HALLADAY EDUCATION GROUP

HALLADAY EDUCATION GROUP
4316 Arthur Drive, Delta, BC, Canada V4K 2W8
P: 604.868.0002 | E: info@halladayeducationgroup.com


Monday, December 15, 2008

How To Bust The Recession

Hi,


I am finally back home after being on the road for 16 out of the last 25 days. And wouldn’t you know it, Vancouver is in the grips of winter with snow and minus temperatures. I even have my first head cold. For those of you new to our eNewsletter, I have been working with my great clients in Beijing, Calgary, and Tennessee helping to develop world class schools. HEG is back on track to support the development of the first schools in phase one of Masdar City in Abu Dhabi; the world’s first sustainable, carbon free city.


Being on the road I have not put enough time into Christmas shopping. When I was in Beijing I put a dent into the shopping list by visiting the Silk and Pearl Markets, but I had better get to those malls (sigh) to finish off the list. How are you doing at this time of the year?


With HEG now working in three different continents in a variety of cultures and economies I have the time to read many newspapers espousing on our current economic situation. For the most part it is not positive. Of course bad news always sells newspapers. However, I came across an article written in our local newspaper talking about how to Bust The Recession. The premise of the story focused on NOT buying into the doom and gloom of what the papers are telling us and get out and promote your organization even more. I love the quote – “I have heard about the recession thing and I have decided not to participate.” Is your school taking action or are you shutting down and cutting back on your marketing budget?


Please read on to find out more, why you should be spending more on your marketing budget when others are cutting back.


Doug Halladay


President and Founder

Halladay Education Group Inc.

www.HalladayEducationGroup.com


================================

In This Issue

================================

1. In The News

2. Services Your School Needs

3. How To Bust The Recession

4. Products To Invest In To Start And Lead Your School


==================================

1. In The News

==================================


Two Area Private Schools Heading In Opposite Directions

A Portage private school will be adding another grade next year, but a Catholic elementary in Three Rivers is ``strategizing'' on how to remain open in the face of falling enrollment and revenue.


The Cost of Losing Students

When public schools lose students to private facilities, they also lose funding


==================================

2. Services Your School Needs

==================================


>>> (A) STARTING YOUR OWN SCHOOL


Starting a school can be challenging and you never have a 2nd chance to make a first impression. This is why you need a firm that has experience starting schools in USA and Canada. Our services include:

1. One-Day Comprehensive Overview Session

2. Formal Feasibility Study

3. Detailed Business Plan

4. Turn-Key School Formation Services

6. Ongoing Consulting Retainer

7. Ongoing Management and Operations Services


If you would like more information about our services related to starting your school, please call us at 1-604-868-0002, email at info@halladayeducationgroup.com, or click on here to download our brochure outlining services.


>>> (B) STRATEGIC PLANNING


We can develop a comprehensive Strategic Plan that will build consensus, motivate donors, and define critical priorities for your Board and Administration to improve your school.

Click here to download our brochure on our Strategic Planning process, or call us at 1-604-868-0002, or email at info@halladayeducationgroup.com


>>> (C) BOARD GOVERNANCE WORKSHOPS


Do you want your school to have better leadership? Our full-day governance workshop and interactive online survey will fine-tune your board’s performance and refocus their mandate. Please email us at info@halladayeducationgroup.com , call us at 604-868-0002 to find out more about how we can help you, or click here to download our brochure.


=========================================

3. How To Bust The Recession

=========================================


I have had to market for enrollment during SARS, mad cow disease, 9/11, closing of local industries, and have always been able to increase enrollment. Why? Because I never cut back on marketing. Never. I belief is that you must continue to plant your seeds today to be able to harvest tomorrow. Yet, I see so many schools decide during hard times that marketing is the first place to cut back. This is a bad mistake.


As I read the article in our Vancouver paper I am again reminded of this solid business decision. Karo executive, Warren Baxter is the managing Director of Vancouver-based marketing firm and shares some of these gems about boycotting the recession. He spent more on marketing and improved his organization’s services. He even increased prices. When the recession ended, he had gained enough market share to transform his company.


