Official Visits and Unofficial Visits will make or break your program! You will not sign a player if they don’t have an enjoyable visit to campus! Period, point blank!
When trying to sell the program on visits, remember that it’s just as much about the people as it is about the sport and shiny facilities. Human connection is vital—how would you like the place if you were bringing your own child there on a visit? Put yourself in the shoes of your prospects and their parents. Look at everything from their perspective. You need to maximize the vibe of the visit so it “feels” like it could be a home away from home, don’t overlook the smallest of details while planning visits. Simple details or acts sometimes create the greatest connections, and the right connections are what it’s all about.
Each Official Visit (and priority Unofficial Visits) need to be customized exactly for your top prospects personally, based on their decision factors. Visits with your priority recruits on campus are not cookie-cutter experiences, they need to be individualized, filled with personal details and unique to each player and their family.
Prior to their arrival, send a tentative itinerary to each prospect and their family so they can be prepared of what to expect. Prepare all necessary Compliance and Business Office paperwork. Know names, relationships, contact info and background info (college attended, occupation, marital status) for all guests that are accompanying prospect on the visit. Streamline transportation, know who will be responsible for moving prospects from Point A to Point B (and Point C, Point D, Point E). Find out what prospects favorite meals are and what they want to see on campus or in the city.
Remember—players often choose programs with their hearts. This is your most critical time to really show what you have to offer—your recruits will likely rule you out or decide to continue on with the process after their Official or Unofficial Visit.
Prospects and their families need to feel heard – that THEIR priorities are YOUR priorities and that their goals can all be achieved at your program. You need a great game plan to show them how each of their decision factors can have a ‘yes’ checked at your program. Until they feel heard and understood, you cannot influence them. Show them that you’re listening and their priorities are important to you, and you will help them achieve each of their goals.
Take their desires and interests into mind and develop a theme that you would like them to walk away from your program thinking. Shape their perception of your program based on their preferences, be sure that they see everything that they want to see, and meet everyone that they want to meet.
Invite them in a personal and detailed way to be an integral part of your program, they need to feel needed and that they can play a key role in your success. Many need to feel like they are the “missing piece” or the catalyst of the Signing Class or position group.
Little details are just as important as the big ones. Small, genuine gestures can mean more than large, dramatic gestures. Show them that you’re listening to their needs and wants.
What is unique and memorable about your program, university and city? What do they need to walk away from remembering?
It is essential that these visits are stress-free, laid-back and enjoyable—they can’t see you stressing over transportation logistics or dinner plans—every detail needs to be planned and walked-thru prior to their arrival!
Outdoor activities are a great option while hosting top recruits, especially if climate and backdrop are strong selling points. Be sure to have backup plans for last-minute weather issues, even if the forecast is perfect.
LEAVE NO DETAIL TO CHANCE WHEN IT COMES TO PLANNING
OFFICIAL AND UNOFFICIAL VISITS. CUSTOMIZE, PLAN, CONFIRM!
ALWAYS HAVE BACKUP PLANS! EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED:
– Flights are canceled or missed
– Menus change
– Players are delayed because of traffic jams
– Names are not on ticket pass lists
– Long lines are at the prospect pass gates of games
– Recruits show up with unexpected or extra guests
Plan and have a backup plan for as much as you can so that when the prospects and families are in your presence, everything can appear seamless. Have an intern or assistant one step ahead of the group on the itinerary to take care of any issues ahead of time.
After visits with your priority recruits, personally thank them and send a handwritten note to each family. Ask for feedback to find out what they really enjoyed, or if issues of concern came up while on campus.
