"I'm all for workplace instruction. I understand the concept and the steps. Now the big question: how do I find and contact workplace partners? Is there a better way than a cold call?"
From LiteracyTentWiki
As in many things, building relationships is important, in this case with the business community for providing workplace education. Join organizations where you will meet HR people or CEOs of medium-sized companies. Develop a relationship with the person at the Chamber of Commerce, or the WIB staff person, or the One-stop Carrer Center(s) who might receive requests from companies for workplace basic skills training. Of course, you will need to have a proven model for delivering workplace basic skills (ESOL/ESL, workplace writing, GED/EDP preparation, work-related math such as statistical process control, etc.) and a short, well-written brochure that describes your organization and the services you provide. Also, be sure you know what servcies other workplace education providers offer, and how yours differ (cost, quality, connection to other services -- such as guaranteed seats in your regular community-based programs, specialization -- for example in English language learning, etc.)
And, then send out your brochure and follow up with "cold calling" too.
David J. Rosen
djrosen@comcast.net
October 25, 2005
Also remember that developing partners takes time. Expect that it will take months and up to a couple years to nurture a potential partner before they are ready to come to the table with you to navigate red tape, etc. In the meantime, maintain the relationship with periodic emails and phone calls and keep them in touch with factoid-alerts that show what their return on investment could be. The literacy champion you may have tapped in to at the company will need help making the case for literacy and/or language instruction in their workplace.
Charlie Herbert
SABES-West
November 14, 2005