His mantra is to resist the impulse to save money during hard times by weakening your brand. However, research shows that organizations that focus on maintaining or building brand value increase their market share coming out of the recession.


Companies that cut marketing may get a short-term savings. However that boost will not last. Organizations that protect or enhance their brands will gradually expand market share and profitability as the recession ends.



Organizations that discount prices and trim service in a recession risk eroding the value of their brand. Only 10 percent of the marketplace is solely motivated by price. This means that 90 percent is motivated by something more than price. So he believes that the best strategy is offensive not defensive.


However, in an economic era when consumers are tightening their wallets, it is a strategy that takes courage to implement.


Are you building your school’s brand?


If you would like more information on to improve your school’s marketing and admissions strategies, please email HEG at info@halladayeducationgroup.com to set up a time to chat about your needs.


============================================

4. Products To Invest In To Start And Lead Your School

============================================


Here are a set of popular Tool Kits to help you start and/or lead your school more effectively.


>> (A). STRATEGIC PLANNING TOOLKIT (#1 BEST SELLER)


Learn how to develop your own Strategic Plan effectively with our step-by-step, Strategic Planning Toolkit and Manual. Click here to get more details.


>> (B). START-A-SCHOOL TOOLKIT (#2 BEST SELLER)


Are you still struggling with starting your School? We share with you how to start a school from the ground up. Click here to get more the details.



To your success,


Douglas Halladay


President and Founder

Halladay Education Group Inc.


P.S. Do not forget to check out our secure Online Store for ways to invest in improving or starting your own school or non-profit. Here is the link:

--> http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/products.php

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Board Evaluation-Assessment Workshops

Hi,

One of the most critical elements of starting and leading a sustainable private school is the leadership of your school. It starts right at the top with your board of governors. They have a responsibility to achieve the mission of the school for not just today’s students, but for the next generation of students.

Do you think your board of governors is collectively and individually doing the best they can?

Our firm is positioned to help your board understand what great boards should be doing, figuring out what they are not doing well, and then putting a game plan together to make immediate improvements.

Please read on to find out more,

Doug Halladay

President and Founder
Halladay Education Group Inc.
www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

If you want to find out how, you can click here for board evaluation workshops.

================================

Board Performance Workshop and Online Survey

================================

Are you looking for a Workshop that will Improve the Performance of Your Board?

During the past 25 years, I have worked with many schools...PreK-12, University Prep, Special Needs, Single Gender, Co-Ed, International, Boarding, and ESL. They were all trying to develop a Governance model that focused trustees on the critical elements of exceptional boards, but they were not firing on all cylinders.

If your board is not performing as effectively as you need, or you want to make it better, we can help. Discover a way to help your trustees become an exceptional governance unit – quickly, measurably, and easily. The solution is my…

================================
Board Performance Workshop & Online Survey
================================

As the Chair, Trustee, or Senior Administrator of a Private School, does your board experience any of the following:
  • Trustee behaviour that is unproductive and not aligned with your mission;
  • Board agenda that is controlled by crisis rather than a clear vision;
  • Board committees that exist only because they have always been there, not because they are needed;
  • No link between budget, tuition setting, or a long-term plan;
  • Blurring of boundaries and channels between the roles of the Board and Administration;
  • Unsure of how to move your Board and school to the next level;
  • Board commitment greater than you would like it to be and has become too taxing and stressful; Inability to attract and keep good trustees.
Well, if one or more of these apply to you, and you know in your heart that you really deserve to work with an effective, positive board of governors, and you would like to know how to do it, then you need a proven workshop to do it. It includes:

1). Five separate statistically-driven online surveys with your staff/faculty, parents, student, and/or alumni for board feedback on what is working and what is not

2). The board survey is a 360° online “Board Performance Self-Assessment Survey” based on years of research that evaluates your board’s performance in the following areas and builds a profile of your board’s performance gaps in:
  • Mission and Purpose
  • Strategic Planning
  • Programs and Services
  • Financial Resources and Oversight
  • Fiscal Oversight
  • Risk Management Policies
  • Support and Review of the Head of School
  • Relationship between Board and Staff
  • Public Image
  • Selection and Orientation of New Board Members
  • Board Structure and Efficient Operation of the Board
  • Board Committees and Task Forces
  • Individual self-evaluation
3). Facilitated workshop that assists the board in developing strategies and action plans to close your performance gap (I can develop a mini strategic plan for board improvement). Board members will candidly discuss and reach consensus on issues surrounding the performance of your board and lay the groundwork for long-term improvement.

