We recently connected with Rebecca Putter and have shared our conversation below.

Rebecca, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?

I am a big fan of the handwritten thank you note. I think writing letters and expressing gratitude in written form is a lost art. Whenever I get a referral (which my business relies on), I make sure to send a personalized note thanking the referral client for sharing my information with a prospective family.

As a college counselor, I very much view the student as my client. As such, I make it a point to celebrate every victory (no matter how small) along the way to ensure the student feels seen, valued, and celebrated. For example, when the student submits their first application, we ring a big bell in my office. When the student finalizes their college list, they get a photo taken for my senior wall. Making the small moments feel big is so important!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey into college counseling started with an early love of learning. I was the kid who couldn’t wait to go shopping for new binders, pens and notebook paper. In middle school, I began to realize that many students didn’t share my same joyful (read: nerdy) experience with academics. I started tutoring my friends in the subjects they struggled with and helped out as an assistant teacher with classroom set up before school. I loved helping my friends gain confidence in their academic abilities.

While studying political science at NYU, I became an educational consultant for a NYC boutique educational company specializing in supporting students with learning differences. There, I helped students develop executive functioning skills to not only master content but also understand the learning strategies they would need to be successful both in and outside of school.

Later, while earning my Master’s in Higher Education at UT- Austin, I worked as a pre-law advisor helping college students navigate the law school admissions process. I can’t tell you how many tissues we went through in my office. I was shocked by how many accomplished and motivated students would come into my office feeling insecure and hopeless. It was then that I realized so much of their negative paradigm about academics didn’t start once they got to college. The second-guessing of themselves and their strengths started when they were in high school, trying to figure out who they were and where they wanted to go.

In 2014, I became an independent college counselor to help students of all GPAs and test scores build self-confidence and get into the college of their dreams. I haven’t looked back since.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My reputation is built on three things (1) honest communication; (2) authentic client relationships; and (3) expertise in my field.

I’m a New Yorker by blood — so, it’s part of my DNA to communicate openly and honestly with my clients. Sometimes, that means I must deliver hard news (like a student doesn’t have a good chance at admission at X school). Hard conversations are rarely fun, but they build trust. Staying open, honest, and clear in my communication allows my clients to have a clear roadmap of our work and program expectations.

To be successful in my job, I must also build real and lasting relationships with my clients (the high school student). This is probably one of my favorite parts of the gig, as I love working with teenagers and learning about what makes them tick and what makes them light up. I dedicate time every session to catching up on their lives and put special dates in my calendar like their birthday, a big SAT/ACT date, a sports tournament, etc. I make sure to send a little note on those important to days to remind them that I care. Showing up for the students not just as a counselor, but also as a team member and cheerleader is so important in building rapport.

Lastly, the college admissions landscape is ever-changing. It is my job to stay on top of admissions trends and updates. To stay knowledgeable, I maintain professional membership in organizations like NACAC and TACAC. Additionally, I make it a point to visit at least 10 new college campuses every year. My insatiable thirst for knowledge allows me to never become stagnant in my work and to sharpen my counseling chops. Being an expert in my field distinguishes me from competition and ensures clients are getting the best of the best service.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

My business relies solely on word of mouth referrals, as I do not pay for any advertising or marketing. My best referral sources are happy clients. I do whatever I can to make sure I deliver best in class service to my clients, which makes it easier for them to refer me to their friends in need of sane, smart college counseling support.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rebeccaputter.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-putter-54aa9429/

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