Andrew Gilman Speaker at Fordham Law School

Online, August 7, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Development officers at institutions of higher learning must understand their target audience's needs if they are to be successful at energizing alumni and raising funds from potential donors.

That was one of the Persuasive Communications lessons from CommCore Consulting Group CEO Andrew Gilman during a seminar for Fordham Law School Development officers.

"The most important thing a development officer can remember when meeting with an alum or a potential donor is the great acronym WIIFM," said Gilman, himself a Fordham Law graduate. "If you can tap into 'What's In It For Me?' you will have a better chance for success."

Gilman delivered his remarks during Fordham Law's annual summer development retreat in New York City in July.

"Andrew Gilman provided practical and proven strategies for improving communications with our alumni and friends," said Vera Bullock, Assistant Dean for Advancement and AVP, External Relations, at Fordham Law. "His straightforward and approachable style energized my team, and we're already implementing his suggestions."

About Fordham Law School
Fordham Law offers a complete legal education in the heart of New York City. A vibrant academic community dedicated equally to scholarship, the craft of lawyering, and public service, Fordham Law has earned widespread acclaim as a leader in American legal education. It is one of the top 20 law schools measured in terms of Class of 2011 initial employment with Big Law (firms with 101+ attorneys) and federal clerkships, as reported to the ABA. The school-located across the street from Lincoln Center in Manhattan-is only blocks away from Central Park, Times Square, and many of New York City's most interesting neighborhoods. Learn more: law.fordham.edu.

About CommCore Consulting Group
CommCore Consulting Group is a privately held specialty communications firm serving businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations around the world for the past 25 years. The company specializes in strategic and tactical communications development and implementation across all industry sectors, organizational crisis planning and response, executive media and presentation training, message development, C Suite leadership and staff internal communications skills development. CommCore is led by its president and CEO, Andrew D. Gilman - a lawyer, award-winning journalist, and co-author of the best-selling book Get To The Point. CommCore is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has offices in New York City, Los Angeles, & Dallas. More information about the company is available at www.commcoreconsulting.com