In the episode In The Club powered by Club Colors, we welcome Bobby Dunlap from Northwestern University. We explore the dynamic world of alumni relations and brand engagement with Northwestern University's Alumni Association team. Discover how they create memorable experiences that align with their institution's mission, leverage their powerful alumni network, and navigate the challenges and opportunities in the field. From iconic events at Wrigley Field to the intricacies of personalized alumni engagement, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in higher education, marketing, and community building.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Mission Alignment: The importance of aligning organizational missions with alumni engagement strategies to create inspired experiences.
• Alumni Engagement: Understanding the unique characteristics of Northwestern alumni and leveraging those traits to foster deep connections and engagement.
• Branded Experiences: How strategic use of branded items can evoke powerful memories and enhance alumni relations.
• Personalization and Data: Using data-driven insights to personalize alumni engagement and create meaningful experiences.
• Leveraging Networks: The critical role of alumni networks in career development and community building, particularly through platforms like LinkedIn.

QUOTES

• "Anytime you've got that sort of dynamic between the mission you hold and how we can help you achieve that mission, that's where beautiful memories can be made."
• "Northwestern students are high achieving, often involved in multiple fields, and their accomplishments span from arts to hard sciences."
• "A branded item is not just a thing to give out; it's something that evokes memories and experiences."
• "We're moving towards personalizing alumni experiences based on their interests and past engagements."
• "There's no shame in using the incredible network you've built through Northwestern to further your own aims."

Connect and learn more about Bobby Dunlap.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertmdunlap/

If you enjoyed this episode of In the Club Podcast with Club Colors, please leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform!

Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com/

In the episode In The Club powered by Club Colors, we welcome Bobby Dunlap from Northwestern University. We explore the importance and impact of alumni engagement, detailing how it fosters lifelong relationships between alumni and the university. The discussion highlights the efforts made to continually engage both current students and alumni through various programs and events. We share insights on the significance of campus traditions, the role of university's brand elements, and strategies to maintain strong alumni networks. Bobby also delves into his personal journey into alumni relations, the collaborative efforts behind successful events, and the ongoing commitment to providing meaningful experiences for graduates.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Importance of Alumni Engagement: Alumni relations help build lifelong connections between the university and its graduates, supporting them in various stages of their careers and lives.
• Traditions and Heritage: Unique campus traditions and landmarks, like Northwestern’s Rock and the Purple Line, play a significant role in maintaining alumni engagement.
• Virtual Engagement: The pandemic has shifted alumni engagement strategies, emphasizing virtual events and programs that reach a global audience.
• Professional Networks: Involvement in professional networks like CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education) enhances alumni relations and provides valuable resources and connections.
• Lifelong Relationships: From student orientation to retirement, alumni relations aim to ensure graduates remain connected and engaged with the university throughout their lives.

QUOTES

• "Their relationship with the university doesn't start and end when they step on campus and then when they receive their degree, it's a lifetime relationship."
• "We don't recruit students; we recruit alumni."
• "It's not just the marks you have; it's those elements that are unique to your campus that are unique to your community."

Connect and learn more about Bobby Dunlap.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertmdunlap/

If you enjoyed this episode of In the Club Podcast with Club Colors, please leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform!

Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com/

In the episode In The Club powered by Club Colors, we are in the second part of the interview with Celeste Risimini-Johnson, Chief Merchandise and Operations Officer at Barnes & Noble College. Celeste shares her experiences and reflections on the evolving role of campus stores, moving beyond traditional bookstores to becoming integral parts of the campus community. She highlights the importance of mentorship, customer-focused decision-making, and strategic store layout. Celeste also discusses the balance between innovation and tradition in merchandising, as well as the importance of staying relevant through continuous market research and adapting to new trends. She emphasizes the significance of creating emotional connections with customers and the excitement of participating in events like March Madness. Throughout, she underscores the mission of driving student success, connecting with consumers, and fostering innovation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Mentorship and Growth: Valuable lessons from mentors can shape leadership and decision-making, focusing on long-term customer relationships over immediate sales.
• Customer-Centric Decisions: Emphasizing decisions that benefit customers fosters loyalty and repeat business.
• Balancing Tradition and Innovation: Maintaining a core of traditional products while introducing innovative items ensures relevance and excitement.
• The Science of Retail Layouts: Strategic product placement and store design significantly impact customer engagement and sales.
• Community Integration: Campus stores serve as vital community hubs, connecting with students, faculty, and local residents.
• Event-Driven Retail: Aligning merchandise and marketing with campus events like sports championships and graduations drives significant engagement and sales.
• Adapting to Trends: Staying ahead of fashion and product trends requires a proactive approach, including testing in select stores before broader rollouts.

