Keith Paul

Hello, intrepid explorers of both the literal and metaphorical heights! Today, I’m here to share with you a tale that begins with a leap – quite literally – off the Stratosphere in Las Vegas, and how this thrilling adventure led to unexpected insights into leaping into marketing strategies. So, buckle up (or, should I say, strap in for the jump) as we dive into this exhilarating journey!

It all started on a bright, sunny day with the kind of clear blue sky that calls for doing something outrageous. And what’s more outrageous than jumping off the Stratosphere, one of the tallest freestanding observation towers in the United States? Standing at the edge, looking down at the miniature world below, heart pounding, palms sweaty – I took the plunge. That moment of free fall was pure adrenaline, a blend of fear, excitement, and an intense rush of living on the edge. It was a leap of faith, trust in the harness, and the team securing me from above.

But here’s where it gets interesting. While floating down, suspended by a thin cable, amidst the thrill and the breathtaking views of the Strip below, my mind did what it does best – wandered. I began thinking about marketing strategy can start with a decision shrouded in fear and excitement, with potential outcomes that can seem as distant and uncertain as the ground appeared from the tower’s edge.

Then it hit me – if we could capture the essence of taking that leap, of overcoming fears and embracing new experiences, we could use it to inspire customers (a/k/s students) to take their own plunge? But how do we convey this message effectively? How do we encourage students to jump into new opportunities?

VIDEO: Me in 2011, “leaping” off the Las Vegas Stratosphere while working the EMC World Conference

The answer, my friends, is marketing that resonates on a personal level. Here are a few strategies inspired by my Stratosphere adventure:

Just as I lived to tell the tale of the jump, share stories of alumni who’ve successfully transitioned to new careers or further education after attending your community college. Let these narratives be your parachute, offering assurance and relatability.

Just as the safety harness and expert team gave me confidence to jump, your marketing should highlight the support services available to students. Tutoring, career advice, and counseling are NECC’s safety nets.

Incorporate visuals in your marketing materials that evoke the excitement and transformative potential of education. Think dynamic classroom scenes, hands-on learning, and community engagement activities that invite prospective students to imagine themselves in those settings.

Experiment with emerging tech (both TECHnique and TECHnology) for promotional materials, allowing prospective students to ‘experience’ aspects of campus life or their chosen field of study? It’s the educational equivalent of standing atop the Stratosphere, looking down and imagining the thrill of possibilities.

Forget those flyers. Share bite-sized, engaging content that captures the adventurous spirit of embarking on a new educational journey. Use NECC’s platforms on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to tell stories, share testimonials, and showcase our vibrant community college life.

Just as I found solid ground after my jump, potential students will find that taking the first step towards further education is not as daunting as it seems. By using marketing strategies that connect on a human level, that inspire and reassure, community colleges can encourage more individuals to take their leap of faith.

So, here’s to taking the plunge, in both adrenaline-fueled adventures and the pursuit of lifelong learning. After all, the journey of a thousand miles (or a few hundred feet off the Stratosphere) begins with a single step… or in this case, a LEAP!