How Can I Increase Enrollment At A Small Private School?

Clubs + Associations

My nephew attends a smaller non-denominational Christian school in Colorado. The school is great as each student gets one on one attention. They have grades pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. However right now their enrollment number is too low. They are in danger of closing their doors very soon.

There are so many benefits to keeping my nephew in a smaller school and we would love to be able to continue to do so. If the school closes he will have to attend a public school and go from a class size of 8 to 80.

I am a designer and not a marketing professional so I am hoping there are some people on this site that can give me ideas and feedback on how a handful of parents might go about trying to increase the school’s enrollment.

Is it flyers, a website, going door to door……what will help increase the enrollment in this small school?!

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Jay’s Answer: It seems you have two potential markets: new students (entering pre-k) and existing students (in other schools).

To attract new students, make sure you’re at least listed in the various local directories. Your marketing materials should speak of the concerns of the parents: quality of education (both formal and informal), fun, and (if it matters) testing results. Testimonials from parents (and kids) would be appropriate. Perhaps even a DVD (or online video) containing interviews of parents, kids, and teachers.

For existing students, focus on why they need to switch schools: a learning problem, an emotional problem, or a social problem. Show how your school addresses these issues. Talk to local public school guidance counselors – they might know of students that need the benefit of your environment.

Also – consider having your teachers also teach after-school programs (open to all children) as well as offering adults-only classes in child-development issues (learning, play, socialization, etc.).

What Is A Good Training Course For Interactive Marketing?

eMarketing, Starting Out

I’ve done a lot of online research looking for a good training course, that I can take online, for interactive marketing. I want to become expert in:

  • Email marketing and e-newsletters
  • CRM segmentation and data collection
  • Web design and usability
  • How to make the most of RSS
  • SEM and SEO
  • Online surveys and incentives for customers to participate

This seems to be a hard course to find. Someone could make a lot of money if they’d create this type of course! Any experience or advice would be greatly appreciated.

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Jay’s Answer: There are categories such as: aware, knowledgeable, and expert.

Expertise is the rarest of qualities. It’s more than courses. It’s applying what you’ve learned to see what works and doesn’t (for you) over time. It’s being willing to continually learn new things, and research new ideas on your own to develop insight.

Knowledge is sitting down and studying. It’s taking courses to find the tools others have used to solve problems. It’s simple exercises to give you the feel for things.

Awareness is talking about the various problems/solutions, but not with much granularity. You’ll be able to understand the buzzwords and may have some ideas for how to solve problems.

All of the areas you’re asking about are currently "fluid" – there are few techniques that everyone agree are best for all applications. People are trying everything out to see what "sticks". And, as users get more sophisticated, the tools they need likewise change.

How Can I Market My Marketing Consulting Firm?

Services

Much like a world class hairstylist who can’t do her own hair, or a great manicurist whose nails are never done, I am an excellent marketer of other people’s products and services, but when it comes to marketing my marketing consulting firm, I need a little help.

I have buyer’s info for several larger companies, including Macy’s, Nordstrom, Coca Cola Disney, among others.

I want to know if I can get some ideas on something creative to send to them, to get their attention. I was thinking of sending some shamrock seeds (let us grow your ((insert name of program)). I know that’s corny, but that’s why I’m reaching out for help

I’ve already made contacts with these people, I just wanted something catchy to get us meetings. We can help them with their marketing and pr, and promoting their special events. The name of my company is Soulstice and our logo is a flame.

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Jay’s Answer: Send an ethic doll holding your business card/note. The doll will reinforce your Women & Minority owned status, and the package will get opened.

What Should Be In A Brochure For Our Dog Club and Park?

Clubs + Associations, Publicity

Our business is unique in our area. We are a private dog club (www.wolfbrook.com) with a 12 acre dog park (off leash socialization). We offer dog training and dog daycare as well. I’m having trouble putting together a brochure. I’ve been doing tons of reading online to try to learn as much as I can about writing/marketing/press releases…. I think I would like a question on the front of the brochure and then maybe answer it inside with some of the major benefits. Just an FYI, we are NOT into cute dog things with the words paw, or woof or bark if you catch my drift (for example I don’t want to say "your dog will pawsitively love it here").

