Parents

Stop Selling Features, Start Solving Problems

You’re at a car dealership, eyeing a sleek SUV. Suddenly, a salesperson pops up and starts rattling off features of a sedan you have zero interest in buying it. Sounds frustrating, right? Well, here’s a shocker for you: Your school might be doing the exact same thing to potential students and their families. The Camry Conundrum Most schools think they’re nailing their marketing game. They proudly showcase their state-of-the-art field house, arts center and boast about their advanced classes, or about their nurturing environment. But here’s the kicker: They’re selling a Camry to someone who needs a RAV4. Why? Because they’re stuck in the school-centric mindset. The School-Centric Trap Let’s dissect a typical inquiry letter: “Academy Right School is the premier 9-12, coed educational school in New England. The opportunities abound and with its 100-acre campus, the facilities serve as a lab for a superior education…” Sounds impressive, doesn’t it? But here’s the million-dollar question: Does it address what the family actually needs? The Customer-Centric Revolution Now, imagine flipping the script: “Finding the right school can be a challenge. We’ve worked with thousands of families, and it’s a common theme. We want to allay some of those worries by best understanding your educational needs…” See the difference? It’s like night and day. The Big Idea: Put the Customer First Here’s the revolutionary idea that will transform your marketing: Start with the customer’s needs, not your school’s features. Ask Before You Tell: Before you start singing your school’s praises, ask families about their educational goals and challenges. Listen and Record: Pay attention to what they say and actually write it down. Use this information to tailor your communication throughout the recruitment cycle. Speak Their Language: Frame your school’s offerings in terms of how it solves the family’s specific problems or meet their unique needs. Be a Partner, Not a Salesperson: Position your school as a partner in their educational journey, not just another option to consider. The Payoff When you shift from a school-centric to a customer-centric approach, magic happens. Families feel understood and valued. They’re more likely to see your school as the perfect fit for their needs. And the best part? You’re not just selling a school anymore. You’re offering a tailored solution to their educational challenges.

Stop Selling Features, Start Solving Problems Read More »

The Enrollment Tightrope: Balancing Revenue, Faculty, and Customer Needs

Scenario: You’re an enrollment dean, walking a tightrope. On one side, you’ve got the CFO yelling, “Show me the money!” On the other, there’s the faculty choir singing, “Leave us alone, we’re the experts!” And below? A sea of parents waving their wallets, demanding, “Give us our money’s worth!” Welcome to the enrollment management circus, folks. It’s a three-ring spectacle where you’re constantly juggling the needs of the CFO, the faculty, and the customers. And let me tell you, dropping any of these balls isn’t an option. But here’s the kicker: This isn’t really a three-way challenge. It’s a coordination problem. And if you’re not careful, it’ll turn into a full-blown crisis faster than you can say “tuition increase.” Let’s break it down: The CFO’s Dilemma: Numbers, Numbers, Numbers The CFO is like a hungry beast that needs to be fed with cold, hard cash. They’re not interested in your sob stories about market saturation or customer satisfaction. They want one thing: balanced books. But here’s where it gets tricky. If the CFO isn’t considering the quality of the program or the size of the full-pay market, they’re setting you up for failure. It’s like asking you to fill an Olympic-sized pool with a teacup. The solution? Get the CFO to look beyond the spreadsheets. They need to understand that investing in program quality and admission support is like planting seeds for a money tree. It might cost more upfront, but the payoff? Oh, it’s worth it. The Parent Paradox: Experts in Their Own Minds Parents are a funny breed. They’ve raised a whopping 2.5 kids on average, and suddenly they’re educational experts. They want the best for their kids, sure, but they also think they know what that “best” looks like. Here’s the rub: These parents are your golden geese. They’re willing to shell out big bucks for education, but they also want a say in what that education looks like. Ignore them at your peril. The fix? Communication, communication, communication. Explain your program like you’re talking to a five-year-old (because in educational terms, that’s what these parents are). Show them why your way works, and counsel out the ones who still don’t get it. Remember, it’s easier to find a new customer than to satisfy an impossible one. The Faculty Fortress: Flexibility vs. Autonomy Ah, the faculty. Bless their hearts. They’re on a mission from God to educate young minds, and they don’t want any mere mortals (read: parents or administrators) interfering. But here’s the truth bomb: Flexibility isn’t a four-letter word. The faculty needs to understand that bending a little won’t break them. In fact, it might just save their jobs. The answer? Find the sweet spot between flexibility and autonomy. Encourage the faculty to be more accommodating to full-pay customers’ needs, as long as it doesn’t derail the school’s mission. After all, those “absorbent” tuitions are paying their salaries. The Grand Finale: Coordination is Key Here’s the secret sauce: Coordination. It’s not enough to juggle these three groups. You need to get them dancing to the same tune. And that, my friends, is where the enrollment office comes in. But here’s the catch: You can’t do it alone. You need the head of school in your corner, championing this coordinated effort. Without that support, you’re just spinning plates and hoping they don’t crash. So, what’s the takeaway? Stop seeing this as a three-way challenge. Start seeing it as a coordination opportunity. Get the senior team to manage these groups strategically, not informally. Because if you don’t, you’ll find yourself watching full-pay families walk out the door faster than you can say “budget deficit.” Remember, in the enrollment game, you’re not just filling seats. You’re orchestrating a delicate balance between financial needs, educational excellence, and customer satisfaction. It’s a high-wire act, sure, but with the right coordination, you can turn it into a standing ovation. Now, go out there and start coordinating. Your budget (and your sanity) will thank you.

