Ok, I know summer has just begun and the last thing on your mind is school. Of course, it goes without saying as the neighborhood expert, you possess a wealth of knowledge about the local elementary, middle and high schools in your service area - right? Have you met the principal or any of the teachers at the elementary school? Probably not, unless you have your own children attending school there. Why not take time before school is back in session and pay a quick visit to a school and stop by each class room and introduce yourself. By the way, it's always a good idea to "check-in" at the administrative office and state your reason for being there and ask permission to meet the staff. Of course don't go now - nobody will be there unless it is a year-round school. Try this in late August when the teachers report back to their classrooms!
So What's My Real Reason For Visiting The School?
Glad you asked! Unless you have "walked a mile" in a teacher's shoes, you may not realize what a tough job they have. Some feel their job is the most "under" appreciated profession on the planet (and under paid)! So when you make your visit to the school, let the principal know you are the Neighborhood Real Estate Expert and you would like to show your support for his staff by recognizing a member of his team each quarter with a small plaque and gift. In addition, you would like his permission to provide a "Survival Pack" that contains the following items:
- pens
- pencils
- paper
- note pads
- sticky notes
- band-aids
- highlighters
- letter openers
- nice hand-written note of appreciation
- and anything your creative mind can think of to add
And don't forget your business card too!
"Flash in the Pan" Marketing Never Works!
So you take this creative marketing idea and you run with it! Remember this, singular marketing events fade to black but repeated impressions build trust. I love how Mariana Wagner's Community Picnic was a Huge Success. But she has big plans for August. She and some of her newly acquired partners will be sponsoring a Community Yard Sale! And following that event we can expect Mariana to be involved in another marketing strategy and another.... You see marketing isn't a one time event but must be part of your total "Marketing Plan" that includes repeated events and strategies to build your "Brand Identity" in your marketplace.
So What Will You Be Doing In Your Farm Neighborhood?
- Why not sponsor an ad in the school's year book
- Create a page on your blog and your website for that "Teacher of the Quarter" and include a photo
- Partner with the PTA
- Include your service partners for more cost-sharing opportunities
- Sponsor a field trip to your office on "Career Day" or ask to come in that day and tell the kids what you do
- Have your office help maintain the playground equipment
- Each school has a "fun day"...ask to be a partner and provide a healthy snack or other item
Your Homework Assignment-Take Action!
The possibilities are only limited by your imagination. I want you to start thinking of creative ways to become more involved in your community and take action! If you happen to find these Weekly Tips to be helpful, why not consider Subscribing to My Blog!
Wishing You Much Success!
Bobby
Comments(31)