4). Hands-on case scenarios that highlight effective board practices and create discussion points around familiar issues that need a consistent board approach

5). Receive a “Summative Board Report” providing a comprehensive overview of the board’s survey results, issues, and a plan of action for improvement

================================
HOW DOES YOUR BOARD IMPROVE?
================================

When You Take The Workshop, Your Board Will Walk Away With a Different Outlook…
  • Identifying critical areas of board operation that need attention and using it as a springboard to strengthen board performance
  • Assessing progress towards existing plans, goals, and objectives
  • Better preparation for a Strategic Plan or major Fundraising Campaign Serving as an effective orientation and inclusion process for new board members
  • Building trust, respect, team-work, and communication amongst board members and the Head
  • Clarifying the respective roles of the board and staff
  • Gaining credibility for the organization amongst donors to support fundraising
  • Ensuring that all board members have a shared understanding of the board’s roles and responsibilities
  • Enabling individual board members to work more effectively as part of the team
  • Identifying and reaching consensus on critical issues before they become a crisis
  • Building a stronger Head-Board relationship
================================
YOUR NEXT STEP
================================

If you are interested in finding more details about the process you can contact Doug Halladay at:
  • phone (604-868-0002) or
  • email (info@HalladayEducationGroup.com).
I look forward to learning more about your institution and helping your board to make your goals a reality.

To your success,

Douglas Halladay
President and Founder

Halladay Education Group Inc.
www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

Monday, November 10, 2008

The Greater The Crisis The Greater The Opportunity

IN EVERY CRISIS THERE IS OPPORTUNITY


AND The Greater The crisis The Greater The Opportunity.


It is true that this may be the greatest economic crisis this country has suffered in nearly eighty years. It is also true that it will get worse no matter what the new president may do. And it is also true that some of the greatest opportunities that your school may see in decades are hidden within this crisis.


Mark my words: Over the next few years, you will see schools that find and mine those opportunities positively explode in size and revenue. You will see success made by those who discover ways to serve parents and students, and not only survive but thrive.


STRATEGIC PLANNING IS THE TOOL YOU WILL USE TO LEAD YOUR SCHOOL THROUGH THESE CHALLENGING TIMES


Your strategic plan is critical to the future success of your school; be it new or established. As the world’s economy shifts, powerful forces will impact your school, your students, and staff. Now more than ever, your board needs a powerful plan to maximize your strengths, foresee your threats, reduce your weaknesses, and take advantage of future opportunities. As others retrench or react to the ripples of current events, proactive schools like you should be putting your plan together to build a foundation to make you even stronger.


Your plan will steer you through these turbulent times.


Our proven planning process results in the development of a powerful tool that your school will buy into and will be implemented quickly to support your school over the next five turbulent years. I have taken the liberty of including a recent testimonial letter from a private school just like yours reflecting on the impact our planning process had on their school. Click here.


The unique process we use to develop your plan will include three site visits over a four to six month period to establish where you are now, where do you want to be, how do you get there, and how do you know you have gotten there, providing:

  1. Six onsite focus group sessions with parents, students, staff, faculty, board members, alumni, and/or former members of your community;
  2. Five separate statistically-driven online surveys with your staff/faculty, board, parents, and/or alumni;
  3. Re/defining your core values, mandates, mission and vision statements, and educational philosophy;
  4. Identifying impeding critical issues and developing solution-based goals, rationale, and objectives;
  5. And most importantly, developing detailed action plans to actualize your goals into operational tasks to make your vision a reality.

