Conferences...Here We Come!

NFSEE has two conferences coming up and we are rushing around trying to get everything set (Check out our NFSEE calendar for more information!).

There is so much to do: posters, presentations, handouts, promotional items all need to be delivered and on a very tight budget! But as always with a little creativity in thinking "outside the box" we find there is much one can do on limited funds. NFSEE is no exception!

There is talk of "branding" ourselves among members of the NFSEE Executive Committee. We believe this is very important as we continue to Build the Big Pic.

So what are some things we need to consider when branding NFSEE? First we need to ensure our "name says it all." When a potential student member or specialist looks at our name they need to be able to determine in a moment if we are the organization for them. The National Future Scientists & Educators of Extension tells prospective supporters who we are and what we stand for as an organization.

Another important point to consider is "the package." This does not mean we are selling something necessarily, it is more about what we offer students, specialists and the public as part of the "whole package" of NFSEE. We are struggling with this one right now in developing handouts, posters, presentations and mailings for the upcoming conferences. We often will start with one idea and end in another, but as long as the materials match and color schemes go together smoothly it works well. Ideally, when someone sees something with the NFSEE name and logo on it we want them to make a connection to something else they have seen with the NFSEE name on it so that we have created "brand recognition" in their mind. They see the NFSEE product, logo, etc and know immediately that they are dealing with The National Future Scientists & Educators of Extension.

Two other points to consider are "history" and "reputation." While most people would fall asleep with a long drawn out history lesson on NFSEE or the Cooperative Extension Service, many are very interested in where the NFSEE organization came from and where we are planning to go. This can be very quickly outlined on our "About Us" page.

Our reputation is seen as even more important in that as a non-profit student organization, in order for others to see us the way we would like them to see us, we must work each day to live by our mission statement. Those of us on the NFSEE Executive Committee already do this in that we are actively participating in opportunities to recruit and inform students about the opportunities in the NFSEE or the Cooperative Extension Service. Our reputation speaks volumes to those who come into contact with NFSEE each day and our job is to make a positive difference in the lives of these students. Further our job is to serve as an integral part of the educational mission of Extension.


This leads us to our last point of important consideration in branding ourselves: "customer satisfaction." Students, professionals, specialists and funding sources are all "potential customers" for NFSEE. Their impression of NFSEE can make the difference in whether they support or avoid us as a professional organization. Our goal is that students will experience the benefits of membership in NFSEE the moment they join. Current NFSEE programming, brings students together with Extension professionals who are enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families across the United States. By providing students with challenging educational experiences, research and application opportunities, volunteer services and self-directed activities, professional development is enhanced and successful careers in Extension are launched. Deciding on a career is one of life’s greatest decisions. The NFSEE can help students make an informed choice about lifelong career goals.

Please stay tuned as we continue Building the Big Pic in branding NFSEE successfully for life.