Take Advantage of #TBT
Hopefully, you’ve come to love Thursdays and all of the “Throw Back Thursday” (TBT) activity across social sites. I have a few friends on Facebook who routinely post awesome (and embarrassing) photos from our school days. Professional sports teams use the trend to share historical and “wow” moments. The TBT posts are some of my favorites. I want to help you develop a strategy around this popular trend.
You have a history and culture to share, whether is member traditions at private clubs, championship matches in athletics, charity events in Greek chapters or special guests for graduate programs.
You’ll have to do a little digging in the archives to find some of your old photos, but when you do, learn what story is behind the photo. Is that anniversary approaching? Has a person in the photo become a public figure? Are you about to re-create that rivalry in present-day? Is there a reunion on the horizon? Commencement?
When you know what the story is in the photo, you can better plan when to post. Take a look at your event calendar, national holidays and other significant events to learn when is the best week to share that photo and how to tie that to current events. An example?
Private Clubs: Easter Brunch is coming up. Do you have a photo of children with the Easter Bunny who are now adult Members of the Club enjoying the tradition with their children?
Athletics: Professional sports drafts are about to take place. Do you have a photo of one of your alumni who went in the first round?
Greeks: In the coming months, you’ll enjoy one of your last social events of the year. Is there a traditional event you host for your seniors? Have a photo from past years?
Graduate Programs: How has your class size grown through the years? Do you have a photo of your first graduating class? Post that before your graduation this year and compare numbers.
The photo above is from my 6th birthday party. I still remember that Snow White cake from Howard’s Bakery. From LtoR: My brother Kevin, my cousin Sabrina, me, my cousin Robby. No doubt we played Musical Chairs and Pin the Tail on the Donkey, as well as the game where you spoon cotton balls into a bowl while wearing a blindfold. Good times.
If I were to actually use this photo in a TBT post, I could promote traditional children’s games, tips for making parties memorable or share the personal anecdote that I have worn bangs my entire life. I could also compare to a photo we took this past week at my niece’s 6th birthday at Chuck E. Cheese. Lots of angles to take from one little photo.
All of your old photos have captured a wonderful story in the location, the event and people in that moment. With a bit of creative and strategic thinking, you can tie past events and historical moments into current news. Celebrate your organization’s culture and history and capitalize on a hip trend which allows you to promote your uniqueness and share your story.
This post originally appeared in Shanna’s other business blog, before Private Clubs Online was created. It has been posted here because if its relevance to private club and member communication.
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