Mandy Potts, Marketing and Communications Manager at UW Oshkosh, is one of the 13 higher ed professionals presenting at the 2014 Higher Ed Content Conference.
Mandy oversees and implements the University’s content strategy, the on-campus news source UW Oshkosh Today and is the content and online editor for three alumni magazines.
In this 3-question interview, Mandy tells us about a content challenge, a secret weapon to create better content and shares some advice.
1) What is the biggest challenge you face in your day-to-day work on higher ed content?
In the day-to-day, I do not work directly with faculty, staff, students or alumni, which means I have to rely on others to give me tips about the good stories. I always say, “I cannot tell your awesome story if I don’t know about it.” My biggest challenge is not knowing a story exists. Pitch me a good story and I’ll tell it every time.
2) What is your secret weapon to get better higher ed content created?
Using the people who know the content or stories best—our UW Oshkosh Story Champions—is what helps our team create dynamic, distinctive content. In short, gathering the community of people who are eager and anxious to help tell UW Oshkosh’s story is my secret weapon.
3) What piece of advice would you give to somebody who wants to improve digital content?
They should start by becoming good friends with people around campus who can share with them what’s going on. The key to improving content—online or in print—is having strong relationships with people around your university who can help you find the good content and connect you with the sources.
