Communication Makes Great Yearbooks

#yearbooksuccess. As with just about everything in life communication is a key component to creating a great Yearbook.  It won't create the spreads or win awards but it will help with fewer errors, typos and peace of mind throughout the year. In my experience great Yearbooks don't just happen.  They are the result of keen editors that send an email after every deadline asking me to log in and look at a spread they worked extra hard on. Great Yearbooks are also the result of teachers that go the extra distance by calling the editors at home before each deadline to remind them, cheer them on and thank them for their hard work. Sometimes great Yearbooks are the result of a customer service representative that noticed a mug shot duplicated or missing.  Yearbooks tell stories.  Stories of the school year, or the successful student but their story runs deep. Deeper than most know.  Life is good, Yearbooks are great and you are appreciated. 

Matt Sloan

The Offiice of Matt and Mary Sloan

Representing Herff Jones Inc.

matt@yearbookplanet.com

Why Deadlines Are So Important

Over the past fifteen years as a Yearbook Sales Professional I have met many Yearbook staffs. Great staffs understand the importance of deadlines- especially the first deadline. While many of my competitors promote "no deadlines" (something that really doesn't make sense when you think about it- after all when would the Yearbook deliver?) it's my belief that deadlines teach students important life lessons. School essays and assignments have deadlines don't they? Meeting the first Yearbook deadline is so important. The first deadline for a spring delivery is usually mid November and it's no coincidence that the schools that have GREAT yearbooks crush the first deadline. Often they submit their cover a few weeks ahead of time or even have a preliminary design in the late spring of the previous school year. If you are considering removing the pressure of deadlines for your staff please don't. Instead set mini deadlines. Consider 5-6 deadlines but with smaller page counts. Plan to celebrate each deadline and reward the editors with pizza, a trip to Starbucks or something everyone can get into. After all isn't it better to celebrate #yearbooksuccess rather than sweat the delivery date because the staff submitted everything late? I think so and the best Yearbook staffs will likely agree.

Life is good, Yearbooks are amazing and you are appreciated.

Matt Sloan

The Office of Matt & Mary Sloan

Representing Herff Jones Inc.

905.605.1069