My experienced approach results in both the compass and the roadmap to guide your staff and board with a measurable plan that will coordinate the priorities of your efforts to maximize performance or overcome the challenges that are coming.


If this is something your school could benefit from and you would like to find out more about our planning process, you will want review the attached Overview Document that outlines our planning approach. And yes, it can all be customized to your school.


Click on or cut-and-past the following link into your Internet web browser to access the letter

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/files/TestimonialLetterVISGA.pdf


As a past Head of School, I recognize how invaluable a plan is to the long-term success of your school. Now with today’s precarious environment a plan is not negotiable.


At the time of this mailing there is still time to develop a strategic plan before the end of your school year.


If you would like to touch base with me about our planning services, you can contact me by:

  • phone (604-868-0002) or
  • email (info@HalladayEducationGroup.com).

Yours very truly,


Douglas Halladay

President

Halladay Education Group Inc.


www.HalladayEducationGroup.com


Thursday, October 30, 2008

In Crisis There is Opportunity

Hi:

I hope you are going to have a spook-tacular Halloween tomorrow. I am going to be walking around our neighbourhood with my son and his cousin, and my daughter whose school friends will be tagging along (as the good and bad witch).

Click here to get my Halloween greeting card.

I have been sending you a few eNewsletters on the value of strategic planning for your school and an overview of our planning services. I enjoy the experience of helping schools to develop their plan. It provides me insight in new ways of providing education to children and also helps schools to become better – at the top and in the classrooms where it counts.

I am a glass half-full type of leader. I believe that good things come to organizations that are prepared and optimistic. Good luck happens to those who work hard and have a plan. Does your school?

In addition, many people are panicking and think that the bottom will fall out of their enrolment. Please do not get me wrong, I recognize that world events have changed parents view point on what they spend their hard earned money on. However, even the worst case scenario would have 90 percent of society employed with money to spend, though they are going to be more conservative with they will spend their money on. And yes, schools will have to work harder to find and keep their students, but if you are a good school with an efficient marketing system, you should not be worried. But you need a plan!

Take a look at the following links that reflect on the fact that enrolment at private schools is still strong.

Despite Economy, Private Schools See Steady Enrollment
Business Gazette - Gaithersburg, MD, USA
Officials at some of the area's priciest private schools are still seeing increased interest in enrolment despite the economic downturn, but they foresee a tough year ahead for financial aid, budgets and endowment numbers.

Private Schools See Higher Enrollment
Augusta Chronicle - Augusta, GA, USA
Prep, Augusta's most expensive private school, is 35 to 40 children from being full. At Augusta Preparatory Day School, enrolment is up 3 percent, from 553 pupils last year to 570 this year, Headmaster Jack Hall said. Prep, Augusta's most expensive private school, is 35 to 40 children from being full.

Private Schools Holding Strong
Staunton News Leader - Staunton, VA, USA
Most area private schools seem to be doing well despite a national economic downtown. On Monday, ARCH Academy, a small alternative school, announced it would close after several families withdrew, citing financial concerns. Officials at several other private schools, however, said their enrolment held fairly steady this fall — although some said they were watching to see how next year would pan out. At Stuart Hall, one of Staunton's largest and most expensive private schools, enrolment actually increased by 12 students this year, said Sally Day, communications director. More than 300 students attend Stuart Hall, which offers grades kindergarten through 12 at its two campuses.

Economy Hits Private School Enrollment
Today's MGT - Macon, GA, USA
The harsh economic conditions have caused many families to re-evaluate their budget, but amid the financial times some private schools have grown considerably. A third grade class at Covenant Academy sings as the day comes to a close. The class size has grown in past years aside from the economy putting a serious strain on many of the parents. Acting school Headmaster Todd Whetsel said, "The economy has affected most if not all families in Middle Georgia. It certainly is a factor in any private school or Christian school decision." The economy has hurt several private schools in Bibb County. Progressive Christian Academy is down 220 students while Tattnall Square Academy has lost close to 120 students. On the other hand, larger private schools like FPD have grown its student population. Covenant Academy is no exception to growth. The student body has grown considerably in the past five years from just 99 students in 2003 to more than 480 to date.

