developing a relationship is key !!!1

Does anyone have any best practices with how to keep students on board to start at your college once they have signed up but do not start for a while?

I really like the questions offered in the presentation, especially: "How can I help you find a future?" and "Where do you find yourself in two years?"

I appreciated the advice the presentation offered when handling a situation where the potential student did not show up. Rather than ask them if they still want to come in, simply ask them when they can reschedule. Thanks!

I understand giving the person a reason to call back, but with things like creativity, clarity and confidence, how much does that really help? are there any statistics out there showing the increase call return rate? I seem to leave really good voice mails and it barely has a return rate. I get a higher return rate from students I don't leave a message because they want to know who called, though when they find out they hang up immediately. what is your perspective on this?

Dear Colleagues, This is really very important since so many people are in non focus mode they start to take you away from the main goal of your communication, (time waster). Please share your responses. Abdul

Dear All, What do you think about the written communication since it is the best way to documentation, how to be in the safe side especially when situation getting worse and blames goes to each others. Thanks, Abdul

I'm curious to know if anyone uses a script to keep conversations structured and focussed in order to truly get to the essence of why a potential student has reached out to us, or do most Admissions people just fly by the seat of their pants?

Is it wrong to tell someone that the conversation is leading no where? How would you end a conversation with out making the person feel like you are no longer interested in what they are saying. An example is when I have a student who only wants to come into my office to complain about something, but when you provide solutions or explanations, they are not receptive to it. I find diffusing this type of conversation challenging so the student leaves on a good note. Would it be wrong to ever let them leave on a bad note and try the conversation later to smooth things over?

How do you overcome challenges presented with students when culture or religion limits they way that they effectively communicate with you? Some times I have students who, no mater what, will not shake hands or make eye contact. It does come across as disinterested or bored.

When I was watching the lesson, one thing that stood out to me on the tips for hierarchy was cultural differences. I work in very diverse region and knowing what cultural or religious expectations from different nationalities is very important. The handshake and the eye contact recommendations are fine for Americans, but can be offensive for other countries. Never assume your actions or the actions of your student are being received as planned. It will help in the final bonding stage if the student feels you understand their culture better.

I consider myself as a good listener, because I don't like the feeling of not being listened to, so I always give my full attention to others when they want to talk to me. “Repeat, rephrase and reflect” is what I like to use most of the time to keep the communication going and making sure I have fully understand the content of the conversation. But even a good listener can sometimes encounter difficulties and frustrations especially in school as an admissions representative. For example, when a student talks on and on about anything and everything about his/her lives, problems, and what happened to his/her cats, it gets difficult to figure out what exactly they are looking for but to be a good listener. What should I do in such situation? How do I stop listening without being "impolite" or looking like I am not interested or impatient? How do I get them to tell me what is it that they really want so I can really listen to them and respond appropriately?

How effective is body language in admissions. I know that we are judged on non-verbal communication, but can students really tell how we feel by the way we sit at our desk?

when I leave messages , I try to always have the students best interest at heart, epically in cases when our classes that are filling up or scholarship dates almost due, or a open house that coming up. stressing that we do not want them to miss out on potential opportunity's to attend he school and fulfill their dreams.

I find that stating the objective/purpose and some key points to be covered at the beginning of the meeting with the student helps to keep the conversation on track. This in turn benefits the student the best way possible to achieve what they intended to receive assistance with.

Mirroring body language is all well and good, but when does it become more satirical imitation than mirroring via communication?

I find it hard sometimes to be an active listener with a student who automatically becomes withdrawn from conversation at the start. Any advice on cracking their shell?

Does anyone feel one way they gain trust through their communication is through the way they actually portray information to the student?

The various forms of communication certainly make me more aware of any issues I may have in their implication.

What are the current best practices for engaging students on social media?