I have always had problems with breaking the ice with cold calls.
Always feel off, when i make those calls.
Sirena, it's great you're aware that you get bored making those outbound calls. I also appreciate that you know the importance of the calls. Now my question is what do you do to ensure that every student receives the excited tone in your voice?
Guilty of boredom, I get tired of making calls for a long period of time. So my tone changes and excitement drops and im sure it spells over into my calls. I rather meet students and do other things than spend time making outbound calls. However they are important for admissions.
It can be difficult to not take things to heart when you're working hard to help students, Lori. It's wonderful that you're aware of how you feel in these situations. What specifically do you think you can do to avoid being let down?
I sometimes absorb and take things to heart, I need to stay focused and not let it get me down after making over 150 calls, because the next call could be an appointment.
Sounds like you've created an organized approach to staying connected with your students and including those that are closest to them. Keep up the good work!
I think the easiest way to overcome bad habits is by being strict enough with yourself to get into a routine of doing things from day to day. I believe reminder calls and follow up emails are a good way to overcome thses bad habits. talking with a parent is also a great way to make sure a student shows up when they are supposed to.
Great awareness to have of some of your "bad habits". What do you think you can do to overcome these in the future?
You're not alone on this, Kassim. It can be difficult to address information that seems to be hidden. And I'm guessing that information may contribute to the reasons why a student doesn't schedule or show for an appointment. What might you do the next time you sense there is information that should be discussed with the student?
Slowing down on the phone, trying to speak with the buying committee, and making sure that the student has all the necessary information(directions, time of appointment, my name, tc)
Not asking the right questions during my probing period. I sometimes sense when a person does not want to disclose information and I often times do not work to uncover hidden information.
I'm a little confused and I'm hoping you can help me get a better understanding, Iris. What is it about the amount of voicemails that you receive that you think creates a bad habit in your outbound call process? I'd love to help in anyway that I can.
I get dissapointed when I get so many voicemails...
Alia, what specifically about your tone would you like to improve?
I would like to improve my tone.
Elizabeth, that is an interesting point. It sounds like other things can influence your calls. I'm curious, what have you tried in the past to connect with students with a short call?
Mi Director does not want us to give them any information on the phone. Additionally, he wants the calls to be very short. So, it is so hard sometimes to really feel like I am really "connecting" with them in a really genuine, way. Instead I feel like I am rushing to set the appointment.
Ask my co workers to respect the fact that I need uninterrupted time to make my calls.
Without a doubt, Ronda. Distractions can be easy to come by when working in a busy school and wanting to make time for your students. What specifically are you going to do to help eliminate distractions when you are making your phone calls?
I am constantly distracted while I am trying to make my calls. I really need to make sure that people do not interrupt me while I'm dialing.
