Sometimes, we often encounter cases where tutors get dismissed after the first lessons. Some are sacked because they performed under expectation while some were rejected because there was a lack of communication between the tutor and the parents/student. Whatever the reason, in most scenarios, the tuition coordinator would embark on the search for a replacement tutor.
Logically, till the time you find a replacement tutor, the parent would usually owe the tuition fees for the previous tutor unless they had paid right on the spot. Some parents are really nice and pay off immediately as they understand we have to answer to the tutors. However, some would be less sensitive and delay till the tutor starts chasing the debt.
It could have been past 1 or 2 months and the parents not yet settled the tuition fees. Thus, the tutors start coming to the tuition coordinators and the coordinators had no choice but to remind the parents of the unpaid tuition fees.
To avoid trouble, some pay up immediately while some continue to delay till the tutor was impatient and went up to the parents directly, bypassing the tuition coordinators. As a result, the tuition coordinator was badly reprimanded by the parents and the parents boycott the tuition coordinator since then.
I am pretty sure, quite a number of tuition coordinators haev encountered such problems before. What I can comment is that, perhaps the part where we did wrong would be forgetting to constantly remind the parents or to hold back the tutor. Otherwise, I find that we are pretty innocent to bear all the blame. So tuition coordinators out there, do take note if there are any pending tuition fees unsettled. If there are, resolve the issue as soon as possible before trouble brews. Good luck to all and persevere till the end!
Friday, May 25, 2007
Monday, April 30, 2007
Story 15 - Tutors or parents who delay your time?
Dear tuition coordinators, have you ever felt that there will always be tutors or parents who tend to waste your time? For me, I have often felt so. On advertisement days, I will often receive two types of calls. One would be to enquire about the hiring of private tutors and the other would request us to search for a private tutor.
For the latter, I would get the necessary details and embark on the search of a suitable candidate and after some time, get back to the parent. Out of which, there is only 50% chances that I will actually close the deal successfully. Here are a few reasons why:
1) Other agencies provide better tutors or tutors who charge lesser.
2) The parents decided not to get a tutor after much consideration like time arranging and costs.
3) The students do not have the parents' permission to hire the tutor.
I believe the above scenario is familiar to many and it does not feel nice when you go all out and face rejection in the end. On the other hand, there are tutors who tend to take up your time when they keep questioning about an assignment then decide not to take it.
Frustrating as it is, let us learn the skill of tolerance as we continue in this career path. All the best to fellow tuition coordinators and hang in there. Continue to give in your best so as not to let yourself down.
For the latter, I would get the necessary details and embark on the search of a suitable candidate and after some time, get back to the parent. Out of which, there is only 50% chances that I will actually close the deal successfully. Here are a few reasons why:
1) Other agencies provide better tutors or tutors who charge lesser.
2) The parents decided not to get a tutor after much consideration like time arranging and costs.
3) The students do not have the parents' permission to hire the tutor.
I believe the above scenario is familiar to many and it does not feel nice when you go all out and face rejection in the end. On the other hand, there are tutors who tend to take up your time when they keep questioning about an assignment then decide not to take it.
Frustrating as it is, let us learn the skill of tolerance as we continue in this career path. All the best to fellow tuition coordinators and hang in there. Continue to give in your best so as not to let yourself down.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Story 14 - Lonely tuition coordinators
Many people have the perception that tuition coordinators work individually because they are fearful of their own clients being snatched away by other coordinators. However, tuition coordinators should work hand in hand instead to secure clients by their side. Why is that so?
Imagine having many allies whom you can rely on to get tutors for your clients. How would that feel? Indeed, there might be a chance that your client then becomes loyal to your co-broke partner in future but it can be the same for you too! Just like you refer clients to your partners, so will your partners refer clients to you. In fact, yout clients will even be touched that you have their interests at heart and they end up becoming your loyal clients for long.
Now, imagine having many other coordinators ally against you. Do you feel even more threatened because the chance of losing your client is even higher? Facing the many other choices that the opponents provide, how confident are you of servicing the parent well?
From experience, I can say that co-broking is a win-win situation because both parties stand to gain. Moreover, it does not harm to have more allies than enemies so tuition coordinators really should learn to work hand in hand.
To add on, it is lonely to work as an individual, especially when you have many cases on hand and there is no one to share the workload with you. You might get lots of commission but it can never replace yor health and time. Tuition coordinators out there, do take some time to ponder, what is it that you want to achieve in this career?
Imagine having many allies whom you can rely on to get tutors for your clients. How would that feel? Indeed, there might be a chance that your client then becomes loyal to your co-broke partner in future but it can be the same for you too! Just like you refer clients to your partners, so will your partners refer clients to you. In fact, yout clients will even be touched that you have their interests at heart and they end up becoming your loyal clients for long.
Now, imagine having many other coordinators ally against you. Do you feel even more threatened because the chance of losing your client is even higher? Facing the many other choices that the opponents provide, how confident are you of servicing the parent well?
