I talk about anything but school. I want them to tell me about their weekend or I start up a football conversation if they are wearing a t-shirt or cap that tells me they like sports. Lean back from my desk and let them open up. I never want them to feel like they have to have their guard up against a "sale"
I immediately start talking about their ride to the campus - if the college was an easy find. If they got lost, I may break the ice by saying hey - we all get lost the first time. We offer our guest coffee, tea and or candy. We look for a common interest of engagement.
I introduce myself and ask them about their interests. Then I explain a little about the program.
I introduce myself and ask them about their interests first and foremost.
I will be bubbly and excited to greet the student/students. I enter the room with a smile and proceed to introduce myself, and then explain what I teach and express I am very happy they are there.@cangelique1989 :
I think it's always important to greet a prospective student with a smile, a firm handshake, and introduction of who you are and you role within the organization. From there for formally break the ice, I think it's important to ask several information gathering type questions to learn as much about who they are as a person, their educational background, needs, goals, values, etc. so that you can effectively matcht the right program to fit their needs. I also think it's important to uncover at least 3 priority points as it relates to why it is they're looking to return to or begin school. Essentially, what's importnat to them. This will help you to refine your presentation and connect the benefits of your organization to their specific needs.
I make sure to greet them with a smile, make them feel welcome, and talk a little bit about what we've discussed on the phone. Building rapport is key to getting a prospective student to trust you and open up a bit.
@Michael39 : It's a good start Michael, then we have to come up with what we have already said to the potential student during our phone calls to them. What do they expect to accomplish today? Who will be affected when you get your degree?
I have realized over the years that its always good to start of with small talk. Going right into the sale makes most kids and families feel uncomfortable. The phone call should be used to set the appointament, the appointment is used to gain trust! Lets face it they arent buying what you have to offer they are buying you! @lisacaudll :
@lisacaudll : I agree, open ended-questions, good eye contact, and enthusiasm, conveys, that we really care and are insterested in the person.
@jmehlmann : good advice!
@kclark0703 :
I do this also. I also will refer back to some of my notes when I first set the appointment on the phone with them.
@Michael39 :
I greet with a smile and a handshake. I ask what sparked your interest in the program.
I break the ice by finding "common ground", unrelated to school. Briefly touching on things like parenting (if I hear/notice children), the cahllenges of work, etc. The point being to ease there tensions, show them I am a real person with similar challenges/experience. This approach typically leads to great insight for their motivation in considering furthering their education/career objectives.
I usually just allow them to tell me about their career path and their successes thus far. Ive learned very quickly that people really enjoy and feel comfortable talking about themselves and their own goals. So I welcome the conversation.
I feel that a good way to break the ice is to start off with a nice friendly hello and a firm handshake. Its also important to be thorough and honest about the information they ask for. If the student feels that you are not being upfront and honest the trust will not be there and that can become and obstacle with the enrollment.
@claudsi101 :Could'nt agree more
@Michael39 : i tell them alittle about me and ask the same of them.
@Michael39 :
Great point...I normally great with a hand shake and do the same.
When potential students are taking a tour of campus and pop into the class room. I have a tendency to fill them in on what our class is doing at the moment. I explain what classes are running at the moment and ask them if they have any questions about the program. The students seem to enjoy the focused small talk about the program.