The Enrollment Tightrope: Balancing Revenue, Faculty, and Customer Needs Read More »

The Mission Statement Mystery: Why Your Team is Lost in the Dark

Imagine this scene: You’re standing in front of your school staff, brimming with enthusiasm. “Who can tell me our mission statement?” you ask, expecting a chorus of confident voices. Instead, you’re met with awkward silence, shuffling feet, and averted gazes. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. The Mission Impossible: A Puzzling Predicament Here’s a head-scratcher for you: Why do employees who casually toss around terms like “mission-appropriate students” and “mission-based programs” break into a cold sweat when asked to recite the actual mission statement? It’s like having a state-of-the-art GPS but not knowing how to turn it on. Frustrating, right? So, what’s going on here? Let’s dive into this mystery and uncover some surprising culprits. Suspect #1: The Breadcrumb Syndrome Picture this: You’re served a succulent lobster, but it’s drowning in a sea of breadcrumbs. That’s what many mission statements look like. The real meat—why your school exists—is hidden under a mountain of “how we do it” crumbs. Is it any wonder your team can’t find the main course? Quick Fix: Serve the lobster, hold the breadcrumbs. Strip your mission statement down to its essence. What’s the juicy bit that explains why you exist? Suspect #2: The Scavenger Hunt Dilemma Remember those childhood scavenger hunts where clues were scattered all over the neighborhood? Fun for kids, not so much for busy professionals. Yet, that’s how some schools treat their mission. A bit in the philosophy statement, a dash in the core values, add how to cover the bases, and a sprinkle in multiple mission focuses. Is it any surprise your employees are lost? Quick Fix: Create a treasure map, not a scavenger hunt. Organize your mission-related info clearly. Make finding the mission as easy as X marks the spot. Suspect #3: The Leadership Vacuum Brace yourself. This one might sting a bit. If your team doesn’t know the mission, it might be because you haven’t made it a priority. Ouch, right? But here’s the thing—if you’re not leading the mission charge, who will? Quick Fix: Be the mission champion. As a leader, make knowing the mission non-negotiable. And psst… make sure you know it too! From Mission Impossible to Mission Accomplished Now that we’ve identified our suspects, how do we turn this ship around? Let’s break it down: Ban the “general sense” cop-out: A vague idea of the mission is like a foggy GPS—you might end up somewhere, but probably not where you intended. Insist on precision. Turn up the volume: Blast that mission statement everywhere. Staff meetings, emails, even bathroom stalls if you have to! Make it impossible to ignore. Play “Mission Impossible”: Regularly challenge your team to recite the mission. Make it fun, make it engaging, but most importantly, make it stick. Connect the dots: Help your team see how their daily grind ties into the big picture. It’s like showing them their piece of the puzzle. Suddenly, their work has more meaning. Celebrate the mission masters: Shine a spotlight on those who live and breathe your mission. Nothing motivates like a pat on the back, right? The Million-Dollar Question Here’s something to ponder: If your team can’t articulate why your school exists, how can they help it thrive? Your mission statement isn’t just a bunch of fancy words to impress the board. It’s your school’s North Star. It’s the reason you open your doors every morning. So, isn’t it time you and your team started following it? Remember, a clear mission isn’t just about words on a plaque. It’s about creating a shared purpose, a common goal that everyone—from the principal to the janitor—can rally behind. Are you ready to solve the mission statement mystery in your school? The game is afoot!

