While we are building relationships with our students we try to ask who is supprting them through this process, and if they feel as if they would benefit from expanding their education as well. Many of our students are more comfortable having someone else go through the experience with them.
Mark,
Hi, this is a great strategy that allows the student share their good news without having a lot of pressure placed on them.
Cindy Bryant
Justin,
Thanks for joining the forum. Sometimes we forget the impact of being positive has on others. Positivism has far reaching ability to change minds and impact decisions.
Cindy Bryant
Whenever a student calls in and states what a wonderful experience they are having, I always ask if they have any friends or family that would be interested in having the same experience.
Just being sincere to a student and being positive, shows the student that our institution cares about them and word of mouth brings the best referrals.
Jackie,
Welcome! This is a great strategy. Having the referral contact you helps you to determine their level of interest.
Cindy Bryant
Methods that are appropriate include asking if they know of anyone who may be interested in starting, explaining to them that using a study buddy system is extremely helpful in succeeding in classes, and explaining the benefits of an educated household.
If I speak to a student that has had a positive experience, I let them know that I am happy to assist their friends and family that are interested in learning about furthering their educations. I usually ask them to have an interested party contact me, but if they ask me to contact someone, I check the number in the DNC registry first.
Tangi,
Hi! Thank you for summarizing these critical elements so well. You are absolutely correct.
Cindy Bryant
You can still ask students for referrals by reaching out to determine if they think that anyone else they know would be interested in continuing their education. However, the student cannot recieve compensation for enrollment, if using a recruiter they may need to be licensed, and you still cannot reach out to a referral if they are on the Do-Not-Call registry.
Generally speaking when a student indicates they have a friend or family member that is interested in attending college I ask if they want my contact information so I can help them out as well. If a student gives me a number of someone to call after last week's training I know to run it through the DNC list first.
During my initial conversation with the prospective student, I like to mention that I am here to help anyone else in their social circle that may be interested in attending college as well.
Having students "like" our Facebook page gets our name out in the community. In addition, I ask students if they have any friends or family who are interested in continuing their education.
Hillary,
It is great that you are able to collaborate on student referrals as a team.
Cindy Bryant
At our institution, we also ask on their initial admissions questionnaire if there is someone they would like to refer to our program. In addition, our admissions representatives often join in our monthly student meetings. During this time, they can remind the current students to let us know if there is someone they would like to refer. It is no-pressure, but gives them a constant reminder that we are here if a family member or friend becomes interested at some point during the student's enrollment.
Eric,
This is a solid approach to referrals. It does not place any pressure on the individual to supply the information. Thanks for sharing.
Cindy Bryant
We have a question on our application that says "do you know anybody who might be interested in learning about our programs?"
We also do an entrance survey after students have matriculated. In this survey we track how the student found us as well as if they have any friends or family who are interested in receiving information.
we use facebook so students can "like" us and recomeend us to their facebook friends.
John,
Interesting approach. I have heard of admissions asking for referrals after teh interview but not before. This seems like a good way to insure that the student is serious.
Cindy Bryant
As part of my information sheet. I require at least 3 referrals. These referrals let me know how interested the prospect is in pursuing his or her career. Once I speak to the referrals. I invite them in for a tour of our school
We are a small school which is growing, we usually go to the class rooms and pass out the cards for students to fill out. This usually has categories like family or friends that they can think, would benefit from the education they are receiving.
