Page 46 - AASBO EDGE Back to School 2025

Tips for Vendors Seeking to Sell Products and Services

to Schools

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 44

"Use technology to protect products, consumer comparisons, a demonstration

children, don’t use scare tactics." on-site video, licensed stock, retail products and
staff apparel.
– Nicole Rodriguez

Another tip – social media post images should
The odds are 50-50 for just about everything, have no more than six words. PAINTING INC.
and that includes the possibility of serious safety
issues at a school. “Either it happened today, or it A vendor who attends an AASBO conference
didn’t happen today,” Rodriguez said. “Why wait every year might get complacent.
for a tragedy to happen?” “So, how well have you connected?” Rodriguez COOPERATIVE CONTRACTS:

asked.
For example, you don’t wait for a fire to occur
and then do something – the sprinklers go on “Inactivity is instantly perceived as negative.”
automatically, she noted. Rodrigues closed her presentation by inviting

those in attendance who are having trouble
Before going into a meeting with a client, vendors reaching a school district to let her know. “Tell 1Government Procurement Alliance
should practice by anticipating many possible me and I will do what it takes to help you get CONTRACT 23-11 PV
objections. connected,” she said.

“You need to be prepared with a load of Nicole Rodriguez, Managing Partner, John
objections,” she told vendors. “Have strong Delano Marketing, can be reached at: nicole@
marketing graphics to tell the story, to keep them john-delano.com City of Peoria Contract ACON21222
on the hook, taking them on an emotional journey, City of Mesa Contract 2023173
but keep it light,” she said. City of Phoenix Contract 4701009300

When it comes to showing how your product
works, you don’t necessarily have to provide
a demonstration. Take your prospects to tour
another school district as an example to see how
it works. “They can see how another client is
using your product,” Rodriguez said. “You don’t
have to provide a demonstration. And show your
product without using jargon.”

Branding assets investments include your website,
trade show banners and digital display's business
cards, material safety data sheets for certain

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46 THE EDGE BACK TO SCHOOL 2025