Joining us for today’s conversation is Allen Adamson, a true marketing wizard and the author of the fantastic new book, Seeing the How: Transforming. Transforming What People Do, Not Buy, To Gain Market Advantage
Alan is not just any marketing expert—he's a visionary who has worked with some of the world's leading brands, and he's here to share insights that are highly relevant for higher education.
Allen’s latest book is all about the power of experience innovation, a concept that can transform how we think about the student experience. We often hear about the importance of what we teach, but Allen is going to challenge us to think about how we deliver that education and why the student experience is so crucial in today’s competitive landscape.
We'll explore how universities can distinguish themselves by focusing on the overall experience they offer, from campus life to support services, and even how they
integrate technology. Alan will share practical strategies for understanding and enhancing the student journey, drawing from his vast experience in the corporate world and beyond.
So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and get ready for a thought-provoking conversation that may just leave you feeling a little bit uncomfortable.
Keywords experience innovation, product transformation, marketing, higher education, brand promise, customer
needs, consensus-driven environment, focus, execution, brand, unique experience, vision, customer journey, touch points, lenses, differentiation, higher education
· Experience innovation is about changing how the product fits into the customer's life and the overall experience it provides.
· In higher education, the focus should shift from the product (education) to the experience.
· Universities have multiple customers, including students, parents, faculty, and donors, and
the brand needs to work for all of them.
· Executing a brand promise is challenging in a consensus-driven environment, but it's important to focus on one key area of excellence.
· Word of mouth and social media play a significant role in shaping brand perception.
· Shared governance can limit the ability of colleges and universities to move forward with their brand promise.
· Some universities, like NYU, have successfully integrated their brand into the city they are located in, providing a unique experience for students. Having a clear
vision and the authority, resources, and time to execute it are crucial for creating a strong brand and delivering a unique experience.
· Understanding the customer or student journey and identifying touch points for improvement can lead to significant enhancements in the overall experience.
· Looking at the market through different lenses can help identify opportunities that may be right in front of us but are often overlooked.
· Staying true to an organization's roots and leveraging its DNA can drive innovation and differentiation.
· In higher education, focusing on a specific target audience and innovating on the student experience can help institutions better differentiate themselves.
and Discussion of Alan Adamson's Book
Innovation: Changing the Focus from Product to Customer Experience
the Multiple Customers of Universities
a Brand Promise in a Consensus-Driven Environment
Challenges of Shared Governance in Higher Education
Story: NYU's Integration of Brand and City Experience
Power of Focus and Execution
at the Market Through Different Lenses
Digital and Virtual Experiences
Through Focus and Innovation