meaningful relationships
What are some best practices for building meaningful realtionships with students through out the admissions process?
Being pro-active is also key. By understanding their needs through an active listening approach, you can meet their expectations, address their fears, overcome objections, and see how the programs will help them achieve their life goals.
Monica, That is great awareness! Listening is a huge part of building that relationship. What else can be done to help build relationships?
Elizabeth Wheeler
I have noticed that just listening to our potential students really opens up the lines of communication. We try to build the relationship with our students and those parents or family members who are involved in the decision making process. We see it more and more where this is a family decision not only the individual.
Elizabeth, Well said! Thank you for posting!
Dr. Jean Norris
Always keeping the best interest of the prospective in mind as you help him / her to make their decision(s). Active listening, assisting with resources, building trust are three ways to help the student understand you have their best interest in mind.
Larry, So true. What a great practice. I encourage you to keep it up!
Dr. Jean Norris
I almost always ask the student for their opinion of my classroom presentation, I explain that I need to know if there was anything I could do differently. Since they are my target market I want to make sure my presentation is always up to date and that I am relating to them. Asking them also gives them power and helps them to feel important.
YVETTE, What a great outlook. It sounds like you really care about your students, and people in general. Thank you for sharing!
Dr. Jean Norris
I've come to realize that taking five minutes of my time to really listen to the individual student especially when they're running into trouble, I can lend them an ear to come to a solution for their problems. Remind them to live by examples with respect and understanding towards everyone. 1.Stop 2.Listen 3.Give positive feedback 4.Explain how they can achieve their maximum potential
I get the sense you take the time to make sure your students have all the tools they need to feel confident and succeed, that's great! Thank you for contributing to the forum.
Dr. Jean Norris
Sincerely help the student with accurate information needed and explaining to them the proper process to comply with all the necessary requirements, providing confidence to the students in their needs in the admission process.
It's great when we can build rapport with a student so that they see you as someone more than a school representative, isn't it? What are some techniques you use to build rapport and make that happen Humberto?
Dr. Jean Norris
Make sure the student know you are having their best interest in mind, you are not just a School representative.
Breanne,
This is super important especially with prospective students who are new to college search. What are some of the specific things you do at your school to help people feel welcomed?
Dr. Jean Norris
In our admissions process it is a vital key to us that we get to know our students so that we may help them achieve their goals whether it is at our school or another. Making sure they feel comfortable and welcomed when they first come into our school is very important for us.
I agree, listening to what they need and provide, caring, sharing your knowledge lead them the way to success. Tel them you be there for them, help them get strong.
Alex, these are some great tips. In our growing environment, we also have to work with more students and that makes building meaningful relationship difficult...but not impossible. And it sounds like you are doing a great job.
Dr. Jean Norris
Sergio, it sounds like you have the student's interests at heart and that's extremely important in building relationships with them. This will build trust.
Dr. Jean Norris
Being genuine, authentic, caring about the student, listening well and being honest with them. I have found that asking clarifying questions, encouraging students or affirming them for their plans or goals, sharing information about how I can relate or understand their situation often contributes to bonding with a student. Taking time to not only ask questions but being willing to take the time to share information and explain details, or processes, with the prospective student can be greatly appreciated.