I’m thinking of putting the question "Wouldn’t you like to do more with your dog?" on the front and then maybe put something like "more fun" "more exercise" "more sports" "more communication" on the first flap. Would those be considered benefits?

I hate to leave out our "features" as we do offer some pretty major things, for example we have a large clubhouse for members use. It is heated and air conditioned and has a full kitchen and bathroom as well as a dog washing area free for members. Most other dog parks don’t even have a port a potty, much less a clubhouse that is for both dogs and humans. Am I wanting to put too much?

Our biggest benefit (to me) is hard to verbalize. We evaluate all potential members. The dogs must be able to socialize and the owners must be willing to become a part of the community. I guess you could say we are selective about the safety and enjoyment of our members.

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Jay’s Answer: I think your benefits are: freedom for dog owners, safety for socialization, exclusive natural beauty, ease of cleanup, and room to exercise.

As for "more fun", etc. – compare your offering with the competition: public dog parks and open (walking) spaces. You do have some unique offerings, and you need to figure out what demographic is likely to want to join your club (given the price & location).

Instead of "Wouldn’t you like to do more with your dog?":

  • "Is Walking Your Dog More Work And Less Play?"
  • "Tired Of Dog Park Bullies?"
  • "WolfBrook: Dog’s Best Friend"

Need Help Starting My eNewsletter For An Executive Search Firm

eMarketing

I am running an executive search firm majoring into middle & senior level recruitments. I am keen on starting an e- newsletter for my TG ie the HR managers & HR directors of various companies. I would appreciate if you can spare some time in helping me out with the following:

1) Name of the e-newsletters ——– something catchy and relevant
2) What should form the contents??
3) Sample / template if any

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Jay’s Answer:

  • e-newsletters you send to people on your list, and it arrives in their email inbox.
  • blogs you publish from your desktop, and people find it by searching online and/or subscribing (via RSS) to your "blog feed".

Blogging software is free, and if you already have a website, you could integrate it into your site. Alternatively, you can simply get started (free) using the software on a blogging site (wordpress, for example) – in only 5 min, but the domain name of the blog would be different from your website’s (and is less ideal).

Blogging is easy, once you get the blog setup. Same process as writing a newsletter. In fact, you can do both. Create your blog entry, and then email a link to it for everyone in your email list with a teaser.

The key questions: name, content, etc. are based on who you’re trying to attract, what problem you solve, and how you’re unique. Given the market you’re in, you need to create a professional product to make sure your brand speaks trust & quality.

What Is A Good Tagline For A Women’s Investment Club?

Names + Taglines

I’m launching a Women’s Investment Club and need assistance with a tagline. The name of the club is "Phoenix Investments or Phoenix Investment Group". I want to symbolize "soaring or reaching to new heights" within the tagline.

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Jay’s Answer: I don’t know if the name "Phoenix" was chosen for location or symbolism (or both).

  • Manifest Your Financial Dreams
  • Working Together To Create Wealth
  • Meet Locally. Invest Globally. Retire Happily

How Can I Make A Creative Table Top Display On Tight Budget?

Publicity

I have to design a table top display for a user group meeting on a very tight budget ($500). I have ideas for content, my concern is presentation. What’s the best way to ensure traffic to our location? It’s a small show, with mainly our partner’s customers, but we are in a back room. Is it better to do a table top display, or an easel display? And what type of material would you suggest, foam core board, vinyl??

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Jay’s Answer: If it’s a small show, then people will eventually filter to the back room. Other vendors in the room will have a similar problem – so you’ll be working as a team to draw in people.

As for your booth – realize that unless you’re selling something low price at the show, that your purpose isn’t to close a sale, it’s to start one. Listen to people, make appointments with them 1 on 1, find what their needs are, and follow up showing how your product/services solves their needs. At a show, it’s hard to have a meaningful show "on the floor" let alone think.

If you know your target audience well, then clearly identify the top 1-3 problems they have (think headlines for ad copy or web site), and make that your sign. The point is to get contact information, do a brief "intake", and schedule a follow up.

You could use Powerpoint to run a slide show highlighting the points. Movement attracts people’s eyes – but don’t overdo it (with the slide transitions). One headline per slide. Bring your laptop to power the screen.

