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Communicating and Partnering With Business

April 29, 2009

Building Stronger

Small Learning Communities

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Developing Business Partnerships

Leads / targeting Create value proposition Professional / efficient communications Execute / exceed expectations Generate visibility Customer service mentality

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Leads / Targeting

Always prospecting - radar up Targeted

– Look for rich ingredients– Spend time in their world– Qualify - establish value proposition ?

Mass outreach Inbound - seize moment / qualify Network generated

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Activities for Outreach

Advisory Committee Speakers on site

– Career speaking– Course content– Project assistance

Job Shadowing Internships Field trips Others …..(i.e. mentors)

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Advisory Committee

Champions who know the professions Efficient and well-planned meetings Build personal relationships Ask for what you need Listen Involve students

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Speakers

Speaker information sheet Student Assignment Thank you letter

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Job Shadowing

Organization tour vs. Educational tour Identify opportunities Clarify timeframe Be prepared Dress What to bring Thank you Follow-up in the classroom

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Internships

Educational goals Paid/Unpaid Length Tips for success

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Field Trips

Who is going? Student questions Dress Logistics Staffing Thank you Feedback

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Is there a Value Proposition?

Learn your partner’s needs What are your needs? Where do they match?

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Professional Communications

Preparation – know your partner’s priorities Be brief, concise, clear Avoid “school” language Be timely and accessible Schedule / communicate with maximum notice Create alignment Listen

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Execute Quality Activities

Well planned / organized events / initiatives Prepared students Thoughtfully designed / printed materials Adequate staffing Resources = Expectations and

Expectations=Resources Aggressive / creative marketing Quality meeting space / food / AV / etc. Calendar/ menu for year round options

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Maximize Partner Visibility

Flyers Banners Web / systems Newsletters / papers Bulletin Boards Signage Give credit

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Raving Fan Customer Service

Treat them as *the* customer Be responsive Solve problems Create solutions Use professional standards Offer quality guarantees

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Getting Started - Just Do It !

Network Know thy target partner Listen - understand Professional contacts Time efficient Find out how and make them the winner Make It Easy for them to do business with you