3 simple strategies to have more powerful phone calls with recruits this season by Erica Quam @coachquam

posted by coachquam, a Women Talk Sports blogger
Monday, June 30, 2014 at 8:10pm EDT

About coachquam:

I coached D1 collegiate swimming for 15 years. Now I am coaching coaches. My mission is to support, challenge, & inspire women who coach by getting more women involved in coaching, building support ...more

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Most coaches I know are not head over heels excited about the college recruiting process - especially when July 1st rolls around. In fact, most college coaches I know really dread it!

Here are 3 simple strategies to have more powerful phone conversations with recruits this season.

1. SET AN INTENTION.
Change the way you approach recruiting calls. Powerful conversations begin by setting a simple intention. Your intention will assist you in taking greater control of your conversations. Take 60 seconds before you dial to set a simple intention. Just remember: you are presenting an amazing opportunity to the athletes you are choosing to contact. Get clear about how YOU want to feel about each call.

2. ESTABLISH EXPECTATIONS.
Let each recruit know your expectations in the recruiting relationship.

Do you intend to communicate through email and phone calls and which do you prefer?
How often do you expect to be in touch?
What's the best way to communicate with you if they have questions that come up?
When are you unavailable?
Do you have any specific policies or expectations on how their parents will be involved during the process?

Let them know these things up front! You teach them how to treat you. Having this conversation will likely set you apart from other coaches. Find out what expectations that they have of you. You can use this as an opportunity to let them know if that is in line with what you are willing to do...or not! The sooner you can gain clarity and insight into each person the better. It will save you and them a lot of time and energy!

3. BE AN EXPERT PEOPLE READER.
Have you ever been overwhelmed by an overly energetic and charismatic person on the phone? Does it ever make you want to shut down or even hang up? Don't make the same mistake. When you talk on the phone, you have to "read" the other person - which can be hard! You can't see their facial expressions and there are lots of unknowns. Each time you are on the phone with a recruit, consider two things:

Are they more fast-paced & outspoken or cautious & reflective?
Are they more questioning & skeptical or accepting and warm?

Knowing the answer to these two questions can help you adapt your behavior to have the best possible interaction with them.

Click here for the detailed "Recruit Reading Guide"

GOOD LUCK THIS RECRUITING SEASON!

Did you find this info helpful? Want to learn more about using the DiSC with your staff, team, or recruits? Contact me today!

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MORE ABOUT THIS AUTHOR:

coachquam

I coached D1 collegiate swimming for 15 years. Now I am coaching coaches. My mission is to support, challenge, & inspire women who coach by getting ...
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For more, visit coachquam's Full Profile

3 simple strategies to have more powerful phone calls with recruits this season by Erica Quam @coachquam

Subscribe to THE INNER CIRCLE - an exclusive group of women who coach who share a common purpose

Get access to regular inspiration throughout the ups and downs of your season.

Gain unlimited access to interviews, articles, and brand new team activities that you can customize and use right away.

Be a part of monthly webinars and tele-seminars - just for women who coach - to continually develop both personally and professionally