Of course I could find other stories that profess a downturn in enrolment to match the economy, but is that what you want to hear? I believe that if you have an organized system to market and enrol your current and new students, and you have a sound educational program with caring staff, you will thrive. But your school needs to know what the issues are that your school is facing and a proactive plan to overcome it, firing on all your cylinders as a team. If this is something that interests you, please read on.

To your success,

Doug Halladay

President & Founder
Halladay Education Group
F: 1.866.472.8737 I P: 604.868.0002 I Email: info@halladayeducationgroup.com

www.HalladayEducationGroup.com


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

STRATEGIC PLANNING IS ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL TOOLS YOU CAN USE TO LEAD YOUR SCHOOL THROUGH OUR CHALLENGING TIMES

Your strategic plan is critical to the future success of your school --be it new or established. As the world’s economy shifts, powerful forces are impacting your school, your students, and staff. Now more than ever, your board needs a proactive plan to maximize your strengths, foresee your threats, reduce your weaknesses, and take advantage of future opportunities for your school. As others retrench or react to the ripples of current events, proactive schools should be putting a plan together that will build a foundation to make you even stronger.

Your plan should steer you through these turbulent times. Our proven planning process results in the development of a practical tool that your community will buy into and can be implemented right away to support your school over the next five years. I have taken the liberty of including a recent testimonial letter from a private school like yours reflecting on the positive impact our planning process had on their school. Click here to access the letter.

The unique process we utilize to develop your plan typically encompasses three site visits over a four to six month period to determine where you are now, where you want to be, how to get there, and how you know you have gotten there, providing:
  1. Six onsite focus group sessions with parents, students, staff, faculty, board members, alumni, and/or former members of your community;
  2. Five separate statistically-driven online surveys with your staff/faculty, board, parents, and/or alumni;
  3. Re/defining your core values, mandates, mission and vision statements, and educational philosophy;
  4. 4). Identifying impeding critical issues and developing solution-based goals, rationale, and objectives;
  5. 5). And most importantly, developing detailed action plans to actualize your goals into operational tasks to make your vision a reality.
My experienced approach results in the compass and the roadmap to guide your staff and board with a measurable plan that will coordinate the priorities of your efforts to maximize performance.

If this is something your school could benefit from and you would like to find out more about our planning process, you will want review the attached Overview Document that outlines our planning approach. Click here to access the letter

As a past Head of School, I recognize how invaluable a plan is to the long-term success of your school. At the time of this mailing there is still time to develop a strategic plan before the end of your school year.

If you would like to touch base with me about our strategic planning consulting services, you can contact me by:
  • phone (604-868-0002) or
  • email (info@HalladayEducationGroup.com).

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Strategic Planning Is One Of The Most Powerful Tools You Have To Lead Your School Through Today’s Challenging Times

Hello,


I am just back from working on a strategic plan with an Adventist Private Boarding School near Nashville, Tennessee. My three days working with their strategic planning committee was hard work but extremely productive and rewarding. I think that we had a number of those moments of clarity where great ideas and strategies for their future emerged.


I told them that their developing their plan during these challenging times was a blessing. When other schools are retrenching, they are making plans to take advantage of opportunities that are emerging and to maximize their strengths.


Are you?


Today I am going to share with you WHY your school needs a strategic plan more than it ever has.


Yours truly,


Doug Halladay

President & Founder

****************************************************************************************

Strategic Planning Is One Of The Most Powerful Tools You Have To Lead Your School Through Today’s Challenging Times


Your school’s strategic plan is critical to your current and future success. As the world’s economy shifts, powerful forces are impacting your school, your students, and your staff. Now more than ever, your board needs a comprehensive plan to maximize your school’s strengths, foresee your threats, reduce your weaknesses, and take advantage of future opportunities. As others begin to retrench or react to the ripples of current events, proactive schools like yours should be putting a plan together that will build a foundation to make your school even stronger.


