Sandra, thanks for sharing this tip. It looks like your school has a process regarding followup with the students. I'm curious, what has been the response from the students when they receive these letters?
Dr. Jean Norris
We make it a practice at our college to follow up with at least 3 letters for each new student prior to starting classes (if possible). These letters confirm their decision with articles of reassurance, as well as articles about the program they enrolled in.
Thanks for sharing this Cameron. It looks like you use a variety of ways to connect with your prospective students. Using different methods and tools, you can certainly find the way that they prefer to communicate which will in turn allow you to start building rapport.
Dr. Jean Norris
Phone calls are the number one way I follow up, and seem to work the best. If I have a hard time getting them on the phone, I will then send an email. I also send out Open House invites in the mail every 3 months, and those always go to every lead generated over the past year. Following up with a prospect is crucial to keeping the lines of communication open and keeping them excited and on task to enroll.
Jessica, sure. Being proactive and reaching out to the students helps build rapport and it shows that when you say that you will call them, that you really mean it. Great job.
Dr. Jean Norris
I have found that when a student requests that I send them more information about our school, if I follow up with them in two weeks, I tend to get a better response rather than waiting for them to call me.
Blaire, the written word is so powerful and I find that all too often those cards are an easy step that people skip. Keep up the good work.
Dr. Jean Norris
I like to send a thank you card to people that I have had the pleasure to meet and get to know. It may not always render an immediate result, however, I find that people are grateful for the personal touch.
Daniela, thanks for sharing this. It sounds like you are looking to make the experience as easy for possible for the student. I'm curious, what's the typical response you receive from these students?
Dr. Jean Norris
I like to give them room. I always contact them a week after if they give me a green light I follow up by reaching out to them via email. This takes away the pressure from their plate, therefore allowing them to give me an honest opinion on their status.
Roberta, it sounds like you are using the method of communication that your students prefer and that hopefully allows you to connect with them better. Great work.
Dr. Jean Norris
I have used texting as well as emails. It depends on what they prefer. The two types of communication that I seem to use the most are phone calls and emails, but I do a few people that would rather text.
Roberta, this sounds like a great practice. It allows the student some time to think about their decision as well. I wonder, what have you done when you have worked with students that prefer another type of communication versus a phone call?
Dr. Jean Norris
One of the best practices we use is a 24 hr follow-up call. This allows us to continue the relationship, possibly uncover other obstacles and solidify comittment and excitement about school.
Pegah, interesting point. It sounds like you are looking at the students individually and contacting them based on need and their preferences. This is just another way for you to build a relationship with them and show that you are listening to how they want to communicate.
Dr. Jean Norris
It is important to follow-up in a timely manner but to also make sure that you are not suffocating the student. Giving them space between the follow-up and being aware of their feelings is important. If they seem annoyed, perhaps change the method of communication from phone-call to email.
I like to call at least once a week depending on where they are in the process of enrolling. I like to keep in contact with them so we can adjust any goals when needed, as they can come up at any time. In addition, I do let them know my cell number so they can text me at anytime in reason that is.
Holli, yes, with technology ever changing, our practices need to shift to meet our students where they are. It sounds like text messaging has helped you find some of those lost students. Great work.
Dr. Jean Norris
We were having major challenges with this here as they wold "disappear" or their would be changed etc. We added Text messaging to our follow ups and it seems to be doing quite well.
Sawami,
Thanks for sharing your follow up timeline. How do you find your students respond to your follow up timeframe?
Shannon Gormley
