Random thoughts on a random week...
A year ago around this time I followed this basic theme so let's try it again......
RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS WEEK: Let's plan ahead a little - next week, February 13-19, is the annual observance of this week for folks to just do kind or helpful things for others, just because you can. So why not? Take a little time next week to help out someone in a jam, give someone a ride, offer a favor, etc. I've found that when you do something helpful for someone, at some point they'll do something helpful for you. GIve it a try!! And perhaps offer this to others and make it a wide effort in your school next week, a great idea.
CHECK OUT MY NEW PHOTOGRAPHY LEARNING LINK: In the left column here check out my new link on learning good photography. It features some interesting websites to help take steps to snap better images to make your yearbook even better. And if you come across other interesting photo websites in your travels please let me know so I can add them to this list.
CONTESTS, LOTS AND LOTS OF CONTESTS: In my travels I've seen some interesting photos, ones worthy of our annual Jostens Photo Contest. But you have to ENTER to have a chance to WIN. The deadline to enter is coming up fast so if your staffers have taken a few thought provoking shots this year, please enter them in the contest. Get the details on your Yearbook Avenue website by going to Showcase, then Contests. Download the entry form, note the instructions on submitting, fill out and mail in. For junior high and middle school advisers please note that there is a separate category for you so your students are not going up against older students. But HURRY - March 1 is the entry deadline!! Or click here to download this year's contest form.
Coming soon for YearTech Online users it's the annual YTO page design contest which can be done easily right through Yearbook Avenue. That contest won't officially start till March 1 but be ready; watch for the announcement on YBA in the coming weeks.
WORD OF MOUTH SALES IN THE 21ST CENTURY: Getting a suggestion from someone else about a product or service has always been the most effective way to spread a sales message. It still works for yearbooks but in this current age, word of mouth has more options. For my advisers I've shared some unique ideas for using email, phone calling, texting and more to help spread the message to students and parents that your yearbook is for sale and how to get one. Emaiing has been a huge success this year thanks to some great tools on your own Yearbook Avenue website. Please take the time to try these FREE ideas and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the outcome!
CHECK MY CYBERBULLYING LINK: Have you ever noticed the button at the top of the left column here? It's a link to a valuable website filled with ideas on fighting cyberbullying, still a hot topic in schools this year. And Jostens is working actively on more initiatives to help our partner schools to educate students on this topic..
CHECK OUT JOSTENS ON FACEBOOK: For ardent Facebookers out there, be sure to add the Jostens Facebook page to your list and friend us. Just go to facebook.com/jostens to check us out. Leave comments, make suggestions, check out new ideas and offerings and our Jostens Facebook team will respond or keep you updated on the latest.
IMPROVE YOUR YEARBOOK WITH A COOL YEAR IN REVIEW SUPPLEMENT: Jostens offers two different year-in-review inserts for different types of schools. There's the 16 page World Beat supplement, chock full of great information from the year, tons of story telling images and stylish design. And What's Up is a fun eight page supplement remembering the year for elementary students. It's not too late to add one of these memorable items to your yearbook so please check them out and let me know!
ANY NASCAR FANS OUT THERE?: Here's a website to check out - jostens.com/daytona. If you're a NASCAR race fan this is one website to visit, with a chance to get a piece of the old Daytona race track from its recent repaving project. Get the full story on the repave with a cool video and many mementos available for purchase as we assisted the Daytona race folks in remembering this major change last year. With this year's annual Daytona 500 coming up soon it's time for race fans to get ready. Make this neat website part of your preparation.
OK, how's that for random? See you soon, have a great week!
Is your yearbook staff using a cool Jostens Yearbook Widget to showcase some of your work, along with including quick links for buying your book or sharing images with you? Below is my own fun yearbook widget - ask me today about how to start yours. It's FREE, easy to use and could bring your yearbook effort some big dividends!
