David, That can pose a problem. What are the tools you use to meet this challenge?
Dr. Jean Norris
One of my most challenging obstacles is the shopper. It can be difficult to attempt to make an appointment without being perceived as "pushy" and also believing they may likely be a no-show if an appointment is made. Thank you for the tips, I will use them to take a more educated and positive approach to the shoppers.
One challenging obstacle that has seemed to come up a lot recently is people saying they are unemployed. I do explain to them that there are options and different types of aid, repayment plans, etc. our school does offer that they can discuss if they come in and meet with financial aid. Sometimes this makes them a bit more at ease, but sometimes the ones who are unemployed just won't attempt to come in because there main priority is getting a job first before anything else.
I struggle when students have problems with the cost of the program. They give you a sob story and want lowered tuition or to make payments. We do not offer financial aid. Our policy is to pay everything in full before the course begins. What is the best way to handle this?
Melanie,
Shoppers are definitely interested and yet don't see the value of the visit. What can you do to increase the need for them to visit your school when so much information is already on your website and in social media?
Dr. Jean Norris
Diana,
So it sounds like many of your prospective students are looking at the short-term vs. the long-term benefits of college. Is there a way to satisfy both needs?
Dr. Jean Norris
Lindsay ,
Great question! "Too expensive" is really arbitrary. What is expensive to one person can be completely worth it to someone else. It really comes down to seeing the value for what they are paying. The key is to create the value and not worry about the price tag.
Dr. Jean Norris
The obstacles that are most difficult to overcome are those where the lead already has their mind made up that they will not receive financial aid and can not afford a cash payment plan, and those who have a very busy schedule with no time to come in. I plan to improve my response but being more persistant, asking more questions and making sure I build the desire for them to come to school and change their life.
Gambel, That sounds like a great plan! Helping them to see beyond their obstacles is a great idea.
Dr. Jean Norris
The obstacle that is hard for me to over come is when a student is out of State.
I have to send the info via email first and schedule a followup to call them.
Once I did that I have a chance on getting an appointment.
Asmir, That can be a challenge, thank you for mentioning this. What is the challenge with sending the information via email first?
Dr. Jean Norris
The money question is the most difficult. Everyone is interested in cost and whether they can afford it. I realize now that it's not just about the money.
When you show value for their investment, they respond in a positive way. I steer them to Bueau of Labor Statistics and the Accreditation Association for our program to verify salaries of our graduates. This leads them to trust what I am telling them about our program and it's value to them in the real world.
trying not to mention price over phone and not giving too much info over phone
JIM, Interesting! I'm curious, can the students that call you find all of the information they need on the internet, or more specifically, your website? If yes, what is the reason for not giving information over the phone?
Dr. Jean Norris
The biggest obstacle would be your courses are fantastic however, time is a issue. Our school doesn't have something which could accommodate the students.
Danny, That can be a challenge. What do you say to a student with this challenge?
Dr. Jean Norris
I really have a personal problem with no shows and no call. I dont let it out to be seen but if I let it hjave control it could really ruin my day. I am learning to remember that people are people and they all ahve issues. So I need to let it go LOL
Samantha, That is a great perspective. People are people, you are correct, and people are very busy. Given that, what can you do to help ensure they make their appointments?
Dr. Jean Norris
Digging deep to find true motivation or have enough information to build rapport.
Practice!
I find it really difficult to overcome the job schedule obstacle. When i tell a student about the day or evening schedule, a red flag goes up about the hours. I need to remember to tell them that the course is only so many weeks and then they can take their boards. But i really need help on how to say that
