ClassE Schedule for Oct. 1-5, 2018

Students had fun learning to market their event online and over the air waves. Check out the ClassE facebook page to see some humorous videos. Next week we will be promoting the ClassE Golf Outing and selling raffle tickets at the Mattoon Business Expo. Make a putt and be entered to win a free round of golf at the outing October 10th! If you are interested in sponsoring or playing in the outing, please fill out the registration form.

Schedule (at Lifespan Center if not stated)

Mon., 10/1 - Work Day

Tues., 10/2 - Tour of Lake Land Print Shop with David Earp, 5001 Lake Land Blvd. South of main college in Pole Barn

Wed., 10/3 - Income Statement with Excel

Thurs., 10/4- Mattoon Business Expo

Wear ClassE Shirts

Fri. 10/5 - Work Day

ClassE is open and the public is welcome.

Home-based Business Advantages

Jeanne Dau, ClassE Facilitator and President of Dau Consulting, welcomed the class into her home and discussed the advantages of owning a home-based business. There is a higher success rate compared to other businesses and a portion of your house expenses can be deducted as a legitimate business expense. Did you know that 70% of the population would love to work home-based?

Promoting over the Airwaves

Lane Beckem of Cromwell Communications showed the students the process of recording and editing a radio spot. We discussed the target market for the golf outing and which stations our market listens to the most. Cromwell Communications owns WMCI 101.3, 103.9 Victory, 92.1 the Axe and 104.3 the party. Each has their own diverse demographics.We taped the recording so we can also stream it on social media.

Promoting through Social Media

Jade Smith of Smith Social Marketing discussed the value of social media marketing versus other forms of advertising. She reviewed the demographics and the pros and cons of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkdIN and Snapchat. She also brought Jossyln, a ClassE 2035 future student - our youngest guest ever in class!

Learning to Work a Trade Show

Ed Dowd and LaTonya Casas did a great tag team approach to teaching the students how to successfully promote at the Mattoon Business Expo next Thursday, October 4th at the Cross County Mall. First, they discussed the look of the booth and how to physically make it easier to stand out. Then, we role-played some conversations like they would have at the show. Did you know that people are more willing to buy if they feel the product or are given information in their hands?

Investor Spotlight - ClassE Class of FY'18

I am so proud that last year's class raised enough money on their group business that they not only raised seed money for their business start-ups, but also had enough left over to become investors of the class. What a way to give back!

They hosted a golf outing as their group business and raised the most money any class for ClassE has raised so far!

"They used their skills learned in the class such as: marketing, enhanced communication skills, resource management, and analytical research, the class was able to promote their group business." says Marvin Abernathy, ClassE Intern and FY'18 alum. "The Class of 2018 set a very good example for future classes that if you focus and use the techniques learned while in ClassE, you can have a successful business."