In July of 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law the Morrill Land Grant Act as a sweeping effort to create agricultural colleges across the United States. In 1890, a full 17 years before Oklahoma was to become a state, the institution now known as Oklahoma State University was established in Stillwater, OK.
In December 2015, I had the opportunity to sit down with the Chris Batchelder, President & CEO of the Oklahoma State University Alumni Association. In short, this interview was a lot of fun.
While the conversation begins with some context of the current state of Oklahoma State University today (27,000+ students; huge influx of out-of-state enrollment; excitement, and so much more), we quickly dove deep into the role of the modern-day alumni association.
The primary role of any alumni association is connection. For those of you who have heard me speak, attended one of my leadership workshops, or regularly listen to the podcast, you have heard me say time and again that "connection" IS the most important skill every person should master.
Here's just a few highlights from the interview:
The OSUAA is alive and well with over 105 active chapters and "watch party" groups serving it's base. Did you know that 80% of Oklahoma State alumni members live within 50 miles of an active group?
Are you active in your own Alumni Association? What is your experience with Corporate Alumni Groups? How do YOU stay connected with others who have a common, emotional bond to a time or place? We want to hear! Share your stories and associations below!
To book Scott Cooksey to speak or lead a workshop at your organization, check out www.IdeaCharger.com!
Building on the momentum of recent weeks, in Episode 24, host Scott Cooksey shares how 2016 is off and running with intention and purpose.
Sharing how he practices what he suggests on the show, Cooksey reveals his "ONE BIG GOAL" for this year, shares what he is doing differently to achieve it, and why making time for your family and loved ones is important NOW....while you are building the life and business you really want.
One important fact to remember is that "nobody is responsible for your success but you" and further more, it is not anyone else's responsibility to make sure YOU get what YOU want.
The only question that remains is: What will you DO about it.
The simple questions and steps you need to take are all included in this podcast episode. Just remember that you don't have to be perfect right away, but you MUST move the needle in the right direction.
Share YOUR "Big Goal" for 2016 in the show notes at www.IdeaCharger.com/Episode24 and if you haven't listened to Episodes 21-23, and you're at the point of wanting to (re)gain control of your own life and business, this would be a great time to give these lessons a listen.
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This week's episode is short on show notes, but HUGE on energized thinking.
Listen in as Scott checks in from the road, on the eve of his first client workshop of the year.
We will be talking about his concerns surrounding the current trend toward "big data" and how it seems to be driving lot of questionable tactics in business; password frustrations & how a recent, ill-advised laptop purchase reminded him how much his network was really worth....and prompted a new "hide the electronics when irritated" policy for 2016.
It's fast. It's furious. It will hit home for you.
Give it a listen and leave your comments on the show page at www.ideacharger.com/episode23 or email Scott at podcast@ideacharger.com
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Scott Cooksey works with organizations and individuals to (re)energize their business and more rapidly produce profitable, lasting client relationships through a variety of offerings. Find out how Scott can work with you or your team at www.ideacharger.com and, of course, keep listening to the show!
New episodes EVERY TUESDAY MORNING! (U.S.)
Welcome to 2016! Following a little downtime with family over the Christmas and New Year's break, I didn't originally plan to release an episode this week, but alas....I was completely inspired by the blatant lack of great customer service from a major airline during my travels.
Let me be clear. I have had some WONDERFUL customer service experiences from a number of travel and related service industries. Everything from the unexpected free rental car in Little Rock from National Car Rental (I'm just glad they didn't call the police because the SUV I was driving was technically "missing") to the presidential suite upgrade at the Marriott in south Texas (the only perk of checking in after midnight followed by an early departure later that morning) to the exceptional on-board service from Judy McClure (of then Continental Express airline).
Here is my ORIGINAL POST about Judy.
Here is the FOLLOW UP...three years later (Yep....Judy did it AGAIN!)
This holiday, however, even in the midst of multiple social media posts (one including my preschool daughter asleep on the floor next to her tablet...exhausted from the delay - and THAT was JUST TO DROP OUR BAGS BEFORE SECURITY!)
You are not responsible for HOW your customers wind up at your doorstep or WHAT HAPPENED to them before you arrived, but YOUR RESPONSE WILL DETERMINE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. There is only one word you need to master: EMPATHY.
[This podcast includes a live recording FROM THE AIRPORT with all the details of a horrible experience....at this posting I am STILL WAITING for United Airlines to take me up on the offer to meet with them at Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport. [I made the offer in the "what else do you want us to know about your experience on December 28th, 2015 - phone number, email and offer to drive 22 miles to the airport to meet with them.]
Share your travel horror story:
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On our Blog: www.IdeaCharger.com/Episode22