Yet the number of institutions tells only part of the story. The greater opportunity is found inside them.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.navitor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/ElementarySchoolDoorsBlogBAN.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
How to Find More Print Business Inside Every Education Account<\/strong><\/h3>\nIt\u2019s easy to think of a school, district, college, or university as a single account. In practice, each may contain numerous departments, organizations, and decision-makers with their own audiences, objectives, budgets, and deadlines.<\/p>\n
Within a K\u201312 account, potential buyers may include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- District administration and communications<\/li>\n
- Individual school offices<\/li>\n
- Athletics and extracurricular programs<\/li>\n
- Parent organizations and school foundations<\/li>\n
- Performing arts departments<\/li>\n
- Food service and transportation<\/li>\n
- Fundraising committees<\/li>\n
- Summer and community education programs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A college or university can open even more doors:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Admissions and enrollment<\/li>\n
- Orientation and student services<\/li>\n
- Academic departments<\/li>\n
- Athletics and student organizations<\/li>\n
- Campus events and conferences<\/li>\n
- Housing and dining<\/li>\n
- Alumni relations<\/li>\n
- Advancement and development<\/li>\n
- Continuing education<\/li>\n
- Facilities and campus operations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
An existing relationship with one contact can become an introduction to several others. The reseller who supplies folders for admissions, for example, may also be able to help orientation prepare welcome materials, athletics promote upcoming events, and advancement coordinate a donor mailing.<\/p>\n
The key is to stop asking, \u201cWhat can I sell this school?<\/em>\u201d and start asking, \u201cWho does this institution need to reach next \u2013 and what are they trying to accomplish?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.navitor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/AFrameSIgn-WelcomeBlogBAN.jpg\")
<\/h3>\nConnect Print to the Institution\u2019s Objective<\/strong><\/h3>\nEducation buyers are rarely looking for print simply for the sake of print. They\u2019re trying to recruit students, communicate information, increase attendance, guide visitors, raise funds, or strengthen a connection with their community.<\/p>\n
Leading with that objective makes the sales conversation more relevant \u2013 and often reveals a larger, coordinated opportunity.<\/p>\n
Recruit and enroll<\/strong><\/p>\nAdmissions and enrollment teams may need brochures<\/a>, postcards<\/a>, flyers<\/a>, presentation folders<\/a>, envelopes<\/a>, and event signage<\/a> to reach prospective students and guide them through the decision process.<\/p>\nInstead of quoting one brochure, ask how the school communicates before and after a campus visit. A recruitment campaign might include an introductory postcard, program brochure, information folder, promotional products<\/a>, and signage for an admissions event.<\/p>\nWelcome and inform<\/strong><\/p>\nStudent services, orientation teams, school offices, and academic departments continually share instructions, schedules, policies, and resources.<\/p>\n
Folders can organize orientation materials. Forms<\/a> and envelopes support administrative communication. Labels<\/a> help identify materials and manage supplies. Post-it\u00ae Notes<\/a> offer a useful branded item for students, teachers, faculty, and staff.<\/p>\nDirect and organize<\/strong><\/p>\nSchools and campuses are busy physical environments. Students, families, visitors, and employees need to know where to go and what to do when they arrive.<\/p>\n
Floor decals<\/a>, banners, posters<\/a>, and directional signs can support registration, campus tours, conferences, athletic events, performances, graduations, and everyday navigation.<\/p>\nEncourage participation<\/strong><\/p>\nAthletics, student organizations, performing arts programs, clubs, and parent groups depend on participation from students, families, and the surrounding community.<\/p>\n
Postcards, flyers, posters, banners, decals, bumper stickers<\/a>, yard signs<\/a>, calendar cards<\/a>, and event tickets<\/a> can help promote activities, manage attendance, recognize sponsors, and encourage school pride.<\/p>\nFundraise and reconnect<\/strong><\/p>\nK\u201312 foundations, parent groups, advancement teams, and alumni departments rely on communication to maintain relationships and generate support.<\/p>\n
Donation and remittance envelopes<\/a>, custom letterhead<\/a>, postcards, event invitations<\/a>, and supporting campaign materials can work together to make an appeal more visible, personal, and easy to respond to.<\/p>\nA product request may be the starting point, but the institution\u2019s objective reveals the full campaign.<\/p>\n
![\"education](\"https:\/\/www.navitor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/CampusBoothInfoBlogBAN.jpg\")
<\/h3>\nBeyond Back-to-School: Education Print Sales Follow a Year-Round Calendar<\/strong><\/h3>\nDistributors who contact education customers only before the first day of school miss much of the market.<\/p>\n
Schools have recurring communication needs across every season:<\/p>\n
