Branding KSRE

Later this year, K-State Research and Extension's Department of Communications plans to release a branding guide to introduce the organization's branding strategy and help employees understand ways to strengthen our image.
K-State Research and Extension's communications goal is to create and reinforce the impression that we are:* science-based,* practical,* unbiased,* inclusive, and* community-based.
The more we understand our brand, the more consistently we will express and represent it, and the stronger it will become. By representing the values listed above, people will know our organization as trustworthy, knowledgeable, and focused on their needs.
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

Branding KSRE

KSRE Garden Publications

With families trying to trim food budgets and eat more healthful foods, home vegetable gardening has been growing in popularity. K-State Research and Extension horticulture experts have been teaching folks how to garden for years, so this trend presents an opportunity to highlight that expertise and reach new audiences.
As you look for ways to enhance programming, consider the "Kansas Garden Guide," S51. This update of the longtime favorite offers tips for garden planning and care, harvest and storage of common vegetables, as well as new vegetable varieties, many suitable for small spaces.
As you plan for the upcoming year, think beyond traditional audiences, and consider using this publication in 4-H Youth Development, with seniors, or in EFNEP programs. The 84-page, full-color guide appears on the current order form at a cost of $3.50. Here's a preview: http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/library/DesktopModules/ViewDocument.aspx?DocumentID=1241 .
The guide will be delivered in time for winter garden shows. Remember that you may be able to recoup costs for publications through program registration fees.
Our Publications and Videos site has changed. To order before the pre-print deadline of October 30, use the current order form mailed to your office or visit the site at: http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/library/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=16 . Select Draft Publications from the menu on the left, then Drafts for Employees, and finally, New Publication Order Form.
For more information, contact the Distribution Center at 785-532-5830, or the publications unit at 785-532-1148.

-- Nancy Zimmerli-Cates nancyz@k-state.edu

KSRE Garden Publications

Social Media and KSRE

KSRE's marketing unit recently sent a request to counties asking for examples of people using social media to help promote their programs. In less than two hours, we received a dozen examples within our system.
Many are using Facebook to promote upcoming events, 4-H and food safety programs, and more. A few others who responded said they are using Twitter, blogs, and text messaging. Are these worth your time? Recent research indicates that they are. An article at http://www.socialmedia.biz/ indicates that:
* 2/3 of the global internet population visits social networks, and time spent on social networks is growing at three times the overall internet rate; and* visiting social networks is now the fourth most popular online activity -- ahead of reading personal e-mail.
According to statistics from Facebook, the fastest-growing demographic of Facebook users are those 35 years and older.
If you believe social networking can boost your program, make the effort to do it right. The power of social networking is great, so be strategic in your communication via social networks. Know which social media tool works for your desired target audience. And, find workshops or other learning opportunities that will help you maximize social networking.
You can also visit the Communications Expo during this year's annual conference, where members of the Department of Communications will be sharing information on social networking.
-- Pat Melgares melgares@ksu.edu

Social Media and KSRE

Importance of Multi-Channel Communications

There is a theory in marketing, called the "three-times convincer" concept. It states 80 percent of people need to hear a message three times before they buy into it, 15 percent need to hear it five times, and five percent up to 25 times.

In other words, sometimes you need to repeat a message many times for your audience to internalize it. That is, you need to repeat a message many times before your audience will internalize it. (See, it works!)

But, what is the best way to distribute the message? It depends on your audience.
* If you're trying to reach the under-20 crowd, you better look to mobile technology to communicate.
* If aiming for the metro-commuters you should consider radio spots.
* If you're hoping to inform the retiree, communicate through the newspaper.

And if you want them to actually internalize the message, you should send the message every way you can.

In an organization like ours, where we need to reach all segments of the public with our information, it is essential that we employ multiple channels to communicate. Through print news, radio, television, Websites, twitter, Facebook, e-mail, mobile marketing, newsletters, columns, tangibles, publications, and programs, we can blanket the audience with our messages.

We can reach not only the 80 percent who need to hear it three times, but the 15 percent that need to hear it five times. Thankfully, we have the infrastructure within KSRE to be able to use multi-channel marketing effectively and efficiently.

For more on multi-channel communication, go to:

• How Multi-Channel marketing is like a county fair (You may need to register for free to read this article)
• Wiki: Multi-channel Marketing
• Or check out the book “Multichannel Marketing: Metrics and Methods for On and Offline Success” by Akin Arikan (Preview available online)

Importance of Multi-Channel Communications

K-State Research and Extension Business and Economics

K-State Research and Extension Business and Economics

K-State Research and Extension Business and Economics

Forming Plurals

When you need to write about a multiplicity of items, you need to be able to form plurals. Some plural forms are easy: If you have more than one cat, you have cats. This follows the most common way to form a plural in English -- add s to the end of the word (dogs, 4-H'ers, tools).

If a word ends in s you add es (buses, horses). This rule also applies to words that end in ch, sh, ss, tch, x, or zz (couches, axes, dishes, watches).

Many words ending in y form the plural by changing the y to ies (try becomes tries, kitty becomes kitties). When the y is preceded by a vowel, you usually just add an s (days, trays). For proper names where a consonant precedes the y, just add s (Kelly becomes Kellys).

Words ending in o sometimes cause confusion. Many form the plural by simply adding s (radios, solos, pianos), but others add es (potatoes, tornadoes, tomatoes). Check a dictionary if you're uncertain.

Form the plural of an individual letter by adding 's (A's, B's, C's, D's, F's). This is the one of the only times you use an apostrophe to form a plural (it helps avoid confusion with other words). Form the plural of multiple letters or single- or multiple-digit numbers without an apostrophe: ABCs, pdfs, 1970s, 1s.

There are other ways to form plurals in English. Consult a dictionary for correct spelling of any word you're unsure of. --Linda Gilmore lindagi@ksu.edu

Forming Plurals

Saving Money on Print Newsletters

The print newsletter continues to be an effective communication piece for local offices. The good news is that local offices should still be able to provide a quality print newsletter within budget. Here are some money-saving tips:

* Look for creative ways to distribute your newsletter. Save postage costs by putting the newsletter in racks at the local supermarket, café, hardware store, Co-op, or other public area.

* Use K-State Research and Extension's print shop to produce your newsletter. Because of quantity pricing, the Duplicating Center can produce your newsletter for less, and local offices don't have to pay the lease cost, copy charge and supplies for your own machine.

The Duplicating Center also is looking into the feasibility of providing distribution racks to counties at no charge. Learn more about the Duplicating Center's services by visiting www.communications.ksu.edu , or call Greg LeValley at 785-532-1158

Saving Money on Print Newsletters