#1 Most Effective Marketing Strategy → Associates
Associates such as; language schools, hostels, universities, cultural centres and all kinds of organisations, ensure a steady stream of new regular attendance in the long term. Visiting and actively building relationships with these organisations is a time-proven unbeaten marketing strategy.
Marketing strategy #2 → Online
Online marketing guidance here:
Marketing strategy #3 → Special Events
Special Event marketing guidance here:
Map Your Associates
Find your city map here
Traffic Light System
As you find language schools and other organisations, add them to the map. Check reviews, photos, social media and mark each one down on your City Map as 🟠 Amber.
🔴 Red – Reject
🟠 Amber – Unvisited or unconfirmed
🟢 Green – Visited and not rejected
Research Associates
Search in the map.
Imagine you are a foreigner. What services would you look for in your city? The following search terms are great examples but try your own terms and combinations
[Chinese/Spanish/German.etc] language school
[Chinese/Spanish/German.etc] cultural centre
[Chinese/Spanish/German.etc] embassy
‘Language cafe’
‘Student accommodation'
‘Hostel’, ‘Hotel’
’English speaking Dentist’
Plan Visits
Bring Moral Support
If you’re shy then shake away the jitters with a friend, especially on your first visits. It also gives legitimacy to your pitch if you appear to be part of a team rather than a sole person.
Rock Up
Visit the school in person unannounced. They wont bite and it’s totally normal. Knock on the door, ring the bell, and ask to speak with the person “in charge of extra-curricular activities”, or “Activity Calendar’” so you can leave some posters and cards.
Repeat
Don’t stop. Go back again 2 months later. Visit potential associates regularly and kindly greet all staff from the receptionist to the one in charge of the extracurricular activities.
Social Skills
Basics
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Eye Contact
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Shake Hands
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Ask their name, offer yours.
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Talk about them first, about yourself later
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Let them speak uninterrupted.
🙋♂️ First Contact
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Be sweet to the receptionists, they’re your ticket to meeting the staff.
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Don’t leave posters with a receptionist, they will get “lost”
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Show interest in their organisation. Ask about its history and future aspirations.
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Don’t only talk about Mundo Lingo, engage their personal interests, take an interest in them and make it personal.
👥 During the Encounter
It’s a fact that we love to talk about ourselves. We like people who make us feel valued through telling our own story. Show interest in your Associates and their organisations on a personal level and they will enjoy the conversation more than if you just talk about Mundo Lingo. If they feel that your relationship is personal, they will support you personally.
🗣 Let them speak uninterrupted
If you know you sometimes interrupt people, try to be aware of it during this meeting. Let the other person speak non-stop for as long as they like, they will adore you for it. During those moments of silence, as they desperately scramble to fill the silence, is when they’re likely to offer you support.
The circle of (PR) life
Building a friendship step by step:
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Courtesy Email
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Visit next day
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Use your Social skills (See above)
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Talk about the format and vibe of Mundo Lingo
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Leave posters and cards.
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Bonus: Offer free drinks vouchers for teachers/organisers
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Bonus: If the organisers come to ML, get them a drink
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Ask them if they can add Mundo Lingo to their social calendar.
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Bonus: If they send you students, visit them again with a small gift: Chocolates, wine, whatever you feel is appropriate.
We Can’t Promote Associates
Incorporated in the The Mundo Lingo Philosophy is a zero-tolerance policy to advertising, sponsorships or any form of cross promotion. The benefit we offer isn’t for the school, it’s for the students. We hope it’s a benefit both parties want.
Now what?
Next up, it’s time to learn Special Events