The Mission Statement Mystery: Why Your Team is Lost in the Dark Read More »

Are You Taking Your Satisfied Parents for Granted?

Enrollment management professionals often focus on addressing the concerns of dissatisfied parents or celebrating the enthusiasm of highly engaged families. However, there’s a critical group that often flies under the radar: the satisfied parents. These parents, while content enough to keep their children enrolled, may not be as passionate about your school as you might hope. This article explores why this group matters and how to turn their quiet contentment into active advocacy. Understanding the Satisfied Parent Satisfied parents are those who have done a cost-benefit analysis and decided that your school is “fine.” They believe the investment of time, money, and energy is worth it, enough not to leave, but they may not be overly enthusiastic. These parents: Are neutral in social settings when discussing the school Will speak positively about the school when directly asked Aren’t high-maintenance for the school administration May have some unexpressed reservations or unfulfilled expectations Why Should You Care About Satisfied Parents? Word-of-mouth impact: Satisfied parents’ opinions carry weight with their friends and acquaintances. If their perspectives aren’t strongly positive, your school misses out on powerful word-of-mouth marketing. Enrollment stability: While these parents aren’t likely to leave, their lukewarm satisfaction doesn’t contribute to a robust, growing enrollment. Missed opportunities: The gap between expectations and reality represents opportunities for improvement that could significantly enhance your school’s reputation and appeal. Identifying Satisfied Parents To uncover this hidden group: Conduct surveys: Ask specific questions about expectations vs. reality in various aspects of school life. Create safe forums for feedback: Provide opportunities for parents to share their thoughts openly. Leverage student advisors: These staff members often have valuable insights into parent satisfaction levels. Implement the Net Promoter Score Survey. Strategies to Elevate Satisfaction Respond to feedback: Act on the information you gather to show parents their input matters. Implement systematic reviews: Regularly evaluate key aspects of your school program to identify and address weaknesses. Close expectation gaps: Work to align the reality of your school experience with the expectations set during the admissions process. Enhance communication: Keep parents informed about improvements and how their feedback is being used. The Enrollment Optimization Payoff By focusing on elevating satisfied parents to enthusiastic advocates, you can: Increase the power of word-of-mouth marketing Improve retention rates Attract more high-quality applicants Strengthen your school’s overall reputation Remember, a parent who is merely satisfied represents an opportunity. By listening, responding, and continuously improving, you can transform quiet contentment into passionate advocacy, driving enrollment success and fulfilling your school’s mission.

Are You Taking Your Satisfied Parents for Granted? Read More »