\n- Summer:<\/strong> Registration, orientation, enrollment communication, classroom preparation, campus updates, back-to-school events, and new signage<\/li>\n
- Fall:<\/strong> Athletics, homecoming, parent events, student activities, performances, fundraisers, and annual giving<\/li>\n
- Winter:<\/strong> Admissions recruitment, course registration, conferences, recognition programs, indoor events, and spring planning<\/li>\n
- Spring:<\/strong> Graduation, alumni events, donor outreach, summer-program promotion, year-end fundraising, and enrollment for the coming year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The most effective outreach starts well before the event. Review school and campus calendars, identify what\u2019s approaching, and work backward from the date the materials will be needed.<\/p>\n
A spring graduation project may require a conversation during winter. Fall recruitment materials may be planned during summer. Annual campaigns often return at roughly the same time each year.<\/p>\n
Once a recurring need is identified, record the likely reorder date and follow up before planning begins again.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.navitor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/AdmissionsOfficeBlogBAN.jpg\")
<\/h3>\nLearn How the Institution Buys<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe opportunity may be broad, but education purchasing can be structured. Before recommending products, learn how decisions are made.<\/p>\n
Ask:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Is purchasing centralized through a district or institutional office?<\/li>\n
- Can individual schools or departments manage their own budgets?<\/li>\n
- Do we need to complete a vendor-registration process?<\/li>\n
- Who requests the materials?<\/li>\n
- Who approves the artwork and expense?<\/li>\n
- Who ultimately places the order?<\/li>\n
- Are there brand standards that every department must follow?<\/li>\n
- When does the budget year begin or end?<\/li>\n
- Which projects repeat each semester or school year?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
One especially useful question is: \u201cWho else is involved in approving, ordering, or using these materials?\u201d <\/strong>The answer may uncover an additional decision-maker, a different department, or an opportunity to coordinate several related pieces.<\/p>\nUnderstanding the process also helps you provide greater value. Education customers often appreciate help maintaining consistency, selecting practical specifications, meeting firm event dates, and preparing repeat orders without starting over each time.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.navitor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/StudentHoldingBrochureBlogBAN.jpg\")
<\/h3>\nTry the 10-3-90 Education Plan<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe education market can feel enormous. A simple prospecting framework makes it manageable.<\/p>\n
Choose 10 institutions<\/strong><\/p>\nIdentify 10 schools, districts, colleges, universities, prep schools, charter schools, technical schools, or community education organizations in your market.<\/p>\n
These could include current customers as well as prospects. An existing customer may provide the fastest opportunity because you already have a relationship and order history.<\/p>\n
Find three potential buying groups in each<\/strong><\/p>\nResearch the institution\u2019s website, staff directory, event calendar, news, and social channels. Select at least three departments or organizations that regularly communicate with students, families, alumni, donors, or the public.<\/p>\n
For example:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Admissions<\/li>\n
- Athletics<\/li>\n
- Student services<\/li>\n
- Advancement<\/li>\n
- Performing arts<\/li>\n
- Parent organizations<\/li>\n
- Continuing education<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Ten institutions multiplied by three buying groups creates 30 focused opportunities \u2013 without requiring a massive prospecting list.<\/p>\n
Look ahead 90 days<\/strong><\/p>\nReview what each institution has scheduled during the next three months. Look for enrollment events, performances, fundraisers, athletics, orientation, conferences, parent programs, alumni gatherings, or graduation activities.<\/p>\n
Then choose one timely objective and suggest a coordinated group of products that can support it.<\/p>\n
For each opportunity:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Identify the audience and desired response.<\/li>\n
- Recommend two or three complementary print products.<\/li>\n
- Contact the appropriate department before its planning deadline.<\/li>\n
- Ask about related events or communication needs.<\/li>\n
- Record the likely reorder date.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
The goal isn\u2019t to pitch every available product at once. It\u2019s to begin one relevant conversation, complete the project successfully, and use what you learn to find the next opportunity.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.navitor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/LabelsForTeachersBlogBAN.jpg\")
<\/h3>\nStart Mapping Your Education Accounts<\/strong><\/h3>\nMore departments = more needs = more opportunity for you. Navitor\u2019s Education Products page<\/a> brings together print ideas for both K\u201312 and higher education. You can also download separate K\u201312<\/a> and Higher Education<\/a> flyers to guide prospecting conversations and introduce customers to additional possibilities.<\/p>\nChoose one nearby education account. Identify three departments. Look at what\u2019s coming up on the calendar. Then start with the department that has the clearest need and the nearest deadline.<\/p>\n