Your plan should guide you through these turbulent times. Our proven planning process results in the development of a practical tool that your community will buy into and can be implemented at once with strategies to support your school over the next five years. I’ve taken the liberty of including a recent testimonial letter from a private school like yours reflecting on the positive impact our planning process had on their school.

Click here on or cut-and-past the following link into your Internet web browser to access the letter


>> http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/files/StrategicPlanningProcessOverview.pdf


The process that we utilize to develop your plan typically encompasses three site visits over four to six months utilizing to determine where you are now, where you want to be, and how to get there, and how you know you’ve gotten there, including:

  • separate onsite focus group sessions with parents, students, staff, faculty, board members, alumni, and former members of your community;
  • Five separate statistically-driven online surveys with staff/faculty, board, parents, and alumni;
  • Re/defining your core values, mandates, mission and vision statements, and educational philosophy;
  • Indentifying your critical issues and developing solution-based goals, rationale, and objectives;
  • And most importantly, a detailed action plan for each goal to actualize your goals into operational tasks to make your vision a reality.

My experienced approach results in both the “compass” and the “roadmap” to guide your staff and board with a measurable plan that will coordinate the priorities for your school’s efforts in maximizing your performance.


If this seems like something your school could benefit from and you would like to find out more about my firm’s planning process, then you will want review the “Overview Document” I included that outlines our planning approach.


Click on or cut-and-past the following link into your Internet web browser to access the letter


>> http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/files/TestimonialLetterVISGA.pdf


As a past Head of School, I recognize how invaluable a plan is to the long-term success of your. At the time of this mailing, there is still time available to develop a strategic plan before the end of your school year.


If you would like to touch base about our planning services, you can contact Doug Halladay by email info@HalladayEducationGroup.com.


Yours very truly,


Douglas L.J. Halladay

President

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Posting for the Founding CEO of a New Career Trade School

Hi,

For you Canadians out there, I hope you had a wonderful weekend celebrating Thanksgiving with your family. Yes, I know Canada has a different date for Thanksgiving than the US, and I have no explanation why, but it is what it is. Here in Vancouver we celebrated our Thanksgiving dinner with a West Coast twist – we had a salmon BBQ at our cabin (rather than turkey). To add a bit more of Canadiana to the mix, I had to do some last minute garden work in our back yard. You see our back yard borders on to a slough that feeds into the Fraser River. I realized to my shock that a beaver had decided that he (or she?) was going to chew through our majestic willow tree. To put an end to this nuisance I wrapped chicken wire around the tree. After 2 days there has been no sign of any more late night tree chewing, but I will keep you posted.

As you know, my firm specializes in helping non-profits and investment groups start K-12 private schools and post secondary career colleges in North America and Internationally. Today I am sharing with you a new search posting that my firm is handling for the position of President and Chief Education Officer (CEO) at our newest college, Pacific Institute of Trades and Technology (PITT) in Surrey, British Columbia.

I am listing below an overview of the position. I would appreciate that you forward the information to any potential candidates that might be interested in the position.

They can of course contact me if you have any questions about the position.

If you would like more information on our senior executive and faculty searches, please email HEG at info@halladayeducationgroup.com to set up a time to chat or click on the following link:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/leadership.php

Yours truly,

Doug Halladay

President & Founder
Halladay Education Group
F: 1.866.472.8737 I P: 604.868.0002 I Email: info@halladayeducationgroup.com

www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

****************************************************************************************

THE PACIFIC INSTITUTE OF TRADES AND TECHNOLOGY


Seeks the Founding President and Chief Education Officer

PITT represents a highly unique opportunity for an inspirational Founding CEO who will oversee the start-up and operation of the new institute. This position demands a committed and visionary individual to lead PITT forward into excellence. You have a chance to put an indelible imprint on the future development of PITT as you build the brand and make the school one of the top technical institutes in Western Canada. As the founding CEO working closely with the Board of Directors, you will develop the initial programs and enrolment, and inspire the vision of the school.

