Know-How Exchange : Strategy

If you have old clients, could you use a 'bring-a-friend' idea? Who are your classes for? What's in the neighbourhood. Ads at a local cafe? Mum's drop-off class after children leave for school? Local offices for a lunchtime burn? If you focus on the who, the how will follow.

"I need 15 because that would meet my monthly projection requirements."

Where did these requirements come from? The same business plan that came up with the projections must have some indication of the marketing activity (and budget) to generate the projected volume. After all, that's what makes a business plan work. (Marketing activity generates volume, which generates revenue, which generates profit.)

No business plan? Then how do you know the projection isn't just a wish? Maybe 15 isn't realistic. Or maybe you need to spend 50% (or more) of the revenue to generate that kind of volume.

It's fine to look for great promotion ideas, but the right way to approach this is to look back at the business plan and use that as a guide. Maybe the best course of action is to adjust the "projection."

Who have you helped in the past? These people need to be your first ports of call. Who else do they know that might be interested in your class? What kind of incentives could you offer previous clients to act as a referral army on your behalf?

You might want to use social media streams and groups to promote your offer. Check with the admin of any group BEFORE you post. This way, you stay on the right side of any SPAM policies that might be in place.

Connect with local coffee shops, community bulletin boards, and community groups and ask about their promotional policies. Connect with local Mommy and Daddy bloggers and share their content in exchange for them sharing yours.

For us to better help you, you'll need to share more about your business, including: location, target audience, competitive analysis, and relevant history about similar past efforts (including from your competition).