by Sean Devlin, Front Rush 

When developing a software application, we like to speak with our end-users that use Front Rush. 

We like to know their pains, their successes, and their recommendations for improvement.  We want to know why they chose a particular product and why not another.  We want to know what they are trying to accomplish, why they are trying to accomplish it, and what is their timeframe to do so. 

The model is to look into the crowd and learn from end-users.   In the same breath, we try to communicate with the crowd explaining what we are trying to achieve and why.  We want them to know our core focuses, who we are, and who we are not. 

This software design model has a direct correlation with recruiting.  Why are recruits choosing your school and not another?  What are the ultimate goals of the recruits who come to your school and, how can your athletic program help them achieve these goals?  What goals are you trying to achieve as a program and, do your recruits embrace these goals?  What are your core focuses?  What is your athletic program and, what isn't it?

In software design, there are several models:

• Listen to your end-users and build every recommendation they make.
• Listen to your end-users and understand their goals.  Then, apply your expertise to help them achieve these goals.
• Listen to your end-users and promise the world--but never follow through.
• Make all development decisions yourself.

The above are all real models that can be seen in the software world (not just recruiting software). 

As a coach, what kind of recruiter are you?  Do you have access to all of the amenities and, can you promise the world?  Do you consult with your recruits to understand their needs and, do you show them how your athletic program can fulfill those needs?  Do you promise the world just to get recruits?  Are you a program that says, “Here is who we are”.

The key to software development is to know what kind of company you are before you begin the development process.  It is equally important to know what kind of athletic program you are before you begin recruiting.  What core skill-sets do you have and, what advantages does your program have over your competition?  When you can answer these questions, your message will be that much more powerful when recruiting.

Front Rush is the economical high-end technology solution for college programs around the country.  Have you given them a chance to show you what they can do for you that might be a better solution than you are using now?  Click here to see if Front Rush might be the missing ingredient you've been missing.