John,
You've pointed out some interesting challenges we all face. I've found that we need to look for one solution at a time, share it, and tweak it. As to content, it is amazing that you never know what is going to be of interest and value to someone else. Solutions to "what is in it for me" is always a good way to start. As to social media, we find that the more we read about what others do, the better we are able to apply social media to us. Good news, thee is always something to learn! Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
We currently have a social media firm that handles press releases as well as information flow to Facebook, Twitter, and Linked In.
The hardest part for us is having a continuous flow of meaningful content.
What I took away from this course module is that sometimes other people may consider content to be meaningful, even though I may not. Things like celebrations, milestones, achievement should all be promoted and publicized as much as possible.
I need to look for more ways to capture and distribute information.
Laurie,
Good point - email or newsletter? We can argue for both. It is easier and cheaper to use email. Perhaps send paper newsletters 2 - 3 times a year! Great that you have a dedicated person to handle social media. When done right, it takes constant focus. You might want to consider Utube and linked in as well. And don't forget texting. So many people use their phones for computer you need to be sure your website looks good on a small phone screen. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
Laurie,
It is interesting what strategies work to get and retain attention. We agree that email blasts can be effective. The goal is not to over email. In addition the message has to be short, to the point, and very easy to understand. Flyers can sometimes work. Sometimes placing them on cars can be a problem. It would be great if they can be hung or left in popular buildings, community centers, houses or worship, etc.
Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
We also use blast emails to announce upcoming events. last month some of our office employees even went around posting flyers on windshields. It did work!
It has been a process of growing and changing for our school. We have had a long-standing newsletter. For years it was printed and mailed. Now, it is an e-newsletter. I am not convinced that is the way to go. After this course I plan to follow-up on how effective it is.
We have joined Facebook and Twitter. One person in the office handles the posts. However, he is not really involved with the curriculum. This course has inspired me to have him get regular contributions from students and teachers to keep it fresh.
We did a 'documentary' DVD of our program. It goes out to people who show an interest in our school. That, has been very effective.
I do like the 1x a month of generating news. I plan to put that into action.
Nam,
Great. Getting involved in the community is essential if you want your community to see your school as THE place for training and staffing. We suggest that you ask each person on your staff what organizations they belong to. Then help them prepare a presentation about your school to offer at their meetings. Invite community leaders to see your school first-hand. Thanks Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
I've taken a hands on approach and discovered needs in the community by attending community meetings and groups
Jim ,
Word of mouth does bring the best quality leads, don't you think? TV ads might work and have some benefit. It is important to measure all marketing results. Are you getting qualified applicants? Will students enroll and be successful in their studies? It's great to define your market and figure out what will attract them. It is also important to consider markets you are not reaching. Examples - women for barbering or welding training. Men for RN training. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
Aside from heavy TV ads we rely on word of mouth and our volunteers in the community. What I've learned is that "it takes a village" not just one or two people coming up with and putting together strategies. We already have very good demographic information, my next step is to put together a committee to brainstorm effective ideas and then assign leads to those ideas. Those leads can create teams, get buy-in, and implement.
Sergio,
It's the best way to get the word out and relatively inexpensive. You can also get feedback and questions. You can discover what people don't know, what is not clear, and how to promote more effectively. Sometimes you think you have the best flyer. Then when you take the time, you might discover that people just don't get what you are doing. Handing out flyers in person is a way to find that out. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
I have literally gone to grocery store lots to hand out fliers
anthony,
Word of mouth is the best source of publicity. Yes, it takes working at it every day. But the results can be great. There are some career schools that get 90% of their enrollments from referrals. And these new students are quality as well, because they know what they are getting. Referrals means that everyone on your staff is committed to a student focused orientation. That takes a lot of training but does pay off. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
Basically, word of mouth. It's a lot cheaper but takes a long time to develop.
Josefina,
Sounds great. Always good to have one person designated to work in community outreach. This also includes visiting employers and potential employers. Ask how your grads are doing on the job. What additional training do they need? This is the opportunity to find out what other training programs are needed in the work place. It gives the opportunity to develop these programs before your competition. While visiting in the workplace you can also find out what job openings are coming up and which employers are willing to visit your school to hold mock interviews or talk with grads about how to successfully interview and more. Now you might want to consider an Alumni Community. That is the ultimate in public relations! Best wishes, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
The school has a designated person in charge of promoting the school in the community. She uses a Press Kit to promote the school and also is in touch with students to keep abreast of their success stories. The school has a theme and a logo. Because of this training we are planning to post a newsletter on our website in which we will list school activities, graduation events and involve the entire campus on the newsletter.
Jamie,
Word of mouth is a great way to get students. This means having great training and student services so that people will want to attend your school and tell others. Results is important. So be sure to keep track of your graduates and where they work. You can also ask them for job openings at their places of employment.
Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
currently it is word of mouth. The strategies are using other publishing agencies and importance of networking with businesses and attending chamber of commerce meetings.
A press kit is interesting and professional. But more important is making your website a "press kit." The website should have key points about your school so that anyone will understand what you offer and the school credentials. Also the website should be so comprehensive that a person, if they chose to, could find out about your program offerings and other details. Online newsletters are essential, in our opinion. They need to be short and have great usable content. In that way everyone will be looking forward to the next edition! And they will want to forward to their friends. Thanks, Susan
I have to develop an effective press kit. Introduce my ideas to the faculty, staff, student, alumi, and employers to get various suggestions. I believe the newsletter can be a great start.
