The Best Marketing is Free
- Jenna Dubois
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Last week, Dallan and I had the opportunity to attend the 25th annual South Carolina Charter School Conference in Hilton Head, SC. Like the NC conference, Dallan presented his breakout session, “Enrollment Favors the Bold.” Unlike NC, we didn’t have a booth this time - but we did get to host a table during the coffeehouse table chats to discuss strategies for increasing enrollment. We also attended the keynote from Principal Kafele, who has delivered more than 3,000 keynote addresses. He had the entire room locked in as he spoke about the power of attitude transformation. His story was truly inspiring.
Watching Dallan present is always a highlight. We had a great turnout, and attendees walked away with valuable insights. The coffeehouse table chat was something new for us, but it ended up being one of the best parts of the trip. It allowed for genuine, small-group conversations where we not only shared our ideas but learned a lot from school leaders across the state.
Some of the marketing strategies they shared were fantastic - like connecting with local daycares to position their school as a strong kindergarten option. Most of our conversation revolved around effective marketing practices: what works, what doesn’t, and why. One theme kept coming up again and again: word-of-mouth matters. People trust the people they know - so why not leverage that to strengthen your school’s enrollment?
Even without a booth, we were able to network just as much, if not more. Instead of being tied to one spot, we could move around freely, start conversations, and meet people where they were. These conferences aren’t about selling a product - they’re about building relationships and making meaningful connections.
After attending my second conference, I’m starting to understand the charter school space on a much deeper level. Before the first conference, I thought I knew what to expect—but I quickly realized I was wrong. It’s not about flashy booths or sales pitches. It’s about people—administrators, teachers, and vendors who are passionate about school choice and the unique opportunities charter schools provide. Hearing their stories and seeing their dedication firsthand is incredibly motivating. Everyone is here for one reason: to create the best possible opportunities for students.
Looking forward to continue building relationships with all the wonderful people we met at the 25th Annual South Carolina Charter School Conference!