QUOTES

• "It's not just about the dollars and cents; it's about creating a lifetime relationship with our customers."
• "Mentors who touch you the most leave an emotional impact, teaching you how to lead with genuine care and investment in your team."
• "Innovation is the cream on top, but the core foundation of products must always remain strong."
• "The visual connection in store design, aligning with the brand's DNA, is crucial for engaging customers."
• "Driving consumer experience is about mission, connection, and innovation – getting these right means we've done our job."
• 
  Connect and learn more about Celeste Risimini-Johnson.
  https://www.linkedin.com/in/celeste-risimini-johnson-7a47773/

If you enjoyed this episode of In the Club Podcast with Club Colors, please leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform!

Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com/

In the inaugural episode of Season 5 with In The Club powered by Club Colors, we interview Celeste Risimini-Johnson, Chief Merchandise and Operations Officer at Barnes & Noble College. We discuss Celeste's inspirations and motivations for pursuing a career in retail and merchandising, as well as her role in supporting the academic success of students. The conversation touches on the importance of understanding the consumer, staying ahead of trends, and creating engaging experiences for customers. Celeste shares insights into the process of merchandising and the balance between core products and innovation. She also highlights the significance of effective leadership and mentorship in driving success in the retail industry.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Understanding the consumer is crucial in the retail industry. By focusing on the mission and purpose of the brand, retailers can make informed decisions that support the success of their customers.
• Balancing core products and innovation is key to staying relevant in the market. By offering a mix of traditional and trendy items, retailers can cater to different consumer preferences and drive sales.
• Effective leadership involves understanding and motivating each team member individually. By recognizing that different people have different motivations and working styles, leaders can create a positive and productive work environment.
• Merchandising is a science that involves strategic placement and visual appeal. By carefully curating the store layout and product assortment, retailers can guide customers and create an engaging shopping experience.
• Collaboration and partnerships with vendors and other brands can bring excitement and innovation to the retail space. By leveraging these relationships, retailers can offer unique products and experiences that resonate with their customers.

QUOTES

• "Every decision we make, every product we purchase, every strategy we put in place is, is it going to support the student, whether it be academically, socially, just drive their success."
• "You have to be the editor for them. You can't be everything for everyone, but you have to be able to answer that."
• "Finding a career that bridges your natural skills and passions makes it a more rewarding experience."
• "You have to find a way to answer your customer's questions and provide a solution that addresses why they're talking to you to begin with."
• "Creating experiences is key in the retail industry. By hosting events and engaging with customers, retailers can build strong connections and drive customer loyalty."

Connect and learn more about Celeste Risimini-Johnson.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/celeste-risimini-johnson-7a47773/

If you enjoyed this episode of In the Club Podcast with Club Colors, please leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform!

Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com/

In the inaugural episode of Season 5 with In The Club powered by Club Colors, as we delve deep into the world of higher education branding, innovation, and campus culture. Hosted by Giancarlo Amador, Myra Haley, Adam Stoczynski, and Chris Jaeger, this season promises to offer engaging roundtable discussions with thought leaders and innovators in the higher education landscape. From marketing strategies to sustainability efforts, join us for insightful conversations that inspire and inform.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The upcoming season of "In the Club" will focus heavily on higher education, featuring organic conversations and roundtable discussions with passionate experts.
• Guests are encouraged to share their unique perspectives and stories, whether they are involved in marketing, leadership roles, or campus initiatives.
• The podcast aims to highlight the diverse messages and missions within higher education branding, including academic achievements, campus events, and community building.
• The show provides guests with a behind-the-scenes tour of the host's facilities, offering an immersive experience and fostering creativity and collaboration.
• Expect episodes to cover topics beyond promotional products, exploring diverse interests and passions of the hosts while staying rooted in the realm of branding and innovation.

QUOTES

• "At the end of the day, we're looking for interesting conversations, looking for thought leaders, innovators..."
• "If you can tell a good story, we want you on here."
• "Your day is going to be filled mentally, physically. You're going to leave here with this awe inspiring feeling."
• "We've done it a handful of times over the last couple of years and every single time we have a licensing director come through, it is such an inspiring day."

If you enjoyed this episode of In the Club Podcast with Club Colors, please leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform!

Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com/

In this episode of In The Club powered by Club Colors, John Morris, AdamStoczynski, and Myra Haley are joined by Derick Robertson, Director of Retail Services at Georgia Southern University, who shares his passion for developing a memorable student experience. Derick details the importance of actively listening to what university students have to say and the significance of keeping up with changing trends. He shares how partnerships, such as the one with Club Colors, have played a crucial role in promoting their brand identity and creating impactful marketing solutions. The discussion also navigates through his career journey, going back to college for a master's degree, managing staff, and the excitement and challenges brought about by the NIL rules in college athletics.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Prioritize the Student Experience: Derick emphasizes the importance of focusing on the student experience to create a vibrant and engaging campus atmosphere.
• Adaptability and Innovation: College retail needs to evolve with changing times. Derick discusses how being adaptable and open to new ideas is crucial for success.
• Experiential Marketing: Learn how Georgia Southern University leverages student influencers, commitment boxes, and other experiential marketing techniques to enhance brand engagement.
• Building Partnerships: Explore the significance of building partnerships with vendors and sponsors who contribute valuable ideas and collaborate in creating memorable experiences.
• Inclusive Branding: Derick shares the evolution of commitment boxes, making them inclusive for students from various disciplines, fostering a sense of unity and pride in the university.

