Issue 219

Author

Brendan Schneider
December 30, 2024

In partnership with

PROLOGUE
Starting Fresh with GTD

The calendar has almost flipped to 2025, and if you're like me, your inbox is overflowing with half-read messages, your desk is cluttered with post-it notes, and your brain is swimming with all the marketing projects you need to tackle this year.

Sound familiar?

Here's my recommendation: Before diving into another hectic year of social media posts, email campaigns, and website updates, grab a copy of David Allen's Getting Things Done. For years, this book has been my secret weapon for managing the chaos of school marketing.

Why GTD? Because it's not just another productivity system – it's specifically designed for knowledge workers drowning in inputs and competing priorities.

Sound like any school marketers you know?

The core principle is simple: get everything out of your head and into a trusted system. Every email, every request from the Head of School, every brilliant marketing idea that hits you at 2 AM – capture it all. Then, process it through a clear workflow that helps you decide what needs attention now and what can wait.

For us in school marketing, this is game-changing. Imagine having a clear system for handling:

  • Last-minute requests to take photos

  • Multiple admission event promotions

  • Website updates from various departments

  • Newsletter deadlines

  • Development office requests

The beauty of GTD is that it creates mental space. When you know every task and project is captured in a reliable system, your brain can stop that endless loop of "Don't forget to..." and focus on strategic thinking instead.

As we kick off 2025, I challenge you to give GTD a try. Start with the book, implement it piece by piece, and watch how it transforms your work life. Your marketing campaigns (and your stress levels) will thank you.

Let me know if you decide to try it – I'd love to hear how it works for you.

Here's to a productive 2025!

Thanks,
Brendan

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The Role of Social Media Integration in School Website Design

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MARCOM JOB

Videographer / Visual Media Specialist @ Ensworth School

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