1 Communicating and Partnering With Business April 29, 2009 Building Stronger Small Learning Communities

2 Developing Business Partnerships n Leads / targeting n Create value proposition n Professional / efficient communications n Execute / exceed expectations n Generate visibility n Customer service mentality

3 Leads / Targeting n Always prospecting - radar up n Targeted –Look for rich ingredients –Spend time in their world –Qualify - establish value proposition ? n Mass outreach n Inbound - seize moment / qualify n Network generated

4 Activities for Outreach n Advisory Committee n Speakers on site –Career speaking –Course content –Project assistance n Job Shadowing n Internships n Field trips n Others …..(i.e. mentors)

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

6 Speakers n Speaker information sheet n Student Assignment n Thank you letter

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

8 Internships n Educational goals n Paid/Unpaid n Length n Tips for success

9 Field Trips n Who is going? n Student questions n Dress n Logistics n Staffing n Thank you n Feedback

10 Is there a Value Proposition? n Learn your partner’s needs n What are your needs? n Where do they match?

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

12 Execute Quality Activities n Well planned / organized events / initiatives n Prepared students n Thoughtfully designed / printed materials n Adequate staffing n Resources = Expectations and Expectations=Resources n Aggressive / creative marketing n Quality meeting space / food / AV / etc. n Calendar/ menu for year round options

13 Maximize Partner Visibility n Flyers n Banners n Web / systems n Newsletters / papers n Bulletin Boards n Signage n Give credit

14 Raving Fan Customer Service n Treat them as *the* customer n Be responsive n Solve problems n Create solutions n Use professional standards n Offer quality guarantees

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