Read the article, Tom. And the point was…? – SCN Encourager 5/15/2014

Seth Godin writes and evokes praise.

I write and ignite questions.

Fair enough.

They’re challenging to wrestle with.

Yesterday I wrote about a helpful Google site called Think with Google.

I referenced an article which presented an overview of the  “search preferences” of new parents.

It noted that many parents begin considering the school options for their child soon soon after finding out about the pregnancy.

Some readers (probably hoping I’d get frustrated and throw in the towel for good…) wanted to know what makes this a big deal.

Actually, their words were more along the lines of “so what?”

Like I said, fair enough.

So, here’s what I think was the fundamental message contained in yesterday’s fact.

We now should be on the alert to somehow find a way to target a portion of our marketing efforts toward the segment of new parents who are entering the first stage in parenthood.

By waiting to introduce our school programs to parents until their children are three and four year-olds, we may be drawing their full interest a little late in the game.

After all, who can say what school related notions and hopes brand new parents have been percolating in their minds from day one?

The Google article is titled “Diapers to Diplomas: What’s on the Mind of New Parents.”

As school leaders and communicators, we can confidently say what’s on the minds of new parents in one word – dreams.

And let me tell you, any dream that is nurtured and shaped over a period of time isn’t easily relinquished.

I’m an expert in this field and I have a real-life example from early in my marriage to prove it.

My wife Cindy loved to cook back then (still does) and she asked me what sounded good for dinner the next day.

I answered “lasagne” and she said that sounded good to her, too.

Sweet!

As we both had jobs, we got up in the morning and went our separate ways.

It’s a bit embarrassing to admit now, but all day long I looked forward to a fantastic lasagne feast.

When I got home later, Cindy was already in the kitchen tossing up a salad.

The lasagne was in the oven, but something smelled a little “off” to me.

I asked Cindy about this and she said she had found a new recipe.

“I’ve always wanted to try zucchini lasagne,” she said. “This should be fun.”

Dang. Zucchini lasagne?!?

And ever since that fateful day, I’ve been sensitive to anyone who clings to their fanciful notions and hopes.

Sometimes a dashed expectation can lead to a big time disappointment.

Tom Page, SCN