This is an opportunity for readers of this newsletter to anonymously ask me a question about any aspect of student recruitment, leadership, and professional or personal development. Each week I’ll post my answer for everyone to read.
Q. An Admissions Counselor asks:
“What one thing can you tell me to do that will get more students to actually answer their phones?”
A. Thank you for your question! Let me start by reiterating an important point that I’ve made on a number of occasions when discussing this topic. The natural communication flow for this generation of students rarely begins with a phone call. Instead, start by creating a recruiting relationship through letters and emails. Both forms of communication are easier to take in and low risk in the mind of your prospect.
Having said that, if you consistently set up your phone calls ahead of time, your answer rate will skyrocket. The easiest way to do that is via email or text message. Explain the “why” behind your call, and give them notification a few days prior to the call to allow them to have questions prepared. Plus, this way you’re not calling at a time that’s inconvenient for them.
Try this out and then email me and let me know how it works. Good luck!