Elements Design

In retail, the back-to-school marketing season runs from late July through September. All the back-to-school ads, coupons and commercials have got me thinking. What if I planned some marketing efforts based on the same “to do” list as my kids? I could prepare myself – and my business – in similar ways. The fall is always an extremely busy time for everyone at home and in the office. Here’s my plan to get a head start before things get too hectic. Let me know what you think!

1. Bus Schedule: After the insane week-to-week randomness of summer camps and vacations, it will be nice to settle into a routine again. Now that each week my kids will need to leave for school and be picked-up at the same time each day, I can start planning my own schedule. What night will I be staying late at the office each week? What mornings are free for networking events? When can I fit in going to the gym? This is the time to plan if I want to take full advantage of my time.

2. School Supplies: While shopping for No. 2 pencils and backpacks, why not take your own office inventory? Check on supplies and compare prices and make a list of what needs to be ordered. It’s also a good time to clean out and organize your briefcase and desk drawers. When work heats up, it’s nice to have all the supplies I need organized and there when I need them. There is nothing worse than preparing the night before a client presentation in the next morning and realizing you are out of mat boards and glue. Or getting ready to attend a trade show and discovering you are nearly out of business cards.

3. Back-to-School Wardrobe: While I’m having my kids try on clothes to see what fits, why not analyze what marketing efforts this year still fit, and what you may have outgrown? As we head into the last quarter, it’s an ideal time to make any necessary adjustments to your marketing plan. For example, we just determined that it was time to update our mailing list for our last round of monthly mailings. Is there anything you can eliminate and reallocate funds towards that would net you better ROI? Is there something you should be doing but haven’t allocated the time towards? Now is the time!

4. Orientation Day: Next week, my husband and I will go see my son’s new classroom and meet his new teacher for the first time. This important one-on-one meeting is key to finding out what expectations she has for our son and what his year will be like. It is also our chance to make a personal connection with his teacher and start the lines of communication and trust. Why not do the same with your clients this fall by having lunch with each of them and discussing what your year ahead looks like together, gain an understanding of their expectations, and help strengthen the personal lines of communication and trust?

5. Summer Reading List: There are only a few weeks left for my son to wrap up the books he’s reading to complete his book list. I feel the same way! Once September begins, I will have far less time for leisurely reading. Is there a business or marketing book I’d like to sneak in while I still have the chance? What about a new skill I’d like to learn? If I act now, perhaps I can accomplish both before August disappears …

6. First Day of School Assignment: Over the summer, at the same time we received our letter from school as to who my son’s teacher would be this year, he was also given an assignment due on first day of school. This reminded me that there are some “assignments” we could be working on right now instead of waiting until things get crazy busy. One is our holiday card and gift we present to our clients in December, for example. Another is designing our direct mail postcards for 2012. Using the month of September as my deadline, I’m going to get started earlier this year!

What back-to-school efforts are you planning? Do any of them work for your marketing efforts as well? Share with the class!