Empowering Word of Mouth Marketing for Your Private School

Word of mouth marketing is often hailed as one of the most powerful tools in any school’s enrollment management strategy. The authenticity and trust that come with a personal recommendation are unmatched by even the most polished advertisements. However, the key question is: Are you leveraging word of mouth effectively for your private school? Are you building the number of disciples for your school. Here’s how to harness the full potential of this invaluable resource. 1. Identify Your Target Audience To craft an effective word of mouth marketing strategy, start by identifying the families you want to target. Specifically, consider the full-pay families who are vital to your school’s revenue stream. Understanding where these families live, what interests they have, and what drives their decision-making is crucial. Begin by researching the current full-pay families at your school and expand that knowledge to similar demographics in your surrounding area. The more precise your understanding, the better you can tailor your efforts and support your team of disciples.. 2. Speak Their Language What language do your current families use when discussing your school? It’s essential to listen and learn from these conversations. Avoid using educational jargon that might alienate or confuse prospective parents. Instead, mirror the language and expressions your current families use. This approach not only makes your school seem more relatable but also ensures that your messaging resonates with the very people you’re trying to reach. 3. Activate a Word of Mouth Campaign A successful word of mouth campaign starts with your current parents. Encourage them to share their positive experiences with prospective families. This can be done subtly through events, newsletters, and personal conversations. The goal is to turn your current parents into enthusiastic advocates who will naturally promote your school within their social circles. Some schools may want to offer discounts for referrals. To me this is a last resort; you may even lose the authenticity that you get from this group. Be careful. 4. Build Euphoria Among Current Families Creating a sense of excitement and euphoria among your current families is a powerful way to fuel word of mouth marketing. Remember, parents don’t directly experience your school’s educational offerings—their children do. Therefore, focus on what makes the parents proud, happy, and engaged. Whether it’s showcasing student achievements, offering unique parent experiences, or simply providing exceptional customer service, find ways to keep your current families excited about being part of your school community. 5. Ask for Their Help Don’t be afraid to directly ask your current families for their help in spreading the word. Hopefully, during their application process, you built a relationship with them and they want to help you. Often, parents are more than willing to assist but may not know how. A simple request can go a long way in mobilizing your base to promote your school to friends, family, and colleagues. 6. Provide Them with the Right Tools Empower your parents with the tools they need to effectively market your school. This could be as simple as providing them with talking points, sharing impactful stories, giving them promotional materials to distribute and of course encourage them to share what they are most euphoric about. By equipping them with the right resources, you make it easier for them to become active participants in your word of mouth marketing efforts. 7. Explain the Benefits to Them Finally, it’s essential to communicate to parents why their involvement in marketing the school is important and how it benefits them. Whether it’s the pride of being part of a community or the tangible benefits that come from a thriving school environment, make sure they understand what’s in it for them. When parents see the value in promoting the school, they’re more likely to do so with enthusiasm and dedication. But don’t forget, nothing tops the facts – an excellent program – to share with others will win the day. Conclusion Word of mouth marketing is more than just a buzzword; it’s a strategic tool that, when used effectively, can significantly impact your school’s enrollment numbers. By targeting the right families, speaking their language, and actively engaging your current community, you can turn your parents into your most powerful marketing asset. Remember, every satisfied parent is a potential ambassador—equip them with the right tools and watch your word of mouth marketing efforts flourish.

Empowering Word of Mouth Marketing for Your Private School Read More »

