Contact (current)

[Bobbi Aralica]

Hi Michelle,

It really depends on your schools structure, resources, funding and purpose of having an alumni association.
Some models work well, but, just as many fail or aren’t sustained in the long term. (lack of ownership or maintaining momentum are 2 pitfalls)

Is your alumni associations independent of the school? eg: a seperate legal entity
I know of schools where the association runs everything and has very little interaction with the school in relation to organising events, reunions, industry meetups, however, involves their members with student mentorship.

There are certainly advantages with a hybrid/collaborative approach especially if you’re engaging your alumni with students.
I noticed many schools may doubled up on programs. (eg. the same program is run by the school and another run by the association)

I have a fairly robust database of what schools are doing, what seems to work and what does not, including the platforms they use.

Feel free to connect on LinkedIn or call me on 0423 40 30 20.
Happy to provide some introductions if needed.

Cheers Bobbi

[Bobbi Aralica]

Hi Beth,

I know several people from Knox and have actually discussed your alumni Falconians group in the past. Happy to update you. (phone: 0423 40 30 20)

Google Sue Ellson on LinkedIn. She’s written extensively on this topic and you’ll be able to find info via her page. As Knox already has a LI school profile, adding alumni to your portfolio is the logical next step. I personally prefer a seperate alumni LI page because your communication strategy is different.

As Merryn mentioned above, there are also many alumni platforms available in Aust. I mentioned 5 in a previous post so happy to give you a run down.

You don’t have a LI profile to connect, so just DM me.
Cheers Bobbi

0423 40 30 20
bobbiaralica@lismn.com.au

[Bobbi Aralica]

Hi Paul,

I hope you’re well.
This is a fabulous initiative and I recall hearing about similar ones…….I just don’t remember if it was here or US.

I’ll search my network and connect you with the schools/individuals when something comes up.
It may actually be under a ‘social enterprise’ (entrepreneurship) banner or student leadership. (HigherEd sector??)
Leave it with me and I’ll be in touch.

Take care and talk soon.

Bobbi

[Bobbi Aralica]

Hi Di,

I #LOVE a good infographic!

Many schools and universities incorporate infographics in their communication. (I have many great examples if you’re interested)
I recently completed a proposal using the infographic method. (less is more!!)

I’ll email you directly with more info and an introduction to one of my contacts.

Feel free to contact me on 0423 40 30 20

Warmest regards
Bobbi Aralica
Managing Director- LISMN

[Bobbi Aralica]

Hi Alana (and Julia),

How deep or broad do you intend to go? ie. purpose, resource allocation, programs to offer, engagement strategies, manifest….

Given you have an alumni platform…. I assume you’ll be using this to communicate with your alumni.
Happy to enlighten you about the ‘best of the best’ strategic plans AND most successful programs.

PS: You may also be interested to learn about how boys and girls schools differ in their engagement strategies

Feel free to DM me via LinkedIn.
Bobbi

bobbiaralica@lismn.com.au

[Bobbi Aralica]

Hello Una,

Both Neil and Vincent offered great suggestions. Are you after a CRM (database) such as Synergetic or do you want to build an online alumni community?

To build an online alumni community (software) you have the following options.

1) Potentiality (Aust company)
2) Troop. (Aust company)
3) Graduway (overseas company)
4) Toucan Tech (UK company)
5) Build your own (expensive option)

Each product has own pros/cons so it’s a good idea to determine why and what you want to achieve.

Happy to provide introductions to company reps, alumni consultants (if needed) or schools whom use any or all of the products.

Happy to chat and provide guidance.
bobbiaralica@lismn.com.au or 0423 40 30 20
Cheers Bobbi

[Bobbi Aralica]

HNY David,

I only know of upbeat venues (not exactly appropriate) for your purpose.
Google the Australian Venue Co. for a range of venues. Happy to provide LI introduction to Zoe Trewin who works in marketing.
(She’s originally from our Industry at Melb Independent School)
Good Luck David. Cheers Bobbi

[Bobbi Aralica]

Hi Jennifer,

Frank from Action words is the go to person for many schools. I’ll send you a linkedIn connection and then I can introduce you.

Best
Bobbi

[Bobbi Aralica]

Hi Joel,

Can you elaborate on why you ask or what you’re trying to achieve? Data from whom? Are you trying to locate lost alumni or is it for your admissions- potential students? Sorry if I’m completely off track.
I’ll message you via LinkedIn and then happy to introduce you to people in my network that may be of assistance.
Cheers

Bobbi

[Bobbi Aralica]

Hi ALison,

I have a quick look at some emails I received from about 20 schools I’ve worked with and most of them include the disclaimer. (4 out of 5)

Bobbi

[Bobbi Aralica]

Hi Kelly,

I messaged you via LinkedIn with details of somebody from QLD who might be able to help you.

Cheers
Bobbi

[Bobbi Aralica]

Sure Julia,

I’ll message you directly.

Best Bobbi

[Bobbi Aralica]

Hi Julia,
Good topic and although I don’t work at a school, I have noticed the following.
1) Most Universities hold alumni events overseas so they would be the best source. Uni’s also have specific chapters for each country. (or state)
2) I’ve found mainly private boys schools and some top co-ed private schools hold events overseas.
3) Most popular places I’ve seen are London, Singapore and now China. (Hong Kong also)
4) Schools that have a sister school in the country tend to host more events.

May I suggest reaching out to individual alumni directors from these schools via LinkedIn! I’ve found this to be the best way to engage with people directly and about a specific topic. DO you plan to host a panel?
I can think of a dozen schools just writing this so you shouldn’t have an issue.

Cheers Bobbi

[Bobbi Aralica]

Hi Diana,

It was some time ago that I sourced mine from an overseas supplier (Japan) but unfortunately I don’t have the details.
Have you tried asking your local florist because they often brand their ribbons? I think that’s where I got my referral from. Hope that helps if you don’t get any solid referrals.

There’s no shortage of ribbon wholesale suppliers online for the arts and craft businesses. They normally deal with other businesses but it’s worth trying as long as you have the schools ABN number.

Cheers
Bobbi

[Bobbi Aralica]

Hi Justine,

I don’t have a contact, nor am I an expert in SM but I hope the following suggestion helps.

Have you thought of searching your own extensive Alumni Network?(alumni-connect)
This could be the ideal opportunity to re-engage one (or more) of your alumni in the project. I’m certain you’d find people already working in the field or who are freelancers/business owners in Digital Marketing.
You may find a uni graduate or somebody who holds a Masters in Social Media would be ideal. They’d be close to the cause and hopefully bring enthusiasm to the project. (you may need to sell them on the Value Proposition)
Yes, you can get a masters in Social Media and they don’t need to come from the Education Industry because SM covers every business discipline.

You could also post a call out via your alumni LinkedIn group. Naturally, it’d help if you have a robust network, but you have to start somewhere. If you find somebody suitable who’s willing to help, then you can leverage this by creating a post and sharing the story. Hopefully, by doing this you’ll engage even more alumni to your networks.

Social Media platforms are about sharing, engaging and creating a community, so why not start with your own.

Your parent database could also prove to be a useful source.

Good luck and happy to talk further.
Cheers

Bobbi Aralica
Founder of LISMN
Business Community Networking

[Author]

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