In 2012 I was in grad school figuring out the next steps in my career. Knowing like-minded professionals with a common educational experience would be incredibly helpful, I tried to tap the network for mentorship and professional networking.
And although my school assured me of the power of the network, it took a ton of effort to actually utilize it. The alumni directory was static and limited, and the community existed in fragments across LinkedIn, Facebook, and various internal programs. But having planned all my high school reunions, I wasn't shy about tracking people down.
So, I copied 50 emails one by one off each profile of alumni near me in related industries, and sent a message to them all. Half of them bounced right off the bat. But the other half was truly interested in connecting because it was local and relevant.
Fourteen attended the 'hyperlocal happy hour' we set up on evite, unbeknownst to our school. Bios were collected on a google doc for pre-networking. And at the event, incredible new relationships were formed. One alum hired another as a consultant, two started a new venture together, and although two alumnae had known each other for years through the kid's sports teams, they never even realized they went to the same school.
Our alma mater didn't witness any of this engagement.
Nor could they see the opportunity to engage this enthusiastic networker as a volunteer. Worst of all, I learned that every attendee would have donated to the school afterward if appropriately asked.
There is infinite goodwill that can be nurtured through organic, authentic engagement. The missed opportunities for alumni and the organizations that serve them are too great. We have to provide the tools they deserve to maximize the networks they've invested in. By providing ongoing value, you can build the goodwill to get better outcomes when you make the ask. 360Alumni helps you do just this.
360Alumni's innovative, intuitive, all-in-one solution for member engagement and fundraising launched in late 2013. We dedicate ourselves every day to building a product your people will want to come back to month after month, year after year. We put client success first and have earned 100% client retention since August of 2016. Our customers agree - the service and guidance offered by 360Alumni are unparalleled in the industry.
- Christina Balotescu, Founder & CEO
OUR VISIONIs to unlock the potential of human networks to advance individual and organizational success. |
OUR missionIs to be recognized by our customers, and the people they serve, as the most effective alumni engagemet platform in the world. |
360Alumni, LLC
85 Ethan Allen Highway
Building 2
Ridgefield, CT, 06877
©2018 360Alumni, LLC
connect@360alumni.com
+1 (424) 888-0360