An estimated 20+ million students return to schools across the country around this time each year, along with their parents, teachers and dedicated faculty members. As a former PTA president and PTSA board member, I can tell you first hand how effective and mutually beneficial it is to develop relationships with the people at these noble institutions.

When it comes to a hot button for passionate topics, few rival the subject of our nation's children. Educators, front office staff and sports coaches all will gladly welcome your help in creating the best possible learning environment for their students.

With some clever marketing and the willingness to make a friend first and a sale later, becoming a business partner for your local schools could very well make you the go-to agent for legions of people, all while supporting a worthy cause.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Make a contact list for area schools. Most can be found on county websites and will include the principal's name, address and phone numbers.

2. Call each school to get the name and contact information for the PTA or PTSA President (or Vice President of Ways and Means) so that you can inquire about their business partnership programs.

3. Learn what necessary forms need to be filled out to comply with county/state/school regulations and take the necessary steps to comply.

4. Dive in, and get involved. For many schools, a fresh face and savvy business acumen are a refreshing addition to their volunteer list.

5. Be proactive. Offer to sponsor a teacher breakfast, rally local businesses to donate school supplies, books or equipment to the media center, or become a Junior Achievement volunteer.

6. Team up! Do you have a mortgage broker, title rep, attorney or CPA that you normally refer clients to? Ask them to join in and increase your exposure as the team to turn to.

7. Advertise in the school's agenda book or monthly newsletter. The revenue helps purchase needed items and you get valuable exposure.

8. Participate in the Great American Teach-In. This annual event is brings business professionals, parents and local leaders together to be "teachers for a day" at local schools.

With school enrollments climbing every year, the need for outside support grows exponentially. Becoming a resource for one school very often means becoming networked with anywhere from one to six surrounding communities, depending on boundaries. That translates into an opportunity to connect with literally hundreds of prospects. Add this long list of connections to your BusinessBASE or contact-management system, and you'll be surprised at how quickly your sphere of influence grows.

What can you offer that's different? Do you have a unique talent, skill, resource or perspective that you're willing to share? Maybe you have access to a printing company that can help outsource newsletters. Do you have organization skills that would help streamline a book drive or membership rally? Fall or winter carnivals or spring dances can almost always use an extra set of hands.

Perhaps you have a soft spot for helping kids in need and would like to work with the guidance department to sponsor or mentor a troubled child?

The opportunities for involvement are as limitless as the rewards you'll reap when you commit to a specialized market such as this. You're filling a need and developing valuable relationships that will last long after this year's students are grown.

Need even more ideas? Download Julie's FREE REPORT: 10 Ways to Prospect to and Support Your Local PTAs! A SMART Niche Marketing Choice for REALTORS®. This handy report is packed with tips for building successful relationships with your local schools and helpful insights into ways you can contribute to our nation's educators. Visit ProspectsPLUS! and click on our Resources section, then click on FREE REPORTS!

Published: September 10, 2009

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Julie Escobar is Director of Corporate and Convention Marketing for ProspectsPLUS! Julie has more than 20 years of sales and marketing experience in the real estate industry. In her current position, she provides fresh ideas, products and tools for the training team and valued clients of Bradenton, FL-based ProspectsPLUS! Get more of her tips, tools and strategies each month in the free Master Marketing NewsletterTM from Prospects PLUS! Visit www.ProspectsPlus.com, call Julie at 1.800.287.5710, or e-mail her at to learn more today!