Hi everyone, welcome back to another edition of our Schools & Agents Bulletin highlights. We’ve recently been sharing advice on attending industry events, especially for those schools who are new to the international education scene. In our latest video, Bernice gave her top tip for schools looking to connect with international agents: the art of listening.

The importance of balance

With over a decade of experience in language schools and industry events, we understand the pressure to make a lasting impression. However, it’s essential to strike a balance between speaking and listening during your meetings with agents. In fact, agents often report feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information presented by schools during these events. On the other hand, schools tell us that they find themselves repeating the same pitch throughout the day, leading to monotony and missed opportunities. For these reasons, our top tip would be to make sure you are engaging in active listening. Why?

How active listening helps

Active listening allows you to tailor your presentation to agents’ specific needs and interests, making the conversation more engaging for both parties. It also helps you avoid information overload and repetitive pitches, ensuring that each interaction you have is unique and valuable.

Tips for effective meetings

To make the most of your meetings, prepare a concise elevator pitch, but be ready to adapt it based on the agent’s responses. Ask about their needs and interests, using this information to guide your presentation, and strive to maintain a balance between talking and listening throughout. 

That’s all for today, but don’t forget to tune in during the coming weeks, where we’ll be sharing more insights on handling industry events effectively. Ready to improve your approach to industry meetings? Get in touch with us for personalised advice and support in navigating the international education event season. 

Written by Stephanie Clark