Top Questions You Need to Ask and Answer

So you have been marketing your business and the next step in your promotional efforts would be to start receiving enquiries. The question becomes how do you handle the conversations - are you prepared for the drilling? Do you sink under the weight of their questioning or can you hold your own?

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The discovery call is the crucial part of the process. The information that is given or gathered, could end up being the deal breaker in that situation.

Do you know what sort of questions to expect, and if so how prepared are you with your answers?

It can feel a bit like a job interview where one side gets to do all the questioning, with a few minutes left at the end for the other side to ask a few.

Given that whoever asks the questions, controls the conversation, the question then becomes, which position would you like to be in, as the tuition service provider?

If you want to be in control of the conversation, you will need to have your list of questions ready from the get go.

These questions are not to be fired at your prospect, like bullets at a target on a shooting range, but to be inserted into the conversation in a very casual and friendly manner.

Remember, they may still be shopping around and first impressions will count a lot.

Asking the right questions will enable you to come up with tailored solutions within your offerings that can offer the right support for your potential customer.

Break the ice – make them feel comfortable during the conversation. They may not be ready to commit there and then, but that conversation could leave a lasting enough impression so that when they are ready, there will be no doubt in their mind where they will go.

We have put together a list of questions for you to ask your potential customers, as well as possible questions they might ask you. These will definitely help to take your promotional efforts to new heights!

To wrap it up, also see the list of what not to do during the meeting, because that is just as crucial!

  1. What grade or level is the student currently in?
  2. What subjects or areas does the student need help with?
  3. Are there any specific challenges or areas of difficulty the student is facing?
  4. How does the student feel about their current academic performance?
  5. What are the student’s learning preferences and strengths?
  6. Have there been any previous experiences with tutoring or educational support?
  7. What are the student’s goals or objectives for seeking tuition services?
  8. Is there a preferred schedule or frequency for tutoring sessions?
  9. Are there any specific learning goals or milestones the student hopes to achieve?
  10. How does the student feel about their motivation and confidence in the subject(s)?
  11. Are there any specific learning styles or techniques that have been effective for the student in the past?
  12. How involved would you like to be in the tutoring process as a parent or guardian?
  13. Are there any external factors such as extracurricular activities or other commitments that may impact the student’s availability for tutoring?
  14. What type of feedback or progress updates would you like to receive as a parent or guardian?
  15. Are there any specific qualifications or characteristics you’re looking for in a tutor?
  16. What is your budget or financial considerations for tuition services?
  17. How soon would you like to get started with tutoring sessions?
  18. Is there any additional information or context you think would be helpful for us to know?
  19. Can you provide any insights into the student’s preferred learning environment (e.g., quiet space, group setting)?
  20. Are there any specific standardized tests or exams the student is preparing for?
  21. Have there been any recent changes in the student’s academic performance or behavior?
  22. Are there any specific areas of interest or passion that the student has outside of academics?
  23. How do you envision the tutor’s role in supporting the student’s overall academic development?
  24. Are there any specific study habits or time management skills the student would like to improve?
  25. Are there any accommodations or special considerations we should be aware of (e.g., learning disabilities, language barriers)?
  26. How would you define success for the student in terms of their academic progress?
  27. What are the expectations regarding communication between the tutor, student, and parent/guardian?
  28. Are there any particular teaching methodologies or approaches that you prefer or would like us to consider?
  29. What resources or materials does the student currently have access to for their studies?
  30. Are there any preferences regarding the tutor’s background or expertise (e.g., subject-specific qualifications, teaching experience)?
  31. How would you describe the student’s attitude towards seeking academic support?
  32. Are there any specific areas of the curriculum that the student finds particularly challenging or engaging?
  33. How do you envision the tutor integrating with the student’s school curriculum or syllabus?
  34. Are there any long-term academic or career goals that the student is working towards?
  35. What role do you see the tutor playing in fostering the student’s independence and self-directed learning?
  36. Are there any specific hobbies or interests the student has that could be integrated into the learning process?
  37. How flexible is the student’s schedule for tutoring sessions?
  38. Is there anything else you’d like to share that could help us tailor our tutoring services to meet the student’s needs effectively?
  39. Do you have any questions or concerns about our tutoring services or approach?