Action Plan for Setting Up a Reception Event at a Current Parent’s Home

Objective: This action plan is designed to assist enrollment management professionals in organizing a successful reception event at a current parent’s home. This event aims to engage prospective families, provide them with valuable insights into the school, and create a personal connection that supports enrollment goals. Pros: Authentic Testimonials: Current parents can provide genuine and relatable insights into their experiences with the school, making a powerful impact on prospective families. Personalized Engagement: Hosting the event in a parent’s home creates a warm and intimate setting that encourages open communication and personal connections. Cost-Effective: Utilizing a parent’s home can reduce venue costs, allowing more budget allocation for other aspects of the event, such as catering or promotional materials. High Credibility: When current parents, who have a vested interest in the school, advocate for it, their endorsement carries more weight and can be highly persuasive to potential families. Cons: Potential Bias: Prospective families might perceive the host’s views as biased or overly positive, possibly leading to unrealistic expectations about the school. Limited Reach: The number of attendees may be restricted by the size of the host’s home, potentially limiting the event’s impact. Varied Representation: The experience and views of a single family may not fully represent the diversity and breadth of the school community, leading to a skewed perception. Privacy Concerns: Inviting prospective families into a private home might raise concerns about privacy and safety, both for the host family and the guests Step 1: Identify Target Locations Demographic Analysis: Start by conducting a demographic analysis to identify regions with a high concentration of potential families that match the school’s ideal student profile. Use data such as income levels, educational background, and family size to determine the most promising areas. School Affiliation: Consider areas where current parents and alumni reside, as their proximity to the event location can enhance attendance and engagement. Step 2: Determine Schedule, Date, and Time Coordination with Division Heads and Head of School: Schedule a meeting with division heads and the head of school to determine the best date and time for the event. Consider school calendars, local events, and holidays to avoid conflicts. Convenient Timing: Choose a time that is convenient for both current and prospective parents, typically an evening or weekend event. Step 3: Select Special Presentation Content Development: Collaborate with division heads and the head of school to create a special presentation tailored to the audience. This could include highlights of the school’s achievements, student testimonials, or a showcase of the school’s unique programs. Engaging Format: Ensure the presentation is engaging, visually appealing, and concise to maintain the attention of prospective families. Step 4: Identify and Confirm Hosts Host Selection: Identify potential hosts from the current parent community who are well-respected, enthusiastic about the school, and have a suitable home for hosting the event. Get approval from division heads to ensure alignment with the school’s image and goals. Contact and Invitation: Reach out to the prospective host to discuss the event details and formally invite them to participate. Provide them with a clear understanding of their role and the event’s objectives. Step 5: Involve Parent Volunteers Recommendations: Seek recommendations from division heads on which families would make excellent parent volunteers for the event. Volunteers can assist with logistics, greet guests, and share their positive experiences with the school. Step 6: Determine Invitation List Division Counts:Work with division heads to determine the number of invitations to be sent out for each division. Notification: Notify division heads of the final invitation counts to ensure they are informed and can support follow-up efforts. Step 7: Organize Event Logistics Flower and Food Arrangements: Coordinate with the host to arrange for catering and decorations. Ensure the selections reflect the school’s brand and create a welcoming atmosphere. Invitation Production: Design and produce the invitations, ensuring they are professional, informative, and visually appealing. Include all necessary details such as date, time, location, and RSVP instructions. Include pictures of your current students who live in the area. Invitation Distribution: Send out the invitations well in advance to allow families time to plan. Use both physical and digital invitations to maximize reach. Step 8: Manage RSVP and Communication RSVP Tracking: Maintain an up-to-date RSVP list, noting any special accommodations or preferences. Update the host, division heads, admission staff, and head of school on the expected number of attendees. Event Reminders: Send reminder emails or messages to confirmed guests a few days before the event to ensure high attendance. Step 9: Event Set-Up and Execution Event Materials: Gather all necessary admission materials, brochures, and school swag to distribute at the event. Ensure the presentation is ready to go and that all technology is tested in advance. Assignments: Create a round-robin grid to ensure all staff, hosts, and volunteers know their responsibilities and can rotate through different roles during the event. Name Tags: Prepare name tags for all attendees, including students and their grades, to facilitate introductions and networking. Final Preparations: Ensure the set-up is complete at least an hour before the event starts. This includes arranging seating, setting up the presentation area, and preparing food and beverages. Step 10: Post-Event Follow-Up Thank You Notes: Send personalized thank you notes to the host, parent volunteers, and any other key contributors to express appreciation for their support. Event Debrief: Hold a debrief meeting with division heads and admission staff to review the event’s success, discuss any challenges, and identify improvements for future events. Statistic Report: Compile a report on the event’s impact, including attendance numbers, follow-up actions, and any immediate enrollment interest generated. By following this action plan, enrollment management professionals can create a well-organized, impactful event that fosters strong connections between prospective families and the school community.

Action Plan for Setting Up a Reception Event at a Current Parent’s Home Read More »

Aligning Your Admission Strategies with the Consumer’s Problems: A Key to Successful Enrollment Management

In today’s competitive educational landscape, enrollment management professionals and marketing and communications teams face the daunting task of standing out among a plethora of choices available to prospective families. The key to success lies not just in showcasing your institution’s strengths but in directly addressing the problems and concerns that drive families to seek out your school in the first place. Identifying the Consumers Problem The journey of choosing the right school for a child is fraught with anxiety and countless questions. Families are not merely searching for an institution that offers an excellent education; they are looking for solutions to specific problems they perceive in their child’s current or future educational environment. Understanding these problems is the first step in crafting admission events that resonate deeply with your target audience. For instance, prospective parents might be asking: Is the program challenging enough to meet my child’s academic needs? Will the teachers know my child and cater to their individual strengths and weaknesses? Does the school offer a broad and deep curriculum that prepares students for future success? These questions highlight the underlying concerns that families have when considering your school. It is crucial that your marketing activities are designed to address these specific issues head-on. Aligning Admission Activities with Consumer Problems Once you have identified the key problems your target audience is grappling with, the next step is to ensure that your admission events are aligned with these concerns. This alignment is not just about promoting what your school offers, but about demonstrating how your school provides solutions to the problems that matter most to prospective families. Here are some examples of how to align admission activities with consumer concerns: Admission Activity: Student Panel led by the Head of School Admission Activity: Round Robin Discussions with Faculty from Each Department Admission Activity: Lunch and Social Time with Current Parents Engaging Your Team in the Process To ensure the success of these marketing activities, it is vital to engage your entire team in the process. Faculty, admission personnel, students, and current parents all play critical roles in delivering your message. By sharing the underlying problems that these activities aim to address, you can help your team stay focused on the task at hand and ensure that every interaction with prospective families is purposeful and impactful. When your team understands the specific concerns of your target audience, they are better equipped to highlight how your school can meet those needs. This approach not only makes your marketing efforts more coherent and persuasive but also increases the likelihood that prospective families will see your school as the right choice for their child. Conclusion Aligning your marketing activities with the problems your consumers are facing is essential for successful enrollment management. By identifying the key concerns of prospective families and demonstrating how your school provides solutions, you can create a compelling narrative that resonates with your audience. This strategic alignment not only strengthens your school’s appeal but also fosters a deeper connection with the families you seek to serve, ultimately driving enrollment and long-term success.

