The Yearbook World of Scott Geesey
from Jostens Yearbooks of central/northern Pennsylvania
ARCHIVE - AUGUST 22, 2021
IT'S A NEW YEAR: What are Five Keys to Success, No Matter the Challenges?
Hello! Here's a hope that you had a terrific summer break. But here comes another school year, and another challenging one at that.
Let's hope this @#$& virus only affects schools and folks here at the start. But as we do this update in late August it looks like a rough beginning in too many places.
Still, it's possible to have a great yearbooking effort this year no matter those challenges. Definitely check out our Yearbooking Report video and podcasting feature in the right column here. Watch/listen for comments from a rookie adviser last year who took on the job - her staff responded with probably the best yearbook in school history.
And you can do it too, veteran or rookie. How to get things started? Read on below...
What are five things to tackle right at the start of another year?
As you;re reading this, some schools in parts of the country began classes in early August. Others won't start until after Labor Day.
But no matter your situation, or your experience, what are five things to consider as you begin your yearbook effort?
DO SOME PLANNING WITH YOUR YEARBOOK REPRESENTATIVE: I'm starting my 23rd year as a Jostens representative. I always enjoy planning with an adviser and staff for their annual effort.
But in too many cases the yearbook rep is only seen as a "salesperson." And perhaps for some that's all that matters - but for many others we really relish the change to help a group create their best edition ever.
If you haven't already, get together with your representative soon and do some planning - your theme, maybe a custom cover design, the page ladder and coverage, and yes your sales plan. Sales is important of course, it's what pays the bills each year.
Your yearbook representative should be a valuable resource so please use them - for ideas, inspiration, and maybe even a gentle kick in the pants for any staff that needs it. We're your partner in this endeavor.
CREATE YOUR ORGANIZATION: This is something that many advisers and staffs don't pay enough attention to. But good organization is the ultimate key to success with your yearbook project.
Advisers, you have enough to do at school. Don't put all of the yearbook decision making on your shoulders. Instead choose some student editors to help you lead the group.
Who to choose? It doesn't have to be the smartest kids in the room, or the most creative. But it should be the student or students who have the most passion for yearbook, the ones who enjoy the class and can't wait to tell stories in different ways.
ORGANIZE YOUR BOOK: And once your staff is setup, now plan for this year's effort. What is your theme this year, if you have one? What will your cover look like? What material and topics will be included this year?
And another big key is telling stories. Once again this year, or at least this fall, some events and activities may be cancelled because of the Virus That Shall Not Be Named. A yearbook isn't just about groups and events - it's really about stories, of as many students as you can cover.
A challenge I've through out for years now: it's not just what stories will you tell this year. it should be more about HOW MANY stories will you tell? Every kid in school has some story to tell - share as many as possible, in your book but also on social media or elsewhere. It's what students realy want.
TAKE PICTURES, LOTS OF PICTURES: This one's a no-brainer, yet every year I see yearbook staffs who don't have enough good photos for their page designs.
The simple rule? Take a TON of photos every time you go out to cover something or tell someone's story. Your camera or smartphone can handle it, and you can easily delete any unwanted images later. Take a pile of photos and you'll have a least a few in there that will be good shots to use on pages.
But another item to handle early on is some teaching on GOOD photography, something anyone can do even with a smartphone. Need help? Use the cool Jostens J-class videos for guidance and teaching from top experts and advisers in the field. On Yearbook Avenue just click on the Digital Classroom.
BEGIN YOUR SALES PROMOTION: Many yearbook staffs wait to handle anything sales until later in the fall. Instead, do some initial promotion right from the start.
Think about it: energy for the school year is never higher than right at the beginning, for both students and parents. Take advantage of that energy by starting your new book sale right away. Same goes for ad sales. Ask your representative to help you setup your plans.
A great start to the year will help you and your staff to create a great effort all year. A rough start could lead to frustration for advisers and kids alike.
Here's to a great yearbook effort this year. Remind your students: we make yearbooks for life, not just for this year. When folks want to remember the 2022 school year in the future, they'll go to your yearbook to relive those memories. Your audience is counting on your group to tell and remember the stories of the year - let's do this!