If you're in the sales game then you know how important, how vital, building rapport with your clients really is. It makes all the difference displaying some good habits early in the process, to give you the results you desire further down the sales cycle. Even aside of sales it is useful - maybe you are a young entrepreneur trying to develop a comprehensive network, an employee trying to get on the bosses good side with hopes of a promotion, rapport building is what makes or breaks the outcome.
This is a list of our 3 favourite Rapport Building Methods.
Look for a Connection
So you're in their office, you see a picture on the wall of a cocker spaniel - "beautiful dog!" - should be what comes out of your mouth. It could be a dog, it could be a football jumper, a brand of coffee sitting on their shelf, anything you could relate to that person with should be one of the first things that you highlight. If you can do this well, naturally, it will put you in great stead moving into the conversation.
Mirror their Movements
This one is an old, tried and tested approach to rapport building, and it works! The idea is to sit in the same position, move your hands in the same way or talk at the same speed as the person you are speaking with. Unconsciously the person will feel increasingly at ease with you. You will know if you have reached a level of distinguishable rapport with this person when you go for a drink, and they do the same!
The Sneaky Compliment
Some people don't like compliments, it makes them feel uncomfortable, everyone else could be complimented all day long - either way this approach works. You've reached a meaty part of the conversation, the talk has moved onto business matters, you have just made a really inspired point, then you pause - "I really like that shirt" - then back to business talk. Sandwich a compliment within a strong point and it's follow up. The person will be thrown off guard, in a good way. It will give them a confidence boost, which they can relate back to being with you.
Really simple stuff, but effective! We encourage you to give it a try yourself and let us know how it goes by posting on our Facebook Page. We would love to hear from you!
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