January 16, 2025

@ The Intersection of Higher Education Marketing + Philanthropy

📝 REFLECTION 📝

Community is one of the most powerful forces we can tap into. It’s where ideas are shared, support is offered, and progress is made.

Right now, this newsletter community is just over 40 people strong—a small but mighty group of higher education and nonprofit leaders, along with industry partners, dedicated to inspiring connections and driving impact. My stretch goal? Growing to 1,000 engaged members by the end of 2025. 🌐

Why share that?

Because building something meaningful doesn’t happen in isolation. Our work is about fostering belonging—whether it’s connecting alumni to their alma mater or rallying donors around a cause. The same is true here.

🇺🇸 The importance of community was underscored last week by outgoing U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, who dedicated his final message to America to the urgent need for stronger connections and belonging. His reminder that community is essential for fulfillment and well-being.

Thank you for being part of this growing community and for the work you do to strengthen the institutions and organizations that shape lives.

Let’s keep building, together. 💪

Dan

💡 DEEP DIVE INSIGHT 💡

Why Your Biggest Messages Might Be Falling Flat

"We sent the email. Didn't they see it?" 🤔

If you've ever thought about this after launching a new initiative or campaign, you're not alone. I've been there too—pouring time and energy into the perfect message, only to realize it barely made a ripple. This is a textbook case of signal amplification bias.

It's the tendency to overestimate how much others notice and understand our communications. And in alumni and donor engagement work, this bias can quietly undermine even the most well-crafted strategies.

The Challenge We Face

We assume that because we know how important our message is, our audience must too. But consider this:

• That thoughtfully designed email? Lost in an overflowing inbox or snagged by a junk filter.
• The emotional impact video? Scrolled past after just the first few seconds.
• The campaign launch? Diluted by other messages your same organization might be pushing in the absence of coordination.

What feels like a megaphone to us often lands as a faint whisper to our audience.

How to Cut Through the Noise 💥

Here are five ways to help you overcome signal amplification bias and increase the chances of engaging your audience:

1. Repetition Builds Recognition: One message isn't enough. Reinforce it across multiple channels—email, social media, direct mail, advertising, texting—to increase visibility and impact.
2. Simplify to Amplify: Strip away the noise. Focus on one clear, compelling message that makes it easy to understand and act on.
3. Diversify the Delivery: Don't just repeat—refresh. Share your message through different voices and formats: alumni testimonials, student stories, personal notes from leadership.
4. Prioritize Connection Over Volume: It's better to deeply engage a focused group than to be background noise for many. Personal, meaningful connections drive action.
5. Test and Listen: Don’t assume the message landed. Seek feedback, monitor engagement, and adjust your strategy when needed.

A Quick Gut Check for Your Next Campaign

Before you hit "send" or launch that next big initiative, ask yourself:

• Will this message stand out in a crowded space?
• Have we reinforced it enough to make it memorable?
• Are we making it easy for our audience to understand and act?

If you're unsure, it may be time to adjust your strategy.

🔨 TOOL SPOTLIGHT 🔨

AI Tools to Save Time & Boost Performance

2025 is shaping up to be a breakout year for AI adoption by higher education and nonprofits. If you're not already using AI—or at least planning to use—you're missing opportunities to save time and allocate resources more effectively.

Buffer recently listed 28 of the top AI marketing tools designed to streamline workflows, enhance strategies, and boost results.

⬇️ Here are my top 3 from the list that I recommend exploring:

• AI-enabled social media tools like Buffer, Sprout, or Hootsuite. These platforms now offer features like optimal post timing predictions, content idea generation, and automated post creation from simple prompts.
• OpusClip, a tool that uses AI to turn long-form videos into short, social-ready clips—an easy way to repurpose existing content with minimal effort.
• An AI-enabled email and SMS platform like Kit (what I use), Beehiiv, Attentive, or Hubspot. Tools like these help segment audiences, optimize send times, and craft high-impact messaging.

BIG BONUS: Here's a free spreadsheet of 100+ AI Tools for Higher Ed Marketers courtesy of Faton Sopa at Manaferra, an SEO company serving education.

When You're Ready, Here are 3 Ways I Can Help

🎯 1:1 Consultation: Book a 45-minute session to tap into 20 years of high-impact experience. We'll tackle your most pressing strategic challenge, and you'll walk away with clarity and an actionable game plan.

🎤 Speaking & Workshops: Looking for a speaker, podcast guest, or workshop leader to inspire your audience or team? Schedule a free discovery call to explore how I can bring fresh ideas to your organization.

🔍 Strategic Assessment: Invest in a comprehensive review of your team, brand, or campaign—with data-backed insights and strategic recommendations to optimize your efforts and drive results. Contact me to learn more.