Aligning Your Admission Strategies with the Consumer’s Problems: A Key to Successful Enrollment Management Read More »

Are You Using Your Satisfaction Surveys to Fool Yourself?

Imagine you’re at a fancy restaurant. You’ve just paid $200 for a meal, and the waiter asks, “How was everything?” You reply, “It was good.” Is that enough? For a $200 meal, shouldn’t it be mind-blowingly excellent? Now, let’s talk about your independent school. You’re not just serving meals; you’re shaping futures. And the price tag? It’s in the luxury category. So why are you settling for “good” or even “very good” on your satisfaction surveys? The School-Family Marriage: It’s Complicated Picture this: A couple, married for 20 years. They argue often, live separate lives, and haven’t shared a bed in over a year. Yet, they stay together. Sound familiar? It should, because it’s eerily similar to how some families stick with their chosen schools. Here’s the kicker: Just because a family doesn’t leave your school doesn’t mean they’re over the moon about it. They might be like that couple – staying together for convenience, habit, or fear of change. Decoding Your Satisfaction Survey: The Truth Behind the Numbers Let’s look at these survey results: Outstanding: 25% Very Good: 47% Satisfactory: 25% Marginal: 2% Poor: <1% At first glance, you might think, “Wow, 72% think we’re Very Good or Outstanding! We’re killing it!” But hold on. You’re not running a budget airline or a fast-food joint. You’re providing premium education at premium prices. The Luxury Standard: Are You Meeting It? In the world of luxury, “good” isn’t good enough. Neither is “very good.” For the prices families are paying, you should be aiming for: Outstanding: 60% or more Very Good: 25% or more Total of Outstanding and Very Good: 85% minimum Anything less, and you’re not delivering on your premium price. The Silent Majority: What Your Surveys Aren’t Telling You Remember, for every parent who gives you a “Satisfactory” rating, there’s a story. Maybe they’re: Too busy to switch schools Worried about disrupting their child’s social life Hoping things will improve Simply conflict-averse These parents won’t sing your praises from the rooftops. But they might whisper criticisms at dinner parties or warn new families moving to the area. The Real Question: Would They Choose You Again? Here’s a survey question that could reveal more than any satisfaction rating: “If you could go back in time, would you choose our school again?” This question cuts through the noise. It reveals not just satisfaction, but true loyalty and belief in your school’s value.  Or try the Net Promotion Scoring tool. Turning the Tables: From Good to Outstanding So, how do you move from “good enough” to “can’t imagine sending my child anywhere else”? Here are three strategies: Personalize the Experience: Treat each family like they’re your only client. Regular check-ins, personalized progress reports, and tailored communication can make all the difference. Exceed Expectations: Don’t just meet the curriculum requirements. Go above and beyond with unique learning opportunities, cutting-edge programs, and world-class facilities. Create a Community: Foster a sense of belonging that extends beyond the classroom. Family events, parent workshops, and alumni networks can create a community that families won’t want to leave. Remember, in the world of independent schools, you’re not just competing with other schools. You’re competing with every other luxury experience a family could choose. Make sure you’re not just satisfying – you’re delighting. Are you ready to raise the bar? Your families – and your school’s future – are counting on it.

Are You Using Your Satisfaction Surveys to Fool Yourself? Read More »

Scroll to Top