These days everywhere I turn, I hear this catchphrase: There’s an app for that! Apple has even trademarked it.
It got me thinking: apparently there must be an app for something, whether it’s already been developed or it’s inside you, yet to be born. Everyone has something that just irks them or winds them the wrong way and would love to find an app to solve or get rid of that. That’s what an app does – solves a problem or at least, makes life easier for its user.
Many moons ago, I loved watching The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch and was vexed when it was pulled. And then, I saw Sarah on Oprah, dear Sarah Blakely talking about Spanx. What an inspiring woman and a go-getter! For many women, Spanx solves a problem and so does an app.
During a recent conversation with a highly esteemed academic professional, I asked: how can an app help your department to be more efficient and achieve great goals?
This was how our conversation went:
Me: I believe your institution or even academic department needs an app. It’s time to move with modern technology and be out there. It’s okay to have a name (I guess be known) but what are you doing to increase enrollment management and build student retention? What is the goal of your department or institution?
Academe: Our goal is to build our brand promise. That is, when someone sees anything about the institution, what comes to his or her mind? If you can articulate everything that comes from the mind of any individual in the market when they hear the institution’s name; that is your brand promise – consistency across all campuses. What do you think of immediately when you hear, for example, Juilliard?
Me: Hmm.. performing arts. This means, you’d like an app that builds brand promise?
Academe: The bottom line for most institutions is to increase student enrollment. Is there an app for that?
There you go! An app can solve many problems. Get your think tank together and see what you can come up with, that is problems v. solutions. If you need brainstorming help, let me know.
So, what’s your big idea? Have you got an app for that? Do you have the pieces to the puzzle? Share your thoughts.
Image credit: sachyn
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I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Belinda is a Global Privacy and Cybersecurity Consultant, Corporate Trainer, Writer, and International Speaker with a unique blend of law and technology expertise. In addition, she is a digital entrepreneur, ordained pastor, mentor to women ready to impact their generation. She is the host of Destiny Chats podcast and lives in New York with her family. For consultation , click here
Very insightful, I was discussing this with an acquaintance just this week and completely agree.
Thanks JL.