We’ve been asked about certain topics so often that we decided to address them in writing. (Believe it or not, we got tired of hearing ourselves talk.) Help yourself.

ALUMNI MAGAZINES

Alumni Magazines in a Time of Transition—Part 1: The Maelstrom | download PDF
Alumni Magazines in a Time of Transition—Part 2: The Future Is Here | download PDF
Your magazine offers one of the most effective ways to engage with your alumni, yet the landscape for alumni magazines is changing rapidly. We present an overview of the challenges you face, and some solutions.

BEFORE YOU START A PROJECT

Choosing a Design Firm | download PDF
Before you look for a design firm, here’s a little homework you should do first.

Color Proofing and Printing | download PDF
A basic understanding of color output and color proofing can help you get printed pieces that look the way you want.

Branding | download PDF
Branding is not simply a logo or a tagline. What is it, and why do we spend so many of our waking hours thinking about it?

Your Brand Rollout | download PDF
It's time to launch your brand, so be prepared and take advantage of it.

Copyrights and Trademarks | download PDF
Trademarks, patents, and copyrights are often confused with one another. What does each one do?

Logos | download PDF
A logo represents your organization, event, product or service. What should you strive for—and how can you get one?

Naming Your Organization | download PDF
It’s an organization’s most important branding decision. Why is it so often the biggest mistake?

CREATING CONTENT

Copywriting, Copyediting, and Proofreading—Nitpicking or Necessity? | download PDF
Nearly every adult knows how to write, so it’s easy to assume that you’d be the best person to write about what you want to promote. Sometimes that’s true, but more often collaborating with an outside writer produces the most effective communications.

E-Newsworthy | download PDF
Putting together great content for your e-newsletter. You want people to read your e-newsletter, right? Engage your audience. This article is not about the technical aspects of building a successful e-newsletter.

Create and Deliver Compelling PowerPoint Presentations | download PDF
You rarely see a presentation that isn’t accompanied by a PowerPoint slide show. Audiences have become accustomed to them, but all too often, they are poorly done. This article will outline the steps needed to create and deliver an effective PowerPoint presentation.

MARKETING

Cohorts | download PDF
The concept behind marketing to a “cohort” is simple: most people in the same age group—that’s what determines a “cohort”—tend to share a significant number of experiences, goals, and values. This information can help you make smart choices about how to market products and services.

Strategic Communications | download PDF
We see too many companies approach marketing in a piecemeal way. To be blunt, our most successful clients approach marketing in a more systematic, comprehensive manner. Here is an overview of that approach.

PLANNING YOUR COMMUNICATIONS

Communications Plan | download PDF
A communications plan is the road map for all your communications projects: here’s how to plot it out.

Capital Campaigns | download PDF
What materials are needed for a typical capital campaign? Find out what they are and how they are used.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Social Media Interns: You Need the Help. They Have the Skills. | download PDF
Only dabblers will tell you that social media is free. A social media plan, even the most basic, takes time. Lots of time. That means you need help. Fortunately, this is a perfect opportunity for interns.