Ten rules for presidents who want to stay cool under hot TV lights are presented including: be yourself, be likable, prepared, enthusiastic, specific, correct, and anecdotal, listen, bridge from where you are in a discussion to where you want to be on topics of your choice, and be cool. (MLW)

Suggestions to institutions of higher education on how to go about selecting a planned giving consultant include ask colleagues from other institutions whom they've used in the past; examine written proposals from a wide range of firms; look for chemistry and credibility; check references; and button down the terms of the consultancy. (MLW)

Based on Gustavus Adolphus College's experience with hiring a consultant for student recruitment, suggestions for optimizing the working relationship are provided. Issues include establishing needs, selecting a firm, setting a schedule, using progress reports, and avoiding communication problems. (MSE)

Seven public relations consultants weigh the pros and cons of seeking national media coverage. Some advantages include reaching a broad audience and coverage that boosts morale and commands respect. What is done with national coverage is more important than the amount. (MLW)

The world's largest public relations firm brought Humphrey Institute into contact with skilled special events professionals, fund raisers, and promotional strategists, and they didn't have to pay for their services. As pro bono consultants, the firm and the institute have learned to respect each other's needs and different agendas. (MLW)

Choosing a consultant to help with a computer system will have more impact on an office than any other decision made during the year. The major advantage of hiring computer consultants is that they bring in-depth expertise to the organization. Some basic rules for choosing a computer consultant are provided. (MLW)

A discussion of the relationship between campus public relations professionals and media relations consultants looks at why consultants are used, the best ways to use a consultant, searching for an agency, establishing fees and parameters, and making the relationship succeed. (MSE)

An informal survey of 19 media relations firms whose clients include schools, colleges, and universities revealed that institutions can contribute most to the success of the consultant-client relationship by planning, establishing goals and expectations, building a team, and identifying worthwhile stories. (MSE)

As the demand for qualified college fund raisers intensifies, institutions are turning to executive search firms. Professional recruiters increase access to candidates, can be persuasive, act as a buffer in salary negotiations, and free senior administrators from time-consuming personnel work. However, some firms show less responsibility than…

Applying prospect research techniques to donors on the college or university annual fund rolls can be effective without high cost. Simple segmenting can be done by manipulating existing computer files, as illustrated by the experience of a number of institutions. Using commercial analysis services can also be cost effective. (MSE)

It is proposed that an external audit of a college advancement program is analogous to a periodic physical examination that offers objectivity and expertise. Audits are appropriate at the time of administrative transitions, performance difficulties, and even periods of sustained success. Guidelines and expectations are discussed. (MSE)

It is proposed that online searching of fee-based search services offers institutional advancement professionals an efficient and often cost-effective method for researching donor prospects. Strategies for streamlining in-house online searching and for using vendor services effectively are outlined, and a number of databases and other useful…

This article proposes that a feasibility study should precede a major college fund-raising campaign. Issues to consider include what such a study can accomplish, what makes it credible, who should do it and when, how to determine who should be interviewed, time requirements, costs, consultant role, and expectations. (MSE)

The basic issues a college capital campaign feasibility study should resolve are discussed, and the major players are described. The feasibility study seeks to answer six questions: the campaign's case, leadership, the goal, the institution's ability to raise the money, timing, and the plan of action. (MLW)

College and university planned giving program administrators are advised to establish an advisory committee of financial professionals (attorneys, certified public accountants, brokers, investment advisors, financial planners, trust officers, insurance professionals) to act as a source of referrals, advice, and program support. Member selection,…