Social networks (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) are the fastest growing segment on the internet. Now, niche social networks are being created specifically for groups with a common interest. This proposal outlines our strategy to develop, and market the BlueCollarClub.com, asocial site dedicated to technical school students and trade professionals. The purpose of the site is three-fold:
- Leverage social media to facilitate career development and personal branding.
- Promote technical schools and community colleges as a viable education alternative.
- Connect students, schools, and businesses in a virtual environment to facilitate workforce readiness.
The basic membership is free. The site generates revenue through premium memberships, online advertising, sales of blue collar club products, and commissions earns from the sale of third-party products and services.
The Market
The target market for this program is the 13 million students in over 1,200 community colleges in the United States alone. According to the American Association of Community Colleges, there has been a 25% increase in enrollment in recent years. Recently, the President's proposed an $8 billion budget for community college job training programs for 2013.
Strategy
Our goal is to establish BlueCollarClub.com as the premier resource center for tech students and trade professionals. This will be accomplished through a comprehensive marketing strategy that includes:
- Harness social media (Facebook, LinkedIn,Twitter) to drive traffic.
- Partnering with vocational/trade schools to facilitate membership development.
- Partnering with local and national trade associations to enhance credibility.
- Implement an Affiliate Program to facilitate word-of-mouth referral marketing.
Present Situation/Funding Requirements
The web site and marketing brochure have been developed. We are seeking $10,000 to develop the Blue Collar Club Mobile App and implement an initial marketing campaign.
