"Sell Yourself" not the Product
I kind of have a different out take on this! You really need to sell yourself before you sell the product! No one is going to buy from you if they don't like you. So, try to sell yourself before going into product and school knowledge!
I feel having the mindset of "selling" during any time of dealing with a prosect is setting yourself up for failure in the long run. To be a overall succesful agent, you should keep in mind that we are here to help because we care. Keep your business focused on the goal: enrolling students who not only start, but graduate.
I agree, you have to "sell yourself." Going back to school is scary and hard. If it was easy everyone would do it. The student needs to trust you and know that you have their best intrests in mind. They will not want to dissapoint you and look up to you. Then you can start selling the product.
I don't like the word "sell" I agree with others that if you believe in what you have to offer and truly care about people the rest comes naturally.
I agree with you both TaJuan and Margie. I've heard a number of different individuals refer to our position as a "sales" position thus giving this idea as to the original statement in this thread that we need to "sell" ourselves to "sell" our product. Students or education are not products. Huge difference than being in car dealership pushing the lastest model of chevy don't you think?? We have to get everyone in the mindset that although our goal is to enroll more students it is due to finding quality people to a quality school for a quality education to live a quality life.....
It is important to sell your self, but the most important thing to remember is to SET PROPER EXPECTATIONS.
There is such a fine line in this area, and it can be such a hit and a miss.
However, I think we should always be in the mindset taht we are not "selling" rather we are providing prospects with the opportunity to change their lives.
While that may sound rather "corny" if I may, it is at the center of what we are here to do.
If you simply can't get behind the product and support it from an internal aspect, its time to find a new career choice.
I would have to agree with you TaJuan. I think that all admissions representatives naturally "sell" themselves and the product as long as they are genuine and are passionate about what they do. The potential student can sense if you are just trying to get the enrollment or if you truly care about their goals and possible concerns.
I think it is very important to make sure the prospective student feels comfortable talking to you and also providing them with a lot of knowledge about the school. Who wants to enroll into a school where they don't feel comfortable talking to their admission representative. First impressions are huge and building re pour with the student is the key to your success of being a successful admissions representative. Before I get into the details about the school I first get to know them. When they feel comfortable talking to me and asking me questions then I take them on a tour of the school and provide them with all the information they need to know. If the school is a good fit for them and they want to enroll then I will do my best to help them enroll and assist them with anything they need as I can by law.
I believe that "taking pride" in what you are offering is extremely important. One must believe in their product and be excited to offer the opportunity! I don't like labeling it "selling a product". An admission representative's priority shouldn't be to SELL anything but to effectively inform and educate a prospective student on the value of investing in their future at a particular college.
You must represent the school by presenting yourself well. You will be the first person they see and you will be the one they rely on for guidance and information about the school. Your confidence will be noticed and they will feel more at ease in trusting you.
I have quickly learned that you have to be yourself. Without a doubt it is important to know your school and the classes and programs that you offer and you need to become familiar with talking about them! But, come on! Students can be scared and nervous and if you are spazzing and stuttering over your presentation it will be difficult for that student to trust you. Everybody has their own unique personality and it needs to shoe through and the best way is to become familiar!
I agree. You have to be comfortable with yourself before you can get someone else to be comfortable with you. Also by being kind, understanding and by listening to the student they will become comfortable with you
Students will enroll in your school if they trust you and believe you are looking out for their best interest. THe most successfull consultants build relationships and partnerships with their students.
I can agree with the idea of selling yourself. Although I think it can be better viewed as taking pride in the level of comfort you provide for the student. Whether it be small talk during interviews, or just displaying knowledge of the product that you're offering the student.
I don't know if I necessarily like the term "sell yourself" but I do understand what you mean. You have to make yourself available and transparent so that people/perspective students do trust you as a reputable source for information. All information; however, must be accurate.
I agree. If the programs our school offers are a good fit for the student's needs and interests, the program will sell itself. I'm there to answer their questions and inform them about our programs. Students that are genuinely interested will show that they are ready to enroll. A good admissions process has enough steps of commitment to illustrate which students are serious and which are not.
At the end of the day, the most important part of "sales" is customer service. It's referrals and word of mouth that makes all the difference and the schools that get the best word of mouth are those who offer great programs and great customer service.
You need to like yourself but you have to believe 100% in what you are doing for that Potential Student
When I speak to prospective students I learn from them on how to proceed with the enrollment process. I mentally place students in categories based on their tone. 1.)Happy excited(ready to enroll) 2.)Eager but has more questions.3.)Just exploring options.
This way I know how to continue the conversation on enrolling with our school. I am not pushy I present the facts answer questions, the student sells themselves I am just a tool they are using on achieving a career goal they have.
I completely agree that it is essential to sell yourself, but I don't really like the phrase sell yourself. I think that is important to be genuine and sincere with the student, it is important to know that every school is not the right fit for every student and to know how to recognize this. It is also important to smile while on the phone and to have a positive attitude, the student will hear this and you won't have to sell yourself the student will pick up on the energy on the other end of the phone. positivity breeds positivity.
