sell...
Don't sell. Build value and your student will be sold.
I'm not sold on this concept... Sorry, had to do that, haha.
I agree with this for the most part. Sadly you need some salesmanship in order for them to look at the value... it's a hard balance.
100% agree with this. We should always look out for the students best interest because it builds a good solid structure for the schools morals and values
I think the term selling is nothing more than trying to determine a fit. If there is a fit great, if there's not then no problem. I have found the most success when I remove the pressure by saying "I will not force you into any program, but this is an opportunity for you and I to datermine a fit. Students anxiety always comes down and you are able to have an open conversation at that point and find out what their motivations are and help them realize their potential.
Keep asking them questions, dig as much as you can out of them. I do not want them to feel as though they were pushed into a decision, I want them to have all the details so that they can make an informed decision and feel completely comfortable with it.
I believe that our program sells itself... It's amazing!
Timothy,
It seems like you really understand your role as an agent.
Kimberly Stein
I could not agree more. I think the only thing I should sell is the idea of education, but that the students interests, wants, and goals should drive everything else. You really need to take the time to get to know your student in order to give them the needed insight into the programs that may best fit what they are looking for. I like to tell my students that they are the person best quilified to decide what is right for them, and that I am only here to advise them.
I am of the opinion that a good product sells its self. If you have to do a lot of convincing, then what you are selling is probably not a very good product to begin with. Our job is to provide information.
I disagree with Ryan. Building value in education can inspire students to get started in school which can increase their earning potential and positively affect their lives. Many students need to see the value in the education to take that step and get enrolled in school.
I agree. As a student, being provided with all of the necesary information to make the best decision for themselves, will be very important in their overall success.
Selling is not a dirty word! Building value, listening to the needs of prospective students, focusing on the benefits a school offers, and establishing a relationship are all part of the selling process. Often times a student's objections and concerns must be overcome. It's not about pushing s student to do something they don't want to do, or about forcing a school to fit, it's about motivating the prospective student to take the first step. Knowing and communicating the value and benefits of the school is important, but motivating and selling is equally, if not more important.
I don't believe that education should ever be "sold" and I hate to beak it to you "building value" is a gentler term for selling... its like the difference between a "pre-owned" and a "used" car... exact same thing but different verbiage
Exactly! Give them accurate and reliable information so that they can make an informed decission and I believe that the student will be much happier and successful that way.
I agree. We are "selling" the intangible. Utimately, our students want a degree or to get in their desired career fields. But it is important that the student realizes what they are investing in. An "Educational Experience" is invaluable. They are gaining something that can never be taken away from them. Knowing this, and getting up for work everyday is a motivating factor for me!
I agree! If we listen to what the students are saying and ask the right questions we will never be selling we will be helping our students move forward in their lives.
I agree! Building value in education and how it will benefit someone in the long run is the direction to go. Trying to "sell" someone a school or program comes off too pushy at times. We need to understand and listen to what our potential students are looking for.
I concur Molly! Coming from a "customer service" background into education, I find that my people skills and general care about the student almost always leads to a "sale". But it seems sometimes the "corporate team" care more about that sale than the student and I think that's just sad.
....and if you're selling desparate the student will be able to tell!
I completely agree, and I would add that genuinely caring for each student and his or her needs will take you 90% of the way to a "sale".