Education never stops communicating. Neither does its need for print. The next education order may already be on the calendar. You simply need to find the person planning it.<\/p>\n
- \n
- District administration and communications<\/li>\n
- Individual school offices<\/li>\n
- Athletics and extracurricular programs<\/li>\n
- Parent organizations and school foundations<\/li>\n
- Performing arts departments<\/li>\n
- Food service and transportation<\/li>\n
- Fundraising committees<\/li>\n
- Summer and community education programs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A college or university can open even more doors:<\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- Admissions and enrollment<\/li>\n
- Orientation and student services<\/li>\n
- Academic departments<\/li>\n
- Athletics and student organizations<\/li>\n
- Campus events and conferences<\/li>\n
- Housing and dining<\/li>\n
- Alumni relations<\/li>\n
- Advancement and development<\/li>\n
- Continuing education<\/li>\n
- Facilities and campus operations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
An existing relationship with one contact can become an introduction to several others. The reseller who supplies folders for admissions, for example, may also be able to help orientation prepare welcome materials, athletics promote upcoming events, and advancement coordinate a donor mailing.<\/p>\n
The key is to stop asking, \u201cWhat can I sell this school?<\/em>\u201d and start asking, \u201cWho does this institution need to reach next \u2013 and what are they trying to accomplish?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/h3>\nConnect Print to the Institution\u2019s Objective<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Education buyers are rarely looking for print simply for the sake of print. They\u2019re trying to recruit students, communicate information, increase attendance, guide visitors, raise funds, or strengthen a connection with their community.<\/p>\n
Leading with that objective makes the sales conversation more relevant \u2013 and often reveals a larger, coordinated opportunity.<\/p>\n
Recruit and enroll<\/strong><\/p>\n
Admissions and enrollment teams may need brochures<\/a>, postcards<\/a>, flyers<\/a>, presentation folders<\/a>, envelopes<\/a>, and event signage<\/a> to reach prospective students and guide them through the decision process.<\/p>\n
Instead of quoting one brochure, ask how the school communicates before and after a campus visit. A recruitment campaign might include an introductory postcard, program brochure, information folder, promotional products<\/a>, and signage for an admissions event.<\/p>\n
Welcome and inform<\/strong><\/p>\n
Student services, orientation teams, school offices, and academic departments continually share instructions, schedules, policies, and resources.<\/p>\n
Folders can organize orientation materials. Forms<\/a> and envelopes support administrative communication. Labels<\/a> help identify materials and manage supplies. Post-it\u00ae Notes<\/a> offer a useful branded item for students, teachers, faculty, and staff.<\/p>\n
Direct and organize<\/strong><\/p>\n
Schools and campuses are busy physical environments. Students, families, visitors, and employees need to know where to go and what to do when they arrive.<\/p>\n
Floor decals<\/a>, banners, posters<\/a>, and directional signs can support registration, campus tours, conferences, athletic events, performances, graduations, and everyday navigation.<\/p>\n
Encourage participation<\/strong><\/p>\n
Athletics, student organizations, performing arts programs, clubs, and parent groups depend on participation from students, families, and the surrounding community.<\/p>\n
Postcards, flyers, posters, banners, decals, bumper stickers<\/a>, yard signs<\/a>, calendar cards<\/a>, and event tickets<\/a> can help promote activities, manage attendance, recognize sponsors, and encourage school pride.<\/p>\n
Fundraise and reconnect<\/strong><\/p>\n
K\u201312 foundations, parent groups, advancement teams, and alumni departments rely on communication to maintain relationships and generate support.<\/p>\n
Donation and remittance envelopes<\/a>, custom letterhead<\/a>, postcards, event invitations<\/a>, and supporting campaign materials can work together to make an appeal more visible, personal, and easy to respond to.<\/p>\n
A product request may be the starting point, but the institution\u2019s objective reveals the full campaign.<\/p>\n
<\/h3>\nBeyond Back-to-School: Education Print Sales Follow a Year-Round Calendar<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Distributors who contact education customers only before the first day of school miss much of the market.<\/p>\n
Schools have recurring communication needs across every season:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Summer:<\/strong> Registration, orientation, enrollment communication, classroom preparation, campus updates, back-to-school events, and new signage<\/li>\n
- Fall:<\/strong> Athletics, homecoming, parent events, student activities, performances, fundraisers, and annual giving<\/li>\n
- Winter:<\/strong> Admissions recruitment, course registration, conferences, recognition programs, indoor events, and spring planning<\/li>\n
