The recommendations we have received have been on target and, when implemented, have achieved the desired results. I have enjoyed my association with The Lawlor Group and intend to use the firm in the future.

— Harry J. Haynsworth
President and Dean (retired)
William Mitchell College of Law
St. Paul, Minnesota

The Smarketplace

Nail biting and other preoccupations

Posted March 25th, 2009, by John L.

In college admissions offices across the country, admissions deans hardly have time to bite their nails, but give them a moment of unstructured time and that's exactly what they'll be doing. It isn't pretty nor even sanitary—but it's essential to making it through the next five weeks.

Leadership in difficult times

Posted March 19th, 2009, by John L.

A friend of mine who is the managing partner of several companies and a non-profit board leader shared this article with me. Whether you are college president, chief enrollment officer, or department head, this sage advice from Bill George

The value of a college education

Posted March 18th, 2009, by John L.

I heard an interesting comment on Tuesday evening about the value of a college education: "Education used to be a growth stock.

E-Marketer reports social media and blogs are on the rise

Posted March 17th, 2009, by John L.

Today's issue of e-Marketer notes that social networks and blogs are more popular than e-mail. Search and destination sites still remain the most popular, but there is no question about the growth in the use of social networks and blogs. We believe this is another indication of the importance of colleges and universities using social media to manage and strengthen their brand reputations. As the stealth market grows, the need for brand awareness and brand equity is no longer an option, but an absolute necessity.

Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Lawlor Clan

Posted March 17th, 2009, by John L.

LAWLOR is authentically Irish, so we wish everyone the best including a nice pot of "net revenues" at the end of the admission rainbow.

Higher Education Marketing Report recognizes TLG

Posted March 2nd, 2009, by Lynsey

The results of the 24th Annual Admissions Advertising Awards are in—and The Lawlor Group has garnered national recognition once again for our collaborations with college clients.

Challenges are not to be feared

Posted February 20th, 2009, by John L.

The March 2009 issue of Fast Company magazine focuses on innovation. In its article about what the magazine believes are the world's most innovative companies, the discussion opens with

Despite what you may have read or heard, this is a very important time to invest in your web site

Posted February 16th, 2009, by John L.

The February 4, 2009, issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education had a report by Eric Hoover and Beckie Supiano about highlights from several panel discussions that were held at the annual NAICU conference in Washington. One particular comment caught my attention and prompted me to write Mr. Hoover immediately. Here is an excerpt from the Chronicle report:

Presidential insights

Posted February 16th, 2009, by John L.

Today is Presidents' Day and Abraham Lincoln seems very relevant for the times. In light of a turbulent economy and the challenges facing society including higher education, his words from long ago seem appropriate for today: "The best way to predict your future is to create it." If we wait for the future to happen, nothing positive is going to happen. So, as we reflect on the legacy of presidents long gone, let us focus today on creating legacies for tomorrow.

Desperation is best friends with new ideas

Posted October 12th, 2008, by John L.

This statement appeared several years ago in a Fast Company magazine article I came across. The president of Chrysler at the time was ruminating about how some of Chrysler’s best product development ideas came on the heels of some very challenging economic times for the auto manufacturer. There is no question these are challenging times for higher education, but for some individuals and organizations this is also the time for ingenuity, creativity, and innovation. The landscape of higher education may never be the same again, but the opportunities for new ideas may never be better.