PITT is a new private post secondary vocational institution based in Surrey, BC, that will be accredited by PCTIA and ITA and offer industry direct, in-demand training for pre-apprentice and apprentice programs in the construction industry. PITT offers career training that prepares graduates directly for the workplace. Our programs offer the very best in trades’ education and training, modern facilities, an employer-driven curriculum, top-notch instructors, and job placement assistance.

Our client wishes to attract a visionary leader with at least 10 years of post secondary career experience, with 3-5 of those being at the senior management level. Reporting to the Board of Directors, this is a permanent full-time position that will play a pivotal role in the development, implementation, and administration of the new school. This is an extraordinary opportunity for an experienced senior educator to apply their experience with establishing a mission-driven organization.

The search committee will begin reviewing applicants in October 2008 and the position will take effect in mid-November 2008.

For full details and information on how to apply, please visit the following link and reply in confidence:

www.HalladayEducationGroup.com/PITT

We thank all applicants. Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted

Halladay Education Group Inc.
Douglas Halladay, President
F: 1.866.472.8737 I P: 604.868.0002 I Email: info@halladayeducationgroup.com
www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Stay Connected With Your Community

Hello:


I would like to thank all of you for your kind regards on my 50th birthday yesterday. I am not big on these types of milestones, but I had a great family dinner and celebratory birthday cake, along with some very rude birthday cards from my friends and relatives. You can see a photo of me with my birthday cake on my blog.

I must apologize for the length of time between eNewsletters. My firm has been swamped with new school formation projects and school management services around the globe, and I have not put enough time into staying connected with my Inner Circle Members. I must reprimand myself since I am always the one to push staying connected with your client base to build trust and resulting enrolment. However, I am here now reconnecting with you and sharing what is happening in my life and providing some insightful tips to help you start and manage the performance of your private school more effectively.

Some of you have been kind enough to inquire into where and what HEG is working on. Here is snapshot of what we are focusing our services on:


1). Feasibility study to start a Private Gr. 7-12 Christian-Environmentally Sustainable Academy in Maui

2). Business plan to start a private multi-sports boarding academy in Canada

4). Formation contract to start a “Red Seal” trade and technology institute in Vancouver, BC

5). Develop a strategic plan for a private Adventist boarding school in Tennessee

6). Business plan to develop a for-profit private PreK-12 American school in Singapore

7). Retainer to guide the formation of a PreK-12 Private Adventist school in San Antonio

8). Develop a business plan for a K-12 British Columbia certified offshore school in Abu Dhabi

9). Feasibility study to transition a Chinese school in Beijing into a K-12 British Columbia certified offshore school

10). Selection to develop a feasibility study to develop the private K-12 school system for the world’s first carbon free city, Masdar, just outside of Abu Dhabi

11). Develop a strategic plan for a private International Baccalaureate day school in Vancouver

12). Selection to support the formation of 15 mega Technology in Education Learning Centers or secondary schools in Africa

13). Selection to assist a Dubai-based investment group to partner with a US-based school

There are even more projects coming up in Dubai and the Middle East that I will mention in the next eNewsletter. Suffice to say, HEG has become the go-to firm for founders, investors, and land developers looking for an experienced international firm who can support the comprehensive development of K-12 and post secondary institutions, from concept to turn-key.


Enjoy the eNewsletter,


Doug Halladay

President and Founder

Halladay Education Group Inc.

www.HalladayEducationGroup.com


================================

In This Issue

================================


1. In The News

2. Services Your School Needs

3. Stay Connected To Your Community

4. Products To Invest In To Start And Lead Your School


==================================

1. In The News

==================================


Local Private Schools Expanding
Charlottesville Daily Progress - Charlottesville, VA, USA
By Sharon C. Fitzgerald Daily Progress correspondent Several private schools in Albemarle County and Charlottesville are growing to accommodate current and ...


Private Schools Unhurt By Economy
Durham Herald Sun - Durham, NC, USA
Several private schools in the area have seen an increase in enrollment from last school year. Kathleen Davidson, admissions coordinator for Carolina ...


