Marketing is an interesting thing. There are so many options and so little money. People need to know that we exist.We have a pretty specific target audience and a clear vision The classroom will be stunningly beautiful, the materials are amazing, the teachers are so dedicated and excellent, the curriculum is proven, but we must "get the word out".
Last month we did a quarter page (expensive) ad in a local magazine and only got one email response; yesterday I learned why: we printed the wrong phone number!! I couldn't believe that I missed that--I approved the copy that had an 8 not a 5. The upside is that I spoke with the very gracious lady whose number we did print and she assured me there had been several calls--but of course she did not know the correct number to give them. Ugh, I can't believe this, but it is done and now I must move on.
We do have another ad coming out in a "state of the schools" annual publication, but it won't be distributed until early August. We also have a tentative date for an Open House, and we need alot of people to attend, but I am not sure the most cost effective way to let people know about it.
Theater ads would be great, but much more expensive than what we can afford.
We have a working relationship with a very talented, local photographer, www.ananchel.com and they will invite their clients and even give a discount coupon to all who attend. What are some other ways we can let people know about our school? I appreciate any suggestions you have. We know there are children near us who are struggling with learning and who have lost their self confidence. Our school CAN help them. Would you please help us let them know? Please comment here if you have any suggestions. Our website is www.mchnf.org.
Lastly, if you missed the last post, we urgently need prayers for this Tuesday morning, June 29. We need our plans to be reviewed and passed so we can start construction on the renovations Thursday morning, July 1. Thanks so much!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Riding the Roller Coaster
Sometimes the ups and downs of living a life of faith are like riding a roller coaster--exciting, thrilling, terrifying, and can make one's stomach do awful things. This week has been like that. The high points include knowing that we are only a few days away from taking possession of the leased space, talking with some great potential parents, meeting an amazing teacher who wants to support and encourage us, and finalizing the furniture order. But the lows were pretty deep and twisted. When our contractor went to the county office to begin pulling permits he was told we needed the Architect to draw new plans and they could not review them until July 20th; this is almost three weeks later than our "countdown to opening" schedule!
I have said over and over that this whole project is a result of God's prompting and not only do we depend on Him "to meet all of our needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus", but we want to make sure that everyone who even hears of us will know that it is His school. We pray that things will happen in such a way that ONLY God can get the Glory. He continues to answer that prayer by placing obstacles in our path that require divine intervention! We need our plans to be reviewed, THIS Tuesday and we need them to be passed--we are on our knees with anticipation. I did speak to the man at the planning office with whom I had met a few months ago and pleaded my case. He said he would "see what He could do" and I was thinking 'great' and I will see what God will do! :)
On a more personal note, our family enjoyed a wonderful visit with family in California--the time went too quickly. Edgar's dad is fading fast; he is in the last stages of cancer and at this point we are praying for a peaceful and painless ending. We are reminded again that ALL things are under His control.
I don't really like roller coasters, I tend to be more of a carousel kind of girl, but I am so thankful that at least I know Who is at the controls on this ride I am on! As always, your prayers and support mean more than you will ever know--thanks for journeying with us!!
I have said over and over that this whole project is a result of God's prompting and not only do we depend on Him "to meet all of our needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus", but we want to make sure that everyone who even hears of us will know that it is His school. We pray that things will happen in such a way that ONLY God can get the Glory. He continues to answer that prayer by placing obstacles in our path that require divine intervention! We need our plans to be reviewed, THIS Tuesday and we need them to be passed--we are on our knees with anticipation. I did speak to the man at the planning office with whom I had met a few months ago and pleaded my case. He said he would "see what He could do" and I was thinking 'great' and I will see what God will do! :)
On a more personal note, our family enjoyed a wonderful visit with family in California--the time went too quickly. Edgar's dad is fading fast; he is in the last stages of cancer and at this point we are praying for a peaceful and painless ending. We are reminded again that ALL things are under His control.
I don't really like roller coasters, I tend to be more of a carousel kind of girl, but I am so thankful that at least I know Who is at the controls on this ride I am on! As always, your prayers and support mean more than you will ever know--thanks for journeying with us!!
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