That’s why a year-long campaign launched in February by Emerson Electric toward exactly this demographic was so important for the Ferguson, Mo.-based diversified manufacturer, whose largest business measures things such as temperature, flow and pressure for chemical and food makers, oil and gas producers and pipeline companies. And it may contain lessons for other manufacturing leaders.
Emerson kicked off an “I love STEM” marketing campaign with a high-profile television ad and an affiliation with wildly popular, self-proclaimed online “science nerd” Hank Green in connection with the company’s 125th anniversary in 2015. By partnering with Green, Emerson tapped into more than 8 million YouTube subscribers and more than 1 billion video views as well as gaining credible access to a younger, science-minded audience.
“Emerson gets it,” said a new report by the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation and BusinessOnline. “Today’s youth communicate and consume media differently and digitally—not via traditional media,” said a MAPI report on digital marketing by B2B manufacturers. “Peer influence and opinion matter, and Green’s popularity speaks to his connection to young men and women by making science and math fun. The results of engagement around Emerson’s ‘I love STEM’ digital campaign have far exceeded Emerson’s expectations and are moving STEM education forward.
“The surprise result? Engineers, business people and employees of all age ranges who are embracing Emerson’s ‘I Love STEM’ initiatives.”
Emerson kicked off the campaign with a TV ad featuring Green that aired during The Big Bang Theory in 13 key markets with universities where Emerson recruits new talent. In July, the company sponsored the #STEMSolve conference in San Diego where Green’s “I Love Science” video was played at the kickoff.
The company also took out creative print ads in The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review and Fortune, launched an ongoing social-media campaign and incorporated internal enthusiasm over the 125th anniversary.
“It’s the most well received thing we’ve done,” Emerson Chief Marketing Officer Kathy Button Bell recently told The Economist. “and I think it’s because it’s earnestly good at its center. I’m not trying to sell valves or motors to someone. [We’re] trying to sell tomorrow. People respond to it and the media response to it has been incredibly rewarding.”
Like Emerson, by engaging millennials on their turf in something they are interested in, you could attract and engage new employees, and retain them for the long-term.
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