QUOTES

• "In college retail, we have been doing the same thing for years. Times are changing, students are changing. It's my job to find new things and meet the students where they're at."
• "Every campus is unique, even when they share similar qualities. Everyone gets the same treatment, the same interactions, but the conversations might look very different."
• "College is all about experience. If you can create that experiential place for students to want to be, then you're well ahead of anybody else."
• "The brands that college is all about experience. It's a hundred percent about experience. Why did you choose to come to our school? Because I wanted the experience."

Connect and learn more about Derick Robertson.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/derick-robertson-52aa921b8/

If you enjoyed this episode of In the Club Podcast with Club Colors, please leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform!

Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com/

In this episode of In The Club powered by Club Colors, John Morris is joined by Christina Brady, the CEO/Co-founder of Luster, a conversational intelligence platform. Christina, a sales revenue creation expert, shares her journey from a financial planner to a successful salesperson at Groupon, highlighting the pivotal moments that led to the creation of Luster. The conversation explores the revolutionary impact of AI-driven role play sales conversations and simulations in sales training, emphasizing the critical need for effective practice. Additionally, they delve into the intricacies of branding, the power of authenticity, and leveraging LinkedIn for social selling. Christina's unique background in theater and arts shapes her content creation approach, with authenticity being the driving force behind her success. The episode also provides a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and rewards of being a podcast host and unveils Christina's mission to highlight and elevate iconic women in tech through her podcast, "Taking the Lead." Overall, the discussion showcases how AI can enhance human capabilities in sales and touches on various aspects of branding, authenticity, and podcasting in the tech industry.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The importance of focusing on strengths and outsourcing weaknesses for individual and team success.
• Christina's transition from a sales role to becoming the CEO and Co-founder of Luster, a stealth-mode AI-driven sales training company.
• The discipline to focus on function over form and the secret sauce of highlighting domain expertise in building a successful product.
• Christina's decision-making process: quick and passionate with a focus on learning from mistakes.
• The concept of "buy versus build" applied to skills and the importance of surrounding oneself with brilliant individuals to fill gaps.
• The revolutionary impact of Luster in providing a solution for effective sales practice at scale through AI-driven simulations.
• Importance of Branding: Explore the significance of branding in the go-to-market strategy and how it shapes the way people perceive and engage with a brand.
• LinkedIn as a Social Selling Tool: Delve into the debate about whether utilizing LinkedIn for social selling should be a key performance indicator (KPI) and the various perspectives on this matter.
• Authenticity in Social Media: Learn why authenticity is crucial in content creation, and how it can be a force for good in both personal and business contexts.
• Empowering Women in Tech: Gain insights into Christina's mission to change the face of tech from an equity standpoint, featuring the iconic women of tech and providing them with a platform to be seen and heard.

QUOTES

• "AI should make you a better you so you can be more creative. That is it. And how do I use this incredible technology to enhance the human being and not replace the human being."
• "Perfect practice is the ability to say, 'I'm about to hop on a negotiation call with a chief technical officer. You get one shot. But guess what? With Luster, you get as many as you need.'"

Connect and learn more about Christina Brady.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinapbrady/

If you enjoyed this episode of In the Club Podcast with Club Colors, please leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform!

Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com/

In the inaugural episode of Season 4 with In The Club powered by Club Colors, we dive into the dynamic world of university licensing and business development with special guests Richard Fairchild and Abby Hirschberg from the University of Utah. We explore the world of brand culture from the evolution of sports team uniforms to the power of gratitude in personal growth, into the importance of differentiation, innovation, and meaningful connections in the brand landscape. Discover the unexpected insights from Abby's fascination with the Donner Party and the unique perspective Richard gained while listening to Gladiator. Get ready for a rollercoaster of brand experiences and personal stories that highlight the exceptional nature of the University of Utah.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Brand culture sets a brand apart and aligns with its goals.
• Incremental sales can be achieved through innovative variations in product offerings.
• Gratitude journaling can be a powerful tool for personal growth and resilience.
• The Donner Party serves as a captivating historical analogy for survival and prioritization.
• Experiences, such as tailgates, contribute to the vibrant and spirited culture at the University of Utah.

QUOTES

• "When it comes to brand culture, first and foremost, it's something that sets you apart from the other brands."
• "Incremental sales. Is that what you're calling it? Have you coined that phrase?"
• "Gratitude is such a powerful thing. It's amazing how it can change your mindset."
• "I'm in the 18 hundreds, you guys. I'm in the Donner Party era."
• "The best thing about the University of Utah is the people on our campus. This campus attracts the best type of people."

Connect and learn more about Richard Fairchild and Abby Hirschberg.

Richard’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardfairchild/
Abby’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abby-hirshberg-2674092a0/

If you enjoyed this episode of In the Club Podcast with Club Colors, please leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform!

Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com/