 

 
 

  • Service Details

    • What subjects and grade levels do you offer tutoring for?
    • Do you provide one-on-one tutoring, group sessions, or both?
    • Are your sessions conducted online, in-person, or both?

  • Tutor Qualifications

    • What qualifications and experience do your tutors have?
    • How do you vet and train your tutors?
    • Can I request a specific tutor based on my child’s needs?

  • Customization and Approach

    • How do you assess my child’s needs and learning style?
    • Will the tutoring be tailored to my child’s school curriculum?
    • What teaching methods do you use to engage students?

  • Progress Tracking

    • How do you measure and track my child’s progress?
    • Will I receive regular updates or reports on my child’s performance?
    • Can I communicate directly with the tutor to discuss my child’s progress?

  • Logistics

    • What is the typical duration and frequency of your tutoring sessions?
    • How flexible is your scheduling? Can sessions be rescheduled if necessary?
    • What is your policy on missed sessions or cancellations?

  • Pricing and Payment

    • What are your rates for tutoring services?
    • Are there any additional fees for materials or registration?
    • Do you offer any packages or discounts for multiple sessions?

  • Support and Resources

    • Do you provide additional resources or materials for students to use between sessions?
    • Is there any homework or practice work assigned?
    • How do you support students who need extra help or enrichment?

  • Results and Guarantees

    • What kind of improvements or outcomes can we expect to see?
    • Do you have any success stories or testimonials from other parents?
    • Is there any satisfaction guarantee or refund policy if we are not happy with the service?

  • Safety and Privacy

    • How do you ensure the safety and privacy of online sessions?
    • What measures do you take to protect my child’s personal information?

  • References and Reviews

    • Can you provide references from other parents or students?
    • Where can I read reviews or testimonials about your services?

  • Unpreparedness

    • Avoid coming to the meeting without being well-prepared. Know the details of your services, policies, and any specific information about the prospective student if provided in advance.

  • Overpromising

    • Avoid making unrealistic promises or guarantees about the student’s potential progress or results. It’s important to set realistic expectations.

  • Negative Comparisons

    • Avoid making negative comparisons between the prospective student and others. Focus on the student’s individual strengths and areas for improvement without disparaging others.

  • Lack of Personalization

    • Avoid giving generic responses or solutions. Tailor your conversation to address the specific needs and concerns of the parent and student.

  • Poor Listening

    • Avoid dominating the conversation. Make sure to listen actively to the parent’s concerns and questions, and address them thoughtfully.

  • Disrespecting Concerns

    • Avoid dismissing or minimizing the parent’s concerns. Every question and concern is valid and should be addressed with respect and empathy.

  • Unprofessionalism

    • Avoid being unprofessional in your demeanor or appearance. This includes being late, dressing inappropriately, or using unprofessional language.

  • Pressure Tactics

    • Avoid using high-pressure sales tactics to convince the parent to sign up. Provide the necessary information and allow them to make an informed decision at their own pace.

  • Lack of Transparency

    • Avoid hiding or glossing over important details, such as pricing, cancellation policies, or tutor qualifications. Be transparent and honest in all your communications.

  • Ignoring Feedback

    • Avoid ignoring any feedback or suggestions the parent may have. Show that you value their input and are willing to consider it.

  • Overemphasis on Weaknesses

    • Avoid focusing too much on the student’s weaknesses or areas of difficulty. While it’s important to address these, also highlight the student’s strengths and potential.

  • Talking Down

    • Avoid using overly technical jargon or talking down to the parent. Communicate in a clear, respectful, and understandable manner.

This stage of the process is all about getting to know each other, to find out whether you’d be a good fit for one another. The outcome of the Q&A session will determine that. There’s no need to force a sign-up if the fit isn’t right. On the other hand, be mindful not to pass up a sign up because you missed the triggers/signs.