Moishe House Outreach

How do you reach people, and particularly new people, with MH programming?

Below is a top 5 list I've developed from my experience in MH Portland.

1. Run excellent programs. Like a quality product, good programming markets itself. If you consistently churn out good events, than people will keep coming back and they will tell their friends and family about it as well. There is no better marketing tool than a quality product or service.

2. Repeat your message. People are bombarded by dozens or in many cases hundreds of messages a day. For yours to get through, they must be repeated regularly.

3. Diversify your channels. Different people like to receive communications in different ways, and by mixing up your communication channels you can both hit people multiple times without them feeling overwhelmed or annoyed. You can also create a feeling of energy and momentum by being "everywhere." At MH Portland we use an email list, a website and facebook. We haven't made use of twitter yet though we should, and there are probably many other channels that we haven't explored. We'd love advice.

4. Never interact with a young Jewish person without getting their contact information. MH is providing a great service to the community. Don't be shy about building up your list. Its critical.

5. Ask regulars to recruit new people. The best messenger is always a close friend. If you want new people to come, have those closest to them make the invite.

Obviously there are lots of ways to pursue an outreach strategy, but these are some basic lessons that we have learned and try to employ at MH Portland.

First Posting/Twitter anyone?

Well, I guess I should introduce myself first.... Julia here, from the East Bay Moishe House in Oakland. I'm new to the house and am excited about all there is and to look forward to and to make happen! I have my first Shabbat in the house coming up this Friday and am looking forward to that.

I was curious when I moved in about how we were advertising ourselves/events and learned that we had a group on facebook, but not on the ever-growing Twitter. I thought this could also be a great way to publicize events and things we are getting involved in so I started an account for us. You should all check us out: http://twitter.com/eastbaymoishe and follow us if you're on, and join if you're not! I think it could not only be another great way for us to interact and learn about what the other houses are up to, but a way for our friends and anyone who is curious to see what we're up to as well! I hope to see some of you on there soon!

It's been a good, busy weekend, and I now need some shut eye for another exciting week of the traveling unemployed.... signing out. iamthepiv