- Spring:<\/strong> Graduation, alumni events, donor outreach, summer-program promotion, year-end fundraising, and enrollment for the coming year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The most effective outreach starts well before the event. Review school and campus calendars, identify what\u2019s approaching, and work backward from the date the materials will be needed.<\/p>\n
A spring graduation project may require a conversation during winter. Fall recruitment materials may be planned during summer. Annual campaigns often return at roughly the same time each year.<\/p>\n
Once a recurring need is identified, record the likely reorder date and follow up before planning begins again.<\/p>\n
<\/h3>\nLearn How the Institution Buys<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The opportunity may be broad, but education purchasing can be structured. Before recommending products, learn how decisions are made.<\/p>\n
Ask:<\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- Is purchasing centralized through a district or institutional office?<\/li>\n
- Can individual schools or departments manage their own budgets?<\/li>\n
- Do we need to complete a vendor-registration process?<\/li>\n
- Who requests the materials?<\/li>\n
- Who approves the artwork and expense?<\/li>\n
- Who ultimately places the order?<\/li>\n
- Are there brand standards that every department must follow?<\/li>\n
- When does the budget year begin or end?<\/li>\n
- Which projects repeat each semester or school year?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
One especially useful question is: \u201cWho else is involved in approving, ordering, or using these materials?\u201d <\/strong>The answer may uncover an additional decision-maker, a different department, or an opportunity to coordinate several related pieces.<\/p>\n
Understanding the process also helps you provide greater value. Education customers often appreciate help maintaining consistency, selecting practical specifications, meeting firm event dates, and preparing repeat orders without starting over each time.<\/p>\n
<\/h3>\nTry the 10-3-90 Education Plan<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The education market can feel enormous. A simple prospecting framework makes it manageable.<\/p>\n
Choose 10 institutions<\/strong><\/p>\n
Identify 10 schools, districts, colleges, universities, prep schools, charter schools, technical schools, or community education organizations in your market.<\/p>\n
These could include current customers as well as prospects. An existing customer may provide the fastest opportunity because you already have a relationship and order history.<\/p>\n
Find three potential buying groups in each<\/strong><\/p>\n
Research the institution\u2019s website, staff directory, event calendar, news, and social channels. Select at least three departments or organizations that regularly communicate with students, families, alumni, donors, or the public.<\/p>\n
For example:<\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- Admissions<\/li>\n
- Athletics<\/li>\n
- Student services<\/li>\n
- Advancement<\/li>\n
- Performing arts<\/li>\n
- Parent organizations<\/li>\n
- Continuing education<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Ten institutions multiplied by three buying groups creates 30 focused opportunities \u2013 without requiring a massive prospecting list.<\/p>\n
Look ahead 90 days<\/strong><\/p>\n
Review what each institution has scheduled during the next three months. Look for enrollment events, performances, fundraisers, athletics, orientation, conferences, parent programs, alumni gatherings, or graduation activities.<\/p>\n
Then choose one timely objective and suggest a coordinated group of products that can support it.<\/p>\n
For each opportunity:<\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- Identify the audience and desired response.<\/li>\n
- Recommend two or three complementary print products.<\/li>\n
- Contact the appropriate department before its planning deadline.<\/li>\n
- Ask about related events or communication needs.<\/li>\n
- Record the likely reorder date.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
The goal isn\u2019t to pitch every available product at once. It\u2019s to begin one relevant conversation, complete the project successfully, and use what you learn to find the next opportunity.<\/p>\n
<\/h3>\nStart Mapping Your Education Accounts<\/strong><\/h3>\n
More departments = more needs = more opportunity for you. Navitor\u2019s Education Products page<\/a> brings together print ideas for both K\u201312 and higher education. You can also download separate K\u201312<\/a> and Higher Education<\/a> flyers to guide prospecting conversations and introduce customers to additional possibilities.<\/p>\n
Choose one nearby education account. Identify three departments. Look at what\u2019s coming up on the calendar. Then start with the department that has the clearest need and the nearest deadline.<\/p>\n
Education never stops communicating. Neither does its need for print. The next education order may already be on the calendar. You simply need to find the person planning it.<\/p>\n
- Fall:<\/strong> Athletics, homecoming, parent events, student activities, performances, fundraisers, and annual giving<\/li>\n
- Summer:<\/strong> Registration, orientation, enrollment communication, classroom preparation, campus updates, back-to-school events, and new signage<\/li>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.navitor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/education-print-opportunities-by-departmentB.jpg\")
<\/p>\n