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/

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