TO MARKETING YOUR SBE DEBBIE TAYLOR | DECA Inc. Leadership Specialist
PEOPLE LIKE TO SAY THAT 2020 CHANGED EVERYTHING, but the reality is that the world of marketing is constantly evolving. If you want to attract new customers while maintaining a loyal base, you need to utilize cutting-edge techniques for your school-based enterprise. With the right mix of activities, you can identify and focus on the most effective marketing tactics to level up your SBE. There are countless ways you can promote your school-based enterprise, but here are some of our favorites shared by DECA advisors across the globe.
ARROW MART
SHERANDO DECA, VA Contributed by Advisor, Jason Uhry Go broad to reach a larger audience. At the Arrow Mart, members use a variety of methods to market their SBE. They utilize school-wide announcements, Google classroom posts and social media as the primary tools to market merchandise. But it’s not just about promoting to students. Virtual flyers are sent to parent emails and students are also planning a showcase of products on Facebook Live to reach local community members. 24
CAT'S CORNER + THE GREEN BEAN JENISON DECA, MI
Contributed by Advisor, Jordan Whittecar Empower students. At Jenison High School, students are broken up into six departments at the beginning of the year to manage their retail store (Cat's Corner) and coffee shop (The Green Bean). Three of the departments work together to oversee all marketing activities: Digital Marketing, Visual Merchandising and Promotion. The Promotion Department comes up with innovative new ideas, works with other student groups (band, student council, athletics) to create influencers, oversees the morning announcements and sends monthly email blasts to the entire school district. The Digital Department creates content for social media and the store website, and the Visual Department takes care of in-store marketing such as mannequins, signage, chalkboards and TVs. The division of responsibilities allows students to become experts in their chosen area while also learning to work collaboratively with all departments. Plus, students are the most in-tune with the latest trends, so why not give them the tools to make decisions and be accountable!