UK's Biggest School Scraps Homework
Times Online - UK
Geoff Lucas, general secretary of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference of independent schools, warned that, if widely adopted, the policy would ...


Parents push for private high school Downtown
Downtown Express - USA
Two women with children attending Village private schools came up with the idea for GVHS independently of each other two years ago. ...


==================================
2. Services Your School Needs
==================================

>>> (A) STARTING YOUR OWN SCHOOL

Starting a school can be challenging and you never have a 2nd chance to make a first impression. This is why you need a firm that has experience starting schools in USA and Canada. Our services include:
1. One-Day Comprehensive Overview Session


2. Formal Feasibility Study
3. Detailed Business Plan
4. Turn-Key School Formation Services
6. Ongoing Consulting Retainer
7. Ongoing Management and Operations Services

If you would like more information about our services related to starting your school, please call us at 1-604-868-0002, email at info@halladayeducationgroup.com, or click here to download our brochure outlining services.

>>> (B) STRATEGIC PLANNING

We can develop a comprehensive Strategic Plan that will build consensus, motivate donors, and define critical priorities for your Board and Administration to improve your school.

Click here to download our brochure on our Strategic Planning process, or call us at 1-604-868-0002, or email at info@halladayeducationgroup.com

>>> (C) BOARD GOVERNANCE WORKSHOPS

Do you want your school to have better leadership? Our full-day governance workshop and interactive online survey will fine-tune your board’s performance and refocus their mandate. Please email us at info@halladayeducationgroup.com , call us at 604-868-0002 to find out more about how we can help you, or click here to download our brochure.


=========================================

3. Staying Connected With Your Community

=========================================


What better theme to discuss today than my own slacking off of communicating with my own community, you, members of HEG’s Inner Circle. I can come up with a bunch of excuses of why I have not sent out an eNewsletter (hey it is my birthday after all!! and my firm’s been swamped by clients wanting to start schools around the globe), but there is no excuse. Research indicates that for people to know, like, and trust you, they must be in contact with you at least 5 to 7 times. This means that if you want parents to enroll their son or daughter at your school, you must reach out to them more than a half a dozen times.


How can you do this? Here are a few quick suggestions:


1). Set up an opt-in box on your web site to encourage parents to give you their name and email address. Once you have this, you then start to send out a weekly eNewsletter sharing with them what wonderful things you are doing at your school. Remember, once you set this up, sending emails is almost free. Furthermore, parents will forward this email to other parents (which is free and great). This is almost like word-of-mouth marketing, which is the most powerful marketing you can have – testimonials.


2). Set up an RSS feed on your web site so that every time you update it, your clients will know this too.


3). Set up a multi-step email system on your web site for parents who opt-in (have a free downloadable report that can go out in a 7 step process). This allows you to build up the relationship over time.


4). After parents visit your school or make an inquiry, set up a multi-step post card mail-out system with a third party vendor that will go out automatically in a 3-5 part mailing.

What ever you do, make sure it is systemized so that you are using your time wisely and you are reaching out to as many prospective parents and students as possible, building up that relationship of trust.


If you would like more information on to improve your school’s marketing and admissions strategies, please email HEG at info@halladayeducationgroup.com to set up a time to chat about your needs.


============================================

4. Products To Invest In To Start And Lead Your School

============================================


Here are a set of popular Tool Kits to help you start and/or lead your school more effectively.


>> (A). STRATEGIC PLANNING TOOLKIT (#1 BEST SELLER)

Learn how to develop your own Strategic Plan effectively with our step-by-step, Strategic Planning Toolkit and Manual. Click here to get more details.


>> (B). START-A-SCHOOL TOOLKIT (#2 BEST SELLER)

Are you still struggling with starting your School? We share with you how to start a school from the ground up. Click here to get more the details.


=======================================================

To your success,


Douglas Halladay

President and Founder

Halladay Education Group Inc.

www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

=======================================================


P.S. Do not forget to check out our secure Online Store for ways to invest in improving or starting your own school or non-profit. Click here for the link.


Copyright © 2007 Halladay Education Group Inc – All Rights Reserved