The LLI at Bergen Community College in Paramus, NJ put together the following
program promotion ideas for a workshop at the 2000 Mid Atlantic Conference.
Marketing has been defined as "a process of determining and meeting customer
needs."
(Kachenberg)
"In the educational setting, this use of the word implies a process of
adapting to the constantly changing need of students, professionals, and
the community."
(Keim)
| 1. Speaking Engagements
• Rotary Clubs
• AARP Chapters
• Senior Clubs and Centers
• Libraries & Community Centers
• Chamber of Commerce
• PTA
2. Carry brochures, newsletters or course catalogs with you wherever
you go. Always have something to hand to an interested person. |
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3. Ask people to be LLI Community Ambassadors (there should be one in
every town). Their tasks would be to:
• Distribute LLI promotional material to libraries, town halls, etc.
• Get you speaking engagements
• Represent you at community functions.
4. Search out newsletters for groups like the Retired Educator's Associations.
Get mentioned or put notices in their publications.
5. Try to get on the mailing lists for all associations, organizations,
etc.
6. Don't forget the college newspapers. The parents read it too.
7. When sending in press releases first mention the event and/or speaker,
then give an explanation of the LLI program.
8. Publicize your program in senior assisted living residences although
your return from these venues many not be that good.
9. LLI students are the best advertisers (word of mouth) - keep a high
profile in the community using your members.
10. The local medical societies/doctors offices are excellent sources
of both speakers and members.
11. Put take-one holders in local stores, restaurants and businesses with
your LLI brochure in them.
12. Flyers should be posted at eye-level and brief but always with a phone
number. Use brightly
colored paper - using the same color scheme all
the time gives your LLI name recognition (e.g., lilac in spring - blue
in fall). Never use red print on the flyers, it's too difficult to read.
13. Look for inexpensive giveaways - bags, folders, etc. Merchants may
have unused items they will give you.
14. Get a volunteer to oversee promotion.
15. Survey students for the names and addresses of friends.
16. Have an open door policy - encourage class visitation.
17. Know where your potential students shop and put flyers there.
18. Offer some "low key" indirect courses such as - enjoyment of art -
music - ballet, etc.
19. Ask people how they heard about you.
20. Do course evaluations (the next to last course, never the last).
21. In March send Personnel (Human Resource) Directors a poster and flyers
(good for June retirees). Do the same in September for December
retirees.
22. Hold an Appreciation Luncheon for instructors and volunteers (Board
members bring the food).
Prepared by: Dean Lois E. Marshall, Director LLI - Bergen Community College
201-447-7156 lmarshall@bergen.cc.nj.us
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