Having an alumni management platform is one of the best ways to engage with graduates from your institution. With such a forum, you can easily keep tabs on alumni and their progress.
Additionally, with an effective alumni management platform, individuals can grow their careers and professionals by leveraging existing networks. These are just some of the evident benefits of an active platform.
However, in some cases, you may not reap these benefits as the platform struggles with effective communication. Many of these benefits are tied to consistent communication.
For example, if you have an opportunity that could benefit someone on the platform, you can easily update on the platform. If there’s effective communication, even without going to the platform, the opportunity will end up reaching the right audience.
An overly busy online alumni management platform will also prove ineffective when it comes to communication. This is because relevant communication may end up being buried in information that may not be as useful.
As a result, the success of any alumni management platform such as Hivebrite lies in the adequate flow of communication. This applies to both parties – the institution and the alumni.
Is your alumni management platform streamlined? Unfortunately, the answer in most cases is a resounding no. This then begs the question: What can you do to ensure an effective communication flow between the institution and the alumni? Here are a few effective yet practical tips.
Tips to streamline alumni management platforms communication
1. Roll out the welcome wagon
How do you welcome a new alumnus to the platform? Most institutions have no engagement plan when it comes to new registries. However, the way you welcome new parties to online engagement platforms sets the standard of communication.
You don’t have to overdo the welcome message. In fact, you can have an automated system set to welcome any alumni joining the platform. This can be a short series of emails or information explaining the platform and how communication will happen.
This initial engagement helps the new alumnus reconnect with the institution and feel right at home.
2. Tailor your communication
The other major mistake that often happens is having generic and uninspiring communication on the platform. Engagement levels drop when the content being shared is out of touch or doesn’t resonate with the target audience.
For example, recent graduates who just joined the platform are most likely looking to build professional networks and possibly get lucrative opportunities. In such a case, they would be more engaging if they see opportunities on the platform.
When there aren’t any opportunities, you can also arrange for older and seasoned professionals to offer recent graduates’ guidance.
In short, to build effective communication on your alumni management platform, you should appeal to the parties’ desires.
3. Nurture a safe space for all
Have you ever been in a position where you’re trying to say something but the other person won’t let you? This can often be the feeling in many alumni management platforms.
Some parties may feel entitled to the platform, which will likely lock others out. A great way to proceed is by creating a safe space where everything is respectable to the other person’s opinions. Additionally, everyone should feel free to contribute to the platform.
Ultimately, your alumni management platform’s success hinges on the communication and engagement levels of all parties. These tips will help you create a functional and interactive platform where everyone can benefit from.
