Dear Jaime is Volt’s regular advice column from Jaime Hunt, our columnist and a higher ed marketing pro. To send her a question you’d like answered (anonymous or signed, you decide!), you can email her at dearjaime@voltedu.com or send her a message on LinkedIn.
On the latest Dear Jaime, Jaime Hunt answers two questions that, unfortunately, are not very uncommon.
In the first, she addresses a marcomm pro whose president expects results from a rebrand right now.
‘How can I convince my president that a brand and a reputation is not going to change overnight?,’ the writer asks.
The short answer? Be clear with leadership that changing the public’s perception of your brand takes time, and celebrate small wins in the meantime to show progress on that journey. And be ready to have that conversation with your president more than once.
Next, she addresses an would-be-rising marcomm professional who sees no path forward at their institution.
‘I feel really stuck in my role. I feel like I’m ready for career advancement, but the people who are above me in the organization show no signs of leaving,’ this person wants to know.
Jaime’s quick take: that you can lead from anywhere in the organization. Show up as the leader you want to be recognized as, and initiate conversations with your direct supervisor about what you want.
For the full answers, context — and encouragement, watch the video.
