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Communicating effectively with alumni. A guide to building strong relationships with advisors, headquarters staff and general alumni. Advisors. Role they play Expectations Communicating effectively Meeting Vanderbilt Fraternity & Sorority Standards. Headquarters Staff.
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Communicating effectively with alumni A guide to building strong relationships with advisors, headquarters staff and general alumni.
Advisors • Role they play • Expectations • Communicating effectively • Meeting Vanderbilt Fraternity & Sorority Standards
Headquarters Staff Supporting VU Standards Role of staff Headquarters expectations Communicating with staff
Headquarters Staff What role does headquarters staff play in your chapter’s daily operations? • Know the difference between staff and volunteers! • Headquarters exists to support the organization’s chapters. • Role can vary from chapter to chapter. • In most cases, relationship is largely based on chapter actions. • Strong relationship gives you a knowledgeable team that is on your side.
Headquarters Staff What expectations does headquarters have for your chapter? • Be on time and thorough with basic financial and reporting expectations. • Keep staff aware of chapter news, events and accomplishments. • Communicate any emergencies promptly. We’re here to help you in times of need, not just punish you. • Our organizations, and ultimately jobs for staff, rely on the success of our chapters so we want to work with you to succeed.
Headquarters Staff How can your chapter be sure it is effectively communicating with headquarters? • Find out the different staff positions for your organization and how they exist to serve you. • Introduce yourself and chapter leaders to relevant staff members to initiate a strong relationship early on. • Be sure to cover all the basics. • Do what you can to stand out in a positive way.
Headquarters Staff How can a strong headquarters relationship help your chapter succeed on the Vanderbilt campus? • Staff provides chapters with educational materials addressing all areas of Fraternity and Sorority Standards. • A strong relationship ensures a higher chance of financial support. • Many organizations offer technology resources for chapters. • Organizations provide members with many leadership training opportunities and financial support for those. • Staff can support chapters in identifying alumni volunteers.
General Alumni • Role they play • Expectations • Communicating effectively • Meeting Vanderbilt Fraternity & Sorority Standards
Alumni • What role can alumnae/alumni play in your chapter’s success? • These men and women have the potential to be your best advocates and your best marketing tools if their perception of your organization remains positive • You share an important detail on your resumes! Alumnae and alumni can teach you how to tell the story of your Greek experience • Your alumnae and alumni can be a top source of support for your chapter for both financial and non-financial needs
ALUMNI • What expectations do your alumni have of your chapter? THE 3 Cs • Your alumni expect to be…. • C-onnected to your chapter happenings and plans • C-elebrated for their support and service to your organization • C-ounted on for their time, talents and ideas
Looking at the first c….Connect What are your best communication strategies? • Your organization should connect with alumni and alumnae consistently • Choosing your timeline • You catch more fish with a larger net… • Hard copy • Electronic • Face to Face • Work smarter not harder • Is there an alumni or alumnae component to your upcoming events?
Alumni • How can your alumni help you meet your standards? • Technology and communication standards • These standards of excellence should motivate your organization to continuously improve your relationship with alumni and alumnae and the way you connect with them via your website, social networking, and other mediums • Hosting an event for alumni or alumnae • Ensure that meeting this standard opens doors for ongoing contact with the alumni or alumnae attending. Showcase your successes and keep records of who attends • It all goes back to working smarter and not harder • Include alumni in your philanthropy projects or consider utilizing alumni support for facilitating educational programming