Follow-Up
What have you learned is the most effective way of following up with prospective students that have said things like "I'm busy right now" or "I can't talk" and they hang up before you get a chance to offer a better time.
One thing we try to do at my institution is if they call is "disconnected" we try calling back to see if it was a true disconnect or not. If no one answers we leave a message and then send an email to encourage further contact. I have discovered that there are sometimes that the potential student is more comfortable with the initial contact through email. After that first contact then they are more inclined to speak with me on the phone.
After that person hangs up the phone I call them back about a half hour later. I make sure that I initate the conversation with things like, “I know were busy before is this a better time,†or I will call them right back to make sure that we didn’t get disconnect for some reason or another.
I agree with the comments listed in this forum. It is important to acknowledge that the person is busy ... but it is also important to be both persistent. In speaking with the prospective student, convey that you are here to be a resource and would be happy to schedule a time that is convenient for him/her. When given the opportunity to talk with the person, it is imperative to ask open-ended questions to engage the prospective student and really create a dialogue.
I have had problem overcoming these initial phone conversation as well. I have found being patient and catching them at the right time will make a difference. Also saying things like " following up on information "You" requested, and this may only take a minute of your time and could have a impact on your future. I believe calling on different days and different times to try to catch them at the right moment can make all the difference.
Try to keep the student engaged. Schedule convenient times and let them know you are here for their success.
I believe a follow up call within a couple days would be exceptable, and if they do no answer just leave a brief message as to why you are calling. I would also make sure that if the initial call was unsuccessful during the early morning that you try the follow up call during the afternoon. The person you are trying to contact may just be very busy working, or was in the middle of something important. Don't take it as anything negative against you, It could of just been a bad time.
Aknowledge that you know they are busy, and tell them that you will be brief. Give them a condensed message and follow up with a letter or call. See what time is better for them in the future.
