As we have all learned, building a strong connection with a student over the phone is critical to the success of an advisor. What will you implement/ do differently over the phone to foster a stronger connection with your students?
Hi Fara. Great question! For me it is all about match, pace, lead. From volume, to pitch, to speed, to energy, I try to match the person that I am speaking to from the beginning and then lead them because I truly believe, 'it is not only what we say it is how we say it' if we want to build trust over the phone.
I am interested to see what some of the others will say. Thanks for sparking this convo!
This is so insightful! Once you add this to your routine it will become automatic, too. Keep us posted on your success, too! :)
To gain a stronger connection with students I will implement being a better listener with students. I will ask more layered questions to dig deep to who the student is and what they are looking to get from their education. Being aware of the surroundings on the phone to see if you can relate with the student and be more in tune to build rapport.
Hi Margaret,
Thank you for your post. Great points. I will also add that preparing for the call is important. If you are organized and prepared it helps with minimizing distractions which allows you to stay focused and concentrate on the task of listening to and helping your prospective students.
I always open the call with a smile. Listen and acknowledge the reason for the call, build rapport by showing empathy will manifest authenticity. We all know there's a reason why these prospective students are inquiring our programs.
Hi Cris,
Smiling is a big part of it! Smiling also has a positive affect on our attitudes and mindset, which is important while talking with our prospective students over the phone! Thank you for your post!
I have noticed in my practice that I am very factual and a little less personal in the rapport building stage. I have began implementing a slower and less rushed approached to rapport building; as this is what allows for true rapport.
Hi Andrew,
Thank you for your post. I've always found it a best practice to make it a point to find something in common with the prospective student. It could be as simple as having the same number of kids, favorite sports team, etc. It helps ease any tension and goes a long way towards building rapport and establishing the trust needed for the foundation of a strong relationship.
When speaking with a student it is very important to connect with him/her. I always try to find something in common with a student so they feel a sense of connection. Its also important to ask layering questions to find obstacles in the beginning vs when they no show you :) .
Hi Joanna,
Thank you for your post! Asking layered questions is a great approach to finding commonality. And, you are right, you may never get another chance to ask the question or help them overcome their obstacles. If not addressed (or ignored), obstacles will prevent students from moving forward and, as you stated, "no show you".
Pray and hope they pick up the phone.
All jokes aside. I will strive to add more layered questions. Digging deep into questions I believe is critical to the success of an advisor.
Thank you, Viko for your post,
We love the sound of someone picking up the phone. LOL. You are correct! The better you know your students, the better you can help them. I encourage you to be curious and ask that extra question.