Tim, Aa-ha! you're assuming that people actually read past the title of a meeting to the part where it says it's not representing just one plan. We were not that optimistic.
One of the nice (we think) features of our College Funding Night program with American Express is that we here at PTO Today have approved all of the content.
Two results of that:
1. No matter where you are, if you use the CFN program, you'll get really good content because the content is not dependent on the particular advisor; and
2. Part of our relationship is that the content can not be /is not brand-specific. So -- while AmEx is our partner -- the CFN seminar is not one big AmEx ad. We've made sure of that. It's 100% educational. AmEx has been really supportive of maintaining that.
We also received information about this from a particular Financial group but decided instead to invite someone from the State Treasurers office. Two people (out of 7) on our Board of Directors said they would not come out to hear from someone that might be pitching their company's plan instead of someone from the state.
We did have this last month. He talked for 1/2 hour and handed out packets on Pennsylvania's college savings program. They have an incentive program in place where if you get cash for publicizing the program, having a speaker, and reminding people about it. Also, every one that signs up gets a discount coupon. We have had someone come every two years and although it's not a big turn-out, I feel it's a service for those that are interested. and now that I have a daughter about to start college I wish we had enrolled her in this 12 years ago!
hi tim [img]smile.gif[/img] i did get the planning kit with the posters and all. we were shooting for a night in april but our original chair had to change her status from organizer to supporter. perhaps that's why i got the kit before i got an advisor??? we will be calling...thanks
Did you receive just the brochure (which wouldn't include stamps)? Or the full kit with the posters and the letters home, etc?
I'm guessing it was the brochure, as you shouldn't have received the full kit without being in touch with an advisor to arrange a night.
If you received the brochure, there's a tear-off postcard with it that you can fill in and return in order to run a Night. You could also call our Customer Service at 800-644-3561 x 208, and we'll sign you up to run a Night. Your local Advisor is assigned to work with you after you've looked at the brochure (or the Web site) and decided you want to put on a Night.
We've heard great things (like above) about the content of the Nights, and (unlike above) we've heard about lots of great results on bringing in more parents and serving parents well.
