There are lots of ways you could attempt to contact schools, and the truth is it probably takes a mix of them to actually get a response.  A consistent approach and lots of face to face work.  Remember people buy from people and you are the BEST person to sell your business to them!

Email 

Email can be a useful first method of contact. However make sure you find or ask for an email address for the correct person and don’t email the generic info address because you’re really unlikely to get response from that. The best people to contact are PE co-coordinators, well-being co-coordinators or deputy heads. Head teachers are unlikely to be the first port of call, even though they will have to sign off on it. They are normally just too busy and it won’t be something they will deal with. Make sure any emails are personalised, don’t make them look like they are a blanket email to all schools. There are proformas on Dropbox to use, again personalise these about yourself, sell yourself and personalise them to the school.

The best time to email is the day before the term starts so that you are at the top of their inbox. Emailing at the beginning of the school holidays wil put you at the bottom of the list.

Telephone 

There is nothing wrong with picking up the phone and calling. Ask the receptionist who the best person would be to speak to. Ask for their email address and leave your number and ask if that person can call you back. If they do get back to you, or they put you through, ask for a quick meeting to talk abut what you can offer.

Face to Face 

Nothing quite beats turning up on the doorstep. It’s much harder to ignore you that way! Just go in, speak to reception, ask about who is best to discuss it with. If you get told it’s not a good time, ask them when would be and make the time to go back. We have really lovely packs that you can get printed and they look really professional that you can leave with them detailing everything you offer. This might just help them to realise that you are good at what you do (and worth the money!)

Get in on Awareness weeks

We have lots of weeks in the year where it gives us an open opportunity to market what we do and contact schools.  Anti bullying week, Childrens mental health week, Childrens activities week, School sports week are jut a few.  We often run brand campaigns and its chance just get in front of another audience.  Use every opportunity start planning them now!  Get your diaries filled up.

Freebies

I always say some time is very well spent doing something you love for free.  In the case of schools a 20-30 min free taster can go a long way in some cases a yearly booking!  Sometimes its just about ceasing an opportunity to get in front of them to showcase what you do.  Seeing is believing!

Mindfulness Assembly’s 

Mindful Assembly’s have been a huge hit.  20 mins of your time to encourage our kids to be more mindful and the possibility of a school booking too.  Offering schools something like this can help again to get in front of them to be be to demonstrate to them what you do.