Thanks Margo for the excellent insights. As a diversity trainer I would add two thoughts. 1) Techies often aren't 'people people' in a warm and fuzzy way, and they get a bad rap for this. Look closer and you'll see guardians and loyal work horses who value team effort over individual attention. Acknowledge this.

2) Your advice about toning down is critical. High emotions or unrestrained, 'open' body language can illicit two negative reactions in introverts- they're terrified or think you're nuts. At the very least they're in a uncomfortable zone, and your chance of communicating well is diminished.

All of the above and two comments. From years of teaching parenting in community settings I learned:

Charging gets people engage and increases the chance of them showing up

Don't assume that because parents have low incomes they can't or won't pay- that's insulting

Parents are motivated to learn with their buddies so offer 'bring a friend' discounts.

Feed them, be flexible about child care and ASK what barriers they face. Trouble shoot with the group to solve them- including ride shares.

Be gracious with parents- if someone throws up on me going out the door I arrive a bit stressed

Most importantly, make learning playful and real.

Thanks for intelligient advise targeted to small businesses. It's daunting to start-up, so much of what's out there is too grand for where I am right now.

Marketing is a such drastically different task from the services I provide, (diversity training and cross-cultural parent coaching). It makes sense this doesn't come easily to everyone. Any information that helps me navigate this new terrain is much appreciated.