Your Most Challenging Obstacles
The most challenging obtacle I find is setting the appointment with a spouse, significant other, parent or other form of buying committee. I normally ask about their relationships with any other individuals in their decision making process.
Erin,
What might these students be telling you? Maybe that they don't want to talk on the telephone to get their information. Or maybe they're sending the message, "It's not that important to me." If you keep calling to have a conversation that they don't seem to want to have, you may be setting yourself up for frustration. How could you phrase your email or voice mail message to help determine what this student wants or needs to move forward?
Elizabeth Wheeler
My most challenging obstacle, is actually getting them on the phone. We are a destination school, so we get requests nation wide as well as internationally. We send out an information packet but when we try to follow up there no answer on the phone or email.
I have found this even to be true when we make out first call after they request information, may do not answer the out of state number.
Denise, This is common. What is your response to this challenge?
Elizabeth Wheeler
I just rather wait to hear or receive information about starting school till after the holiday with my family. I should be ready to get started next year after thanksgiving and christmas break.
Julie, This is a great idea. It doesn't seem like a challenge at all! What is challenging about this?
Dr. Jean Norris
I always invite the caller to join the interested person to the school so I can visit with them both and answer all questions that they both might have.
Our most challenging has been with High schoolers where it is imperative that the parent comes in with them, especially 9 months out from when they can start. We've really honed in on improving our methods. One thing that has really helped is 3 way calling the parents in to confirm the appt.
Nelson, thanks for sharing your obstacle. I'm curious, what is the typical reason that the other person doesn't attend the interview?
Dr. Jean Norris
