Business tips for back-to-school time

Late summer and early fall, when so many families have members returning to educational facilities of all shapes and sizes, is also a good time for businesses to creatively step up their business development efforts, whether it’s launching new marketing initiatives, developing future employees or simply generating goodwill in the community. Here are a few examples that might inspire you.Becoming a sponsorA real estate agency sponsors a local middle school’s parent-teacher organization (PTO). The sponsorship includes ads in the school’s weekly e-newsletter and in welcome packets for new PTO members. Individual agents in the group also conduct monthly gift card drawings for parents and teachers who follow them on Facebook.The agency hopes parents and teachers will remember its agents’ names and faces when they’re ready to buy or sell their homes.Volunteering your time at related eventsOur firm has sent staff to help at the local middle school "Reality Store" event where students learn what life is like after school. They are assigned jobs with a salary and must visit a variety of booths in order to pay their monthly bills and taxes. The firm has even donated rulers and small calculators in the past with the company logo on them.Although we won't be preparing many tax returns for middle school children, we have planted our firm name in their mind, and perhaps those of their parents as well, should a need arise in the future. Plus it is great fun to help the kids understand about "real life" scenarios!Planting the seeds of STEMAn engineering firm donates old computers and printers to an elementary school that serves economically disadvantaged students. The equipment will be used in the school district’s K-12 program to get kids interested in careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines.At back-to-school time, a firm rep gives presentations at the schools and hands out literature. Then, in the spring, the company will mentor a select group of high school seniors who are planning to pursue engineering degrees in college.Participating in STEM programs fosters corporate charity and goodwill. It can also pay back over the long run: When the firm’s HR department is looking for skilled talent, kids who benefited from the firm’s STEM efforts may return as loyal, full-time employees.Launching an apprenticeship programThe back-to-school season motivates a high-tech manufacturer to partner with a vocational program at the local community college to offer registered apprenticeships through a state apprenticeship agency. In exchange for working for the manufacturer, students will receive college credits, on-the-job training and weekly paychecks. Their hourly wages will increase as they demonstrate proficiency.The company hopes to hire at least some of these apprentices to fill full-time positions in the coming year or two.Finding the right fitWhether schools near you are already in session or will open soon, it’s not too late to think about how your business can benefit. Sit down with your management team and brainstorm ways to leverage relationships with local schools to boost revenues, give back to your community and add long-term value. We can provide other ideas and help you assess return on investment.© 2018