Strange Fire: 5 Guiding Values

After some discussion with some people I really trust, I decided to change the title of the Strange Fire book from “Strange Fire: 5 Winning Principles” to “Strange Fire: 5 Guiding Values.”  The reasoning behind the change is simply that the book is not really a winning v. losing book, it’s more of a discussion on values.  And, since it’s posted on my www.guidingvalue.com Web site, it seems like a no-brainer.  Duh!

The full text of the book is posted at both www.guidingvalue.com and my spirit-related blog site www.spiritcurve.com.

Enjoy.

2007 National Prospective Law Student Study

2007 National Prospective Law Student Study

Once again I’ll be conducting a national market research survey of prospective law students. This will be the third such study I’ve conducted, the first was in 2004, the second was in 2005. Results from both studies are available for download at www.woodenpencil.com.

The study is free for all participating law schools. My firm creates the instrument, removes duplicate listings, sends the email invitation, collects, and reports on the data. Participating law schools simply provide their DIRECT INQUIRY email lists. LSAC rules prohibit the use of Candidate Referral Service email lists in market research projects. As a result, the only way to get a real national study of prospective law students is through cooperation among participating law schools.

In the past studies, the following law schools participated. Many have already confirmed their participation again this year.

Chicago-Kent College of Law

Duke University School of Law

Hamline University School of Law

Lewis and Clark Law School

Penn State University – Dickinson School of Law

The University of Cincinnati College of Law

The University of Denver College of Law


The University of Houston Law Center

The University of Southern California Law School

The University of Virginia School of Law

Washington University in St. Louis School of Law (St. Louis)

If your law school would like to be part of the study. Just email me and we’ll add you to the list. I’ll need the direct inquiry lists by the end of October.

Strange Fire – Full Text Posted

I just posted the full text of the Strange Fire book to the guidngvalue.com Web site in HTML format. You no longer have to download a PDF to read the text. Of course, if you WANT to download the PDF, you’re still welcome to do so and share.

Enjoy. Or not. 🙂

Open Proposal to Law School Deans and Admissions Directors

In addition to practicing law, I still consult with Law Schools relative to their branding and admissions marketing strategies.  This letter/post is for them.

Dear Law School Leader,

I’m betting you’re not in law school administration for the money. In fact, you probably believe that our society is lead by lawyers, and that lawyers continue to create and shape belief systems established during their law school experience. Why? Because lawyers like you are in your job to make a difference.

I may be the only law school branding and admissions marketing consultant with a J.D. and an active law practice. Because of this, I am continuously motivated to work with law schools, much like you are–to contribute to society. We can do this by working together to shape the law school experience of our future leaders.

We’re probably alike in other ways. For example, you’re probably tired of over-blown, mysteriously-priced proposals from marketing firms chasing your admissions marketing business; I know I’m tired of those. Is your account executive, consultant, and marketing firm actually worth the price of the hidden mark-ups added to their creative services and printing? Maybe, but you simply can’t tell from most proposals or invoices.

So, I’m doing something radically different in the higher education branding and admissions marketing business–making the process transparent.

Proposal: Do you really want to make a difference?

My proposal is simple: for a fee of $5,000/month for 1 year, plus a 10% mark-up on all my out-of-pocket creative and production costs, I’ll plan, direct, and execute top-quality branding and admissions marketing materials for your institution. This includes market research, email marketing, and publications development. For a bit extra, I’ll tackle your Website as part of the project.

Now that’s a deal worth investing in.

I will admit, this model isn’t for everyone; I’m only going to take on 4 clients per year. If you need new admissions materials for Fall of 2008, now is the time to start working on your admissions materials. I’m happy to discuss your situation and preferences. Call me with any questions you have at 970-493-1070 or email kevin@guidingvalue.com.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,
Kevin E. Houchin, Esq.
Principal Creative and Attorney

For more information on the TransparencFEE program, please download the PDF file below.

TransparencFEE Flier