The Yearbook World of Scott Geesey
from Jostens Yearbooks of central/northern Pennsylvania
ARCHIVE - FEBRUARY 13, 2022
The Time is NOW To Recruit Next Year's Staff
Hello! And hope you are still WELL. Interesting how that simple line has a lot more meaning after these last two years.
Thius is truly Crunch Time for yearbook - page deadlines need to be hit, winter sports and activities need to be covered or wrapped up, spring plans need to be made.
If you're behind schedule right now it's CRUCIAL to get back on schedule. Work with your staff to redouble your efforts to get back on track and as quickly as possible.
And while you're doing that, it's also time to start looking ahead to next year...
Don't wait, start recruiting for next year's yearbook staff NOW rather than later. Here's why...
If you haven't already, note my latest episodes of The Yearbooking Report in the right column here.
Both the video and the podcast feature my friend Lizabeth Walsh, one of our terrific Jostens Creative Accounts Managers. We call them CAMs.
And Liz pulls no punches on several subjects. The video has some highlights; the podcast has it all. Hope you can check out both, great listening .
The main topic is on recruiting your staff for next year. And while you may be busy right now or just occupied, this is something that really shouldn't wait. What are some key elements?
EDUCATIONAL CRISIS: I keep hearing that word more and more with schools. Both right now and looking to the future, it's a real mess.
And for your yearbook staff, it could mean trouble for you ahead. Liz shares some ideas on why it's a really good idea to start recruiting now, not later.
But again, you're busy now. What are some ideas to help with finding new staffers for next year?
HOLD AN OPEN HOUSE: What a great idea, yet a simple oneas well. Find a future day that your staff will be working, then promote that day to the student body for anyone to come see what your students do for any kids who have an interest.
When students show up ask your staffers to walk them through the various tasks that are part of your mix. Show then around the room, let them handle a camera, talk about the responsibilities.
And show them the FUN of yearbooking - here's hoping you do some fun things, right? have some snacks and drinks, make your yearbook effort one that people WANT to sign up for.
ASK STAFFERS TO SUGGEST CLASSMATES: Kids know kids. Your students will know of other students who might be a good fit for yearbook. Ask your staffers to make a list of classmates to approach.
Then take the time to write an invitation to the suggested students to check out yearbook for next year. People love to be formally invited to something, makes them feel special.
DON'T BE TOO EXCLUSIVE: My friend Liz says yearbook is for EVERYONE; yes, anyone. Don't get too picky on credentials or even experience.
Instead look for worker bees, not afraid to try new things or get their hands dirty. Hard working students can be taught anything. It's that work ethic that will lead to future success.
CONSIDER YOUNGER STUDENTS: And don't be afraid of having a younger staff. Often younger students will work harder than seniors who are sometimes on cruise control their final year.
I always cringe a bit with all-senior staffs because when some of them catch the dreaded senioritis, work slows down. Not a problem with younger staffers. And if you have a few seniors they can be good mentors for the youngsters.
Don't wait until student schedules get full for next year. Start your recruiting now and give yourself plenty of time to find next year's group.