Capitalize on Co-Branding

K-State Research and Extension’s strengths include the variety of programs we offer and the partnerships we develop. Partnerships can strengthen the marketing message for both groups by co-branding, which is a strategy to combine the strength of two or more brands for greater awareness and the overall good.

A national survey released February 17 indicates, however, that Land-Grant universities can do a better job of promoting partnerships. The survey includes interviews with more than 2,000 Americans, as well as 1,911 employees, 1,300 volunteers, and 1,260 current users of Extension services.

Two areas used as examples highlight the increasing need for all programs to associate their connection with K-State Research and Extension:

• Of those that have knowledge of their state’s 4-H program, only 9-percent knew that it is connected to the state’s Extension service.
• Of those that have knowledge of their state’s Master Gardener program, only 6-percent knew that it is connected to the state’s Extension service.

The marketing group that conducted the study cited those two examples, but the message was clear that all Land-Grant universities and their associated Extension programs can benefit from greater recognition of its partnerships.

Always use the K-State Research and Extension logo when promoting your local program, services, and activities. Current versions of our logos, slogans and more are available online at www.ksre.ksu.edu/techweb (then select KSRE Image Gallery).

More information on branding always is available from K-State Research and Extension’s marketing unit. Contact Pat Melgares at 785-532-1160. You can also read more and share your ideas on our blog, www.ksremarketingminute.blogspot.com.

--Pat Melgares melgares@ksu.edu

Capitalize on Co-Branding

How to Efficiently Manage your E-Mail Inbox

To help you keep up with all the e-mail you receive in a day, here are a few tips to help you more efficiently manage your e-mail inbox:
* For e-mails you receive regularly that only contain information (and are not items to act on), use a filter to move those messages out of your inbox.
* Make sure your SPAM filter is turned on and up to date.
* Once you are done with an e-mail, move it out of your inbox or just delete it if you don´t need it. Don't worry about filing it properly; you can always use the search feature to find it later.
* Take time each day to look through your inbox, and act on e-mail that you can take care of quickly.
* For e-mails you send often, save a copy and reuse it as often as you can.
* Avoid sending e-mail to more recipients than are absolutely necessary. That will help keep their inboxes clean.
If you have any questions, or would like to learn more about how you can use e-mail more efficiently, call IET at 785-532-6270 or e-mail us at support@ksre.ksu.edu. Not only can we assist with computer problems, but we can help you use technology more effectively in your everyday routine.

--Russ Feldhausen russfeld@ksu.edu

How to Efficiently Manage your E-Mail Inbox

Postal Rates and Reproducing Course Materials

Postal rates - and subsequently the cost of mailing newsletters and other printed materials -- are increasing. But the U.S. Postal Service recently announced new guidelines for automating delivery of compatible bulk mail.

What it means for K-State Research and Extension is an opportunity to reduce mailing costs. Check with your local postmaster to learn what you can do when producing your printed materials to get the best mailing rate.

Here's another opportunity that some faculty on K-State's Manhattan campus already are taking advantage of. K-State Research and Extension's duplicating center is printing course materials that can then be sold through the distribution center directly to students.

If you've got an idea for taking advantage of this service, contact Greg LeValley at 785-532-1158 or glevalle@ksu.edu ; or Gina Nixon at 785-532-5804, or gnixon@ksu.edu .

--Greg LeValley

Postal Rates and Reproducing Course Materials