Using Creativity for Call Backs
What are some creative ways we can get people intrigued to call us back?
@jean It is always intriguing if you ask a question in your voicemail, as if that person is standing in front of you. Use their name in a friendly, upbeat tone, such as, "Jamie! I'm so excited for your first day of class! How did it go? Did you find your list of assignments? I can't wait to hear about it!"
Including benefits of the services that our school provides, like career placement assistance or access to resources to assist our students in achieving their goals, can help a student want to pick up the phone to learn more.
Just be natural, it's ok to make mistakes.
I completely agree with you, Nikeline. Humor has its ways of making people feel comfortable and open to talk. I've used humor many times and it has not failed me once.
During the module, the use of scholarship information to pique interest is a great idea! I know I love to hear about free money for school. I will definetely include this tidbit when I call prospective students. I will also mention any incentives we offer for students to enroll, i.e. application fee waiver, uniform voucher, etc.
"We have recently made updates to our curriculum that allow you to sit for more certifications than we originally discussed. This means you'd have more job opportunities available upon graduation. Give me a call today so I can discuss these changes with you."
I love the idea of using appropriate humor as a way of getting people to relax and respond without feeling threatened.
I think using humor is a great way to get them to feel comfortable with wanting to call back. Also I think it is good to create urgency in the voice mail as well.
I agree with this feedback, I express with excitement of the program that they are calling about only have a few seats left and would like to meet asap to ensure that he/she obtains a seat.
Ricky,
I love this idea! Your tie knots have become your point of distinction!
Dr. Jean Norris
Believe it or not one of the most effective ways that I've found to get someone to call me back is to call the prospective student's cell phone number (assuming that they've provided it) using a phone where the school's name does not come up on their caller ID and then not leave a message. I've found that most people are very curious who called them and will see the "missed call" on their phone and simply hit the "call back" function. Then, when we receive the call back they are asking some type of "who's this" question and we are able to proceed with our typical initial call dialog. Now, some people end up just hanging up after they hear that the call was from the school. However, at least then you've made contact and know where you stand.
addressing what is in it for them through humor
I do unique tie knots - When I call people I remind them that I'm the "guy with the tie". Even if they haven't met me I get messages like, "What tie knots do you do? Where do you get them from?" Warms up the conversation well.
Leaving an up-beat and positive message that is inviting to the individual. What do we have to offer that the person listening to the voice mail could benefit from?
Some creative ways to get people intrigued to call back are;
• Arouse Curiosity (asking a question in your message)
• Be Different (most inquirers are receiving calls from other institutions)
• Use Different Approaches (stand out)
Once again, Juan, another great post. Keep up the good work!
Dr. Jean Norris
Rene, Great follow up techniques. Thank you for posting :)
Dr. Jean Norris
Hello Dr. Norris,
This is a great subject. I have always coached to the difficulties of a recruiter's job rests in the simplicity of what we do. Leaving a voice mail is pretty simple but very misused even by myself- the coach. Creativity is a great way to intrigue a caller. Promoting events during a voice mail with a call to action will aid the since of urgency. The infusion of excitement separates messages from others in cue.
Juan Wilkerson
Good point! I like to give them a specific time to increase the sense of urgency, but I do change it up a bit if I don't hear back from them. For example, I'll say, "Hi Shannon. I'm excited to talk with you about our PN program, so give me a call back at your earliest convenience. If I am unavailable, please leave a message with the best time to contact you." If that doesn't work, I'll try again with email.
