you, share what you’d want to see.” Brilliant, simply brilliant.

Realize: How Not To Market a University

Jeph Maystruck — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:28:12 +0000

Lately I’ve noticed several different University of Regina billboards around Regina. Now if you immediately jump to “but Jeph you saw them and remembered them. Isn’t that a great billboard?!?” Hardly. Not all exposure is good exposure. Do you think BP’s oil spill was “good” exposure for the company?

The first billboard caught my eye because it says “Be a Project Management Guru” Really? REALLY? How many grade 12 kids are aspiring to be a “guru” in anything, let alone project management? This one shouldn’t have got past the brainstorming session. No one aspires to be a guru in anything.

The next one says “We’ve got your back. Ensuring your success”. Thanks, but I don’t need my post secondary institution to “have my back”. I want them to be the smartest, most prestigious institution in the province, maybe country. And how are you “Ensuring” success? Sounds like a promise they can’t fulfill.

“We got your back” sounds like something the mob would tell you. “Don’t worry bout it, Vinny’s got yer back!”

The third one reads “Enrich your personal side.” So they think spending $500 a class is a good way to ‘enrich’ your personal side? I can think of at least 287 different things to do for $500 that will ‘enrich’ my personal side. People go back to school to get more letters behind their name, boost their ego, learn something new, or all of the above. “Enrich your personal side” sounds like the tag line for the Moose Jaw spa or Glee club. Albeit, I am no where near the demographic this billboard is targeting so I could see the argument that my parents may enjoy this billboard, though I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t look twice at it.

I don’t want to come off as a negative Nancy here so here are some ideas of how I’d run the marketing department.

Contrast the U of R’s billboards to what the University of Saskatchewan has done.

I also remember a billboard the U of S put up in Regina last fall that had on it the number of CIS Championship Titles the Huskies have won. That’s smart. That makes me look up to their school and want to be a part of it.

My alma mater thinks I want to be a ‘guru’.

I have written about the UofR before and I’m going to make the same argument. Tell the best story you have to tell. The Hill School of Business JDC West team won it all this year. That’s right, they beat UBC, U of A, U of S, U of C, U of M, and every other school in Western Canada. The marketing department (or the UofR’s agency) could have been on their toes with a billboard campaign stating “Best Business Case School in Western Canada – 2012 JDC West Champions”.

That’s not a regular billboard. Put that up in Saskatoon and see what response you get.

It’s not only JDC that’s doing amazing things at the U of R, how about our women’s basketball team, ranked #1 in Canada right now. Tell people that. Put it on a billboard. Show people that the U of R isn’t a joke where people go to become a guru, but much more than “just” a regular school.

I know what you’re thinking. It takes months to plan an ad campaign and weeks to implement it. As long as you believe this to be true, the U of R will never have a remarkable marketing campaign.

Last fall, Siast put up this billboard and pissed off a lot of people. As Martin Lindstrom states in the book “Brandwashed”, when coming up with a new campaign, determine who you target audience is not and try to tick them off. If you can piss off a certain demographic, you usually make another demographic extremely happy. Essentially from the book “Rework“, pick a fight.

You see, people who have BA from the U of R are the ones pissed off. And who is the least likely of all people to enroll at Siast? People who already have a BA or BBA. Siast was brilliant in putting up this billboard. They were pissing off the people that they weren’t targeting and creating an allegiance with every young kid that was thinking a University degree might be waste of time. That’s very smart marketing.

Always remember,

“The number one thing you don’t want is for people to be indifferent about your brand.”

-John Morgan, Brand Against the Machine

We still talk about the Siast billboard, that means it was remarkable.

Or here’s a radical idea – scrap the marketing department altogether and give the budget to recruitment. After all, what’s the goal of the marketing department? To gain more exposure or to increase enrollment?

Thoughts? Do you want to become a guru? What other ways could the U of R’s marketing be improved so it’s not embarrassing for Alumni to see billboards with our schools logo on it?