Follow up
How often should you continue to follow up with a potential lead?
Denise, thanks for sharing this. So it sounds like you try to use different methods of contact in order to meet the students where they are. Great work.
Dr. Jean Norris
I continue to follow up with them until I contact them and get an appointment and exhaust every avenue, or until they tell me to stop calling them...:)
Denise, thanks for sharing this. It sounds like you like to communicate in all different ways in order to best reach the student. This is a great way to help connect with more people.
Dr. Jean Norris
I usually follow up continually, by phone, and email to let them know I have been trying to reach them and available to give them information if in fact they are still interested and if they are not they can share that as well some people prefer email because they feel less threatened and last but not least I will mail some information in the mail with my business card to reach out that way.
Dr. Jean Norris,
I have found that there are a variety of ways to reach out to a student when they do not call back. I have found that there is some success in following up by email, letting them know that you have tried to contact them by phone but have not had any luck yet. Some students will send you a reply with "Sorry my schedule has been really busy, and you will have better luck if you try to call me in the evening." or may reply with "I am no longer interested." In either case, you get an answer and directive on how to move forward with that prospective student.
I have also taken the time to send a personalized post card out to the student to let them know that I am still available to assist them. I have been able to connect with some who find this a caring and more personal approach that other Admissions Representatives have not done with them. It set me apart from my competition and conveys the message that my organization is trying to show which is that "We care about our students."
Barbara, that's a great approach. It sounds like you like to personally follow up with each of your students in order to make them feel welcomed and appreciated.
Dr. Jean Norris
I like to follow up right after they leave to find out how they liked a=our campus and if they have any more questions. I feel that the personal attention is key.
Chanquinta, thanks for sharing this. It sounds like you work hard to make yourself available to your students as everyone has varying schedules. I wonder, what has been your experience with the level of follow-up you provide?
Dr. Jean Norris
I call a potential lead immediately. They're typically going to be available to speak to you and it's better to be the first company they hear from. If they're not available on the first attempt, I will follow up later on that day. It's best to follow up as much as possible because it's all about timing.
Maria, thanks for your response here. It sounds like you like to follow up with an inquiry as soon as possible. I wonder, what do you do if the prospective student doesn't call back?
Dr. Jean Norris
right away and if my lead doesn't answer leave a message.
Great question, Howell. This is one we see many reps struggle with - wanting to make sure they can establish a connection without overwhelming the prosective student. It can be helpful to start with the expectation of your institution regarding follow up contact and then seek advice from other professional contacts on their best practices for following up with student inquiries. It's usually a good rule of thumb to be sensitive to the prospective student and their preferences, too. Good luck to you in the future.
Shannon Gormley