From experience, I can say that co-broking is a win-win situation because both parties stand to gain. Moreover, it does not harm to have more allies than enemies so tuition coordinators really should learn to work hand in hand.
To add on, it is lonely to work as an individual, especially when you have many cases on hand and there is no one to share the workload with you. You might get lots of commission but it can never replace yor health and time. Tuition coordinators out there, do take some time to ponder, what is it that you want to achieve in this career?
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Story 13 - A gentle reminder for tutors
When I first started out as a tuition coordinator, I kept hoping for an assignment to come soon. When the first one finally came, the next thing to do was to find a suitable tutor to send down for lessons. Soon, I received a few more assignments and it was at that time when a problem cropped up.
One of my tutors who was supposed to have tuition on a particular day, did not turn up at all for tuition. Of course, the parent was boiling mad because the tutor did not make a single call to explain himself. It was only when I called up the tutor that I realised, he had gotten the tuition day wrong.
Since then, there had been a few more similar cases, only that the tutors got the timing wrong. In fact, there were some who went to the wrong place because they got confused which parent was which. It then struck me that there had to be something done and it had to be done- fast. Thus, I decided to send gentle reminders to tutors to ensure that they can go down for lessons smoothly.
Initially, some were negative because they felt we thought they were forgetful. However, it was no harm to send out a gentle reminder and so I did not take their comments to heart. Luckily, majority of the tutors appreciate our reminders for there were some really forgetful ones. It certainly feel good when the tutors actually thank you for those simple reminders.
So for tuition coordinators out there, do send reminders to tutors regarding their tuition lessons, for it will benefit yourselves and the rest.
One of my tutors who was supposed to have tuition on a particular day, did not turn up at all for tuition. Of course, the parent was boiling mad because the tutor did not make a single call to explain himself. It was only when I called up the tutor that I realised, he had gotten the tuition day wrong.
Since then, there had been a few more similar cases, only that the tutors got the timing wrong. In fact, there were some who went to the wrong place because they got confused which parent was which. It then struck me that there had to be something done and it had to be done- fast. Thus, I decided to send gentle reminders to tutors to ensure that they can go down for lessons smoothly.
Initially, some were negative because they felt we thought they were forgetful. However, it was no harm to send out a gentle reminder and so I did not take their comments to heart. Luckily, majority of the tutors appreciate our reminders for there were some really forgetful ones. It certainly feel good when the tutors actually thank you for those simple reminders.
So for tuition coordinators out there, do send reminders to tutors regarding their tuition lessons, for it will benefit yourselves and the rest.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Story 12 - A need for updated profiles of tutors
Recently, I was searching for a full time tutor when something struck me. Out of the many calls that I had made, some of the tutors were no longer giving tuition. In fact, they sounded pretty irritated when we called them up, as if we were harassing them for nothing. Also, there were circumstances where the tutors had actually converted from full time tutors to part time tutors and vice versa.
As a result, those who are now part time would assume that we are ridiculous to require them to give tuition during working hours. Meanwhile, those who are now full time tutors would complain that we never bother to give them a ring when there are assignments. Through these few incidents, I realise that there is an urgent need for the tutors to update their particulars in their database.
Honestly, what is the use of a database if you have to ask every question you need to know about the tutor? I am certain that by the time the phone call ends, both parties would be quite tired from all the asking and answering. Troublesome and maybe even irksome, isn't it?
Of course, in order to have updated profiles of tutors, both the tutors and tuition coordinators have a part to play. Tutors would have to be diligent enough to do constant updating, example, a change in contact numbers or a change in status, etc. Tuition coordinators, on the other hand, should send out reminders in case the tutors are so busy that they forgot about updating.
This way, with the cooperation of both parties, we can prevent making unnecessary calls and not result in two unhappy parties at the end of the phone. I hope this entry will be beneficial and set as a reminder to all other tuition coordinators. Thank you.
As a result, those who are now part time would assume that we are ridiculous to require them to give tuition during working hours. Meanwhile, those who are now full time tutors would complain that we never bother to give them a ring when there are assignments. Through these few incidents, I realise that there is an urgent need for the tutors to update their particulars in their database.
Honestly, what is the use of a database if you have to ask every question you need to know about the tutor? I am certain that by the time the phone call ends, both parties would be quite tired from all the asking and answering. Troublesome and maybe even irksome, isn't it?
Of course, in order to have updated profiles of tutors, both the tutors and tuition coordinators have a part to play. Tutors would have to be diligent enough to do constant updating, example, a change in contact numbers or a change in status, etc. Tuition coordinators, on the other hand, should send out reminders in case the tutors are so busy that they forgot about updating.
This way, with the cooperation of both parties, we can prevent making unnecessary calls and not result in two unhappy parties at the end of the phone. I hope this entry will be beneficial and set as a reminder to all other tuition coordinators. Thank you.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Story 11 - When a tuition coordinator falls ill
As we all know, tuition coordinators are also human beings and there will definitely be times when they fall ill. Have you wondered, what exactly happens when these coordinators take leave? Curious? Then, allow me to share with you my experience for the past few days.
