Make a Wish (List)

     "How can I help you?"

     We hear that phrase routinely today in our service-oriented society.  We hear it (or some type of question offering assistance) so frequently, in fact, that we've got an automatic "No thanks, just looking" response programmed into our mnemonic playback machine.  The danger is that when someone genuinely comes along and offers you genuine assistance, there is not another prepared response that knows exactly what you or your school needs.

     In our conversations at meetings, however, every now and then, someone from the school staff will say, "If only we had a couple extra dollars to get each of the students a (fill in the blank)."  That should be your cue to write it down.  Keep track of more things that are needed, and you've created a Wish List for your school.  Sometimes, businesses can't offer you the financial resources to get what you need, but, for instance, if your meeting room needs a table and chairs, and one of your parents owns a furniture store, perhaps they'd be willing to donate one of last year's floor models when it goes on sale at the end of the season.

     Publish your list as part of your parent's and community's newsletters - yes, that's plural.  There should be different newsletters for different constituency groups (but that's another topic).  Keep the list on your desk, in your pocket, at the front desk and with your Principal and Pastor, as well as your advisory board.  Doing so shows responsibility as well, so that should something come to the office (such as one of those electronic picture frames, for instance), you can justify it as a part of your plan.

     BONUS TIP:  Those electronic picture frames are great for Powerpoint presentations without the computer!!  Just make pictures of your Powerpoint slides, put them in order on a media card or chip (rename them 1, 2, 3, etc., and don't randomize playback), and plug it into the frame.  Just the thing when you want to run a "kiosk" Powerpoint presentation, but don't want to drag the laptop with you!

© Michael V. Ziemski, SchoolAdvancement, 2007

Back to Marketing Matters Index