How Can I Grow My Web Design Company?

eMarketing, Starting Out

I’m working as a web designer for a wireless company. Since October last year, I started taking freelance jobs by bidding projects on one website only.

I am averaging one client a week. To be honest I feel overwhelmed by the number of clients I’m getting. For some reason my proposals are above average. Probably because my strength is copywriting, not really web designing.

I am still working full-time and can barely finish one project per week. I’m talking about websites that require programming or full-blown flash. They are very time consuming since I can only work 25-30 hrs a week, mostly at nights.

I have tried to give projects to an overseas company (India) but the profit was too little sometimes I have to take a loss.

Is it time for me to really concentrate on this full-time? I have a budget of $500 – $600 a week for marketing.

How do you suggest I should spend the money? Basically getting my business in front of more targeted clients. My targets are small-business owners, offline and online. More than half of my clients are successful business owners.

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Jay’s Answer: My first suggestion is to solve your overwhelm problem. If you can’t handle 1 client/week, then you can’t scale up. I don’t know what you’re charging for your website production, but if you can’t hire someone to implement your specification for less than you get paid, then you’re charging too little for your work.

Do you want to work ON your business or IN your business? If you want to do the hands-on website programming, then you’re going to be limited by the number of hours in the week. You can only charge so much for your time.

Hiring others to do the website development makes good sense, especially if your strength is copywriting. Your role would be attracting new clients, writing the proposals, and then passing the development work to another, and reviewing the result. To hire others, you’ll want to find people you trust to do the type of work you want. You might find them locally, or on www.rentacoder.com, www.guru.com, or www.elance.com. You’ll want to develop a long-term relationship with quality people.

As for your marketing dollars, what type of small business do you want to create websites for? Where are they located? Can you show a ROI for your work? Have you asked for referrals from your satisfied clients? Word-of-mouth is one of the best forms of marketing,

How Can I Advertise My Organics Class For Moms?

Starting Out

I will be giving lectures for 20-25 moms who have school age children. Need a grabbing title/bullet points for posters to sell out venue@$15.
I was an pediatric oncology RN before starting my organic nursery. Mom of 2. We design food gardens for homes/schools. The name of our nursery is Peas and Harmony. We sell produce, have demo gardens and teach classes on a 40 acre orchard near the lecture venue. Goal is to get design clients, new nursery buyers and produce buyers or class participants.
Here is the title of the talk I will be giving:
Organics from the Ground Up – the best choices that you can make for your family’s health and well-being
*All about organics. Keeping your family safe
*A family garden of food and fun
*Resources for locally grown, healthful, affordable food.
*Another bullet here would be good.

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Jay’s Answer:

  • Organic Gardens Made Easy
  • Beautiful and Affordable Organic Gardens
  • Would You Trade Organic Food For Your Lawn?
  • An Organic Gardens Kids and Parents Love

Keep the bullet points based on clear need-based values: better-tasting food, grow what you like to eat, pesticide-free at your front door, and learn where your food comes from.

What’s A Good Name For A Yoga Studio?

Names + Taglines

I am seeking a name that reflects the vision for the studio so here is a bit about what I am planning.

We will offer yoga "for all ages and stages"– the studio will offer simultaneous but separate classes for kids and adults. Energized, fun-filled classes will encourage kids to explore their minds and bodies. Next door, adult vinyasa flow classes will be rooted in the rich yoga tradition but with a thoroughly modern feel– creative, inspired, and invigorating. We will offer classes for the yoga of child birth– everything from prenatal yoga, ‘baby & me’ classes, space for new moms groups, and workshops on using yoga in childbirth.

Our target audience is young, hip families in Brooklyn, NY.

In sum, I am looking to create a space where people of all ages and stages feel welcomed and comfortable to relax in their own skin yet are encouraged to challenge their own physical and mental limitations. I am seeking a name that reflects these evolving ideas. I am looking for a hip name and trying to avoid names that might ring as ‘new agey’ or intimidating.

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Jay’s Answer:

  • Bendi Yoga
  • Breath In Yoga
  • Stretch Yourself Yoga