For these two days, I took medical leave as I was still sick from fever and cold. During these two days, there were incidents which took place that delighted me while there were also some which darkened my day.
What made me upset was a parent calling to complain about a tutor not turning up for lesson. I expressed my apologies and listened on as the parent proceeded to talk about the tuition fees. At that point of time, I was feeling rather absurd because the parent did not clearly explain who she was. Eventually, I actually had to flip through my data before I realised whom she was. Well, perhaps you might call it the grumpiness of a patient but I guess we have to sympathise the tuition coordinators at times as well. Especially when they cannot get a good rest because of a case cropping up.
On the other hand, there was a parent who truly touched me by the concern she expressed. Due to some reason, her tutor had to be replaced urgently and thus, she came looking for me. However, upon learning that I was sick, she rushed me off to rest immediately and told me to put the search for tutor on hold. How kind of her! Honestly, she could have gone off to another agency but she chose to wait for her tuition coordinator to recover and service her. It really touched me and I was so grateful that I went finding the replacement tutor despite being sick. The power of gratitude!
Lesson of the day: Appreciate others for their efforts put in whatever they are doing and you will receive the best service in return.
For these two days, I took medical leave as I was still sick from fever and cold. During these two days, there were incidents which took place that delighted me while there were also some which darkened my day.
What made me upset was a parent calling to complain about a tutor not turning up for lesson. I expressed my apologies and listened on as the parent proceeded to talk about the tuition fees. At that point of time, I was feeling rather absurd because the parent did not clearly explain who she was. Eventually, I actually had to flip through my data before I realised whom she was. Well, perhaps you might call it the grumpiness of a patient but I guess we have to sympathise the tuition coordinators at times as well. Especially when they cannot get a good rest because of a case cropping up.
On the other hand, there was a parent who truly touched me by the concern she expressed. Due to some reason, her tutor had to be replaced urgently and thus, she came looking for me. However, upon learning that I was sick, she rushed me off to rest immediately and told me to put the search for tutor on hold. How kind of her! Honestly, she could have gone off to another agency but she chose to wait for her tuition coordinator to recover and service her. It really touched me and I was so grateful that I went finding the replacement tutor despite being sick. The power of gratitude!
Lesson of the day: Appreciate others for their efforts put in whatever they are doing and you will receive the best service in return.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Story 10 - Parents who backed out
Previously, we mentioned about tutors who backed out from assignments at the last minute. As a result, coordinators were unable to close the cases successfully. Of course, this is only one scenario which may result in the failure of cases. Another scenario would be the backing out of parents at the last minute.
Just recently, I lost a few cases when parents backed out at the last minute, even after we had settled every detail for the arrangement of the first lesson. This is definitely very common but as a tuition coordinator, how would you feel at this point of time? Disappointed? Irritated?
For me, I would say it is a mixed feeling of both. Since I entered this career, I always believe that tuition coordinators will put in their heart to service the parents. Often, it does not take a few but many calls to actually get the right tutor for the parents. Then, there would be alot of convincing to take place, especially if the parents called many agencies.
Eventually, the parents get back to the tuition coordinators to arrange for the first lesson with the tutor. Everything had seemed to fall into place nicely when suddenly, the parents dropped a bomb on you. After much consideration, they decided that the tutor is not suitable because of the timing and therefore, they wished to cancel the lesson.
How disappointing, you thought silently to yourself. At that instance, it seemed like all the hard work had gone to waste totally. Not to forget, a drain of energy as well. However, brace up, fellow tuition coordinators! For your good service provided, the parents are bound to return to you. If not this particular parent, another will because you never know who is referring whom to you! Stay optimistic and strive hard!
Just recently, I lost a few cases when parents backed out at the last minute, even after we had settled every detail for the arrangement of the first lesson. This is definitely very common but as a tuition coordinator, how would you feel at this point of time? Disappointed? Irritated?
For me, I would say it is a mixed feeling of both. Since I entered this career, I always believe that tuition coordinators will put in their heart to service the parents. Often, it does not take a few but many calls to actually get the right tutor for the parents. Then, there would be alot of convincing to take place, especially if the parents called many agencies.
Eventually, the parents get back to the tuition coordinators to arrange for the first lesson with the tutor. Everything had seemed to fall into place nicely when suddenly, the parents dropped a bomb on you. After much consideration, they decided that the tutor is not suitable because of the timing and therefore, they wished to cancel the lesson.
How disappointing, you thought silently to yourself. At that instance, it seemed like all the hard work had gone to waste totally. Not to forget, a drain of energy as well. However, brace up, fellow tuition coordinators! For your good service provided, the parents are bound to return to you. If not this particular parent, another will because you never know who is referring whom to you! Stay optimistic and strive hard!
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