When you're in the process of getting to know someone or talking to an individual you don't yet know, there are some specific skills you want to acquire and put into use to become better at rapport building.
It's not hard, but it does require a bit of thought until it becomes habit. You might have to “think” about it while you're doing it, but it won't take long for you to master.
Remember something simple. People buy from those they like and trust.
Better rapport building occurs when you're more like them. Simple and easy to understand.
So…if that's true, then we want to DO THINGS that cause people to feel good about us, to like us…and to trust us. That's done naturally to some extent, but it can also be created on purpose.
That doesn't mean it's fake or inauthentic. In fact…authenticity and being REAL with someone is at the top of the list of things that cause people to connect with one another. I guess we could call it more accurately, communicating with purpose.
Back to the basics…
People buy from those they feel good about…those they like and trust. The more LIKE SOMEONE you are…the more they perceive you as being similar to them, the greater the likelihood they'll feel good about you. People tend to feel good about and like those that they perceive to be like them. Yes…a lot of likes in those two sentences, but I think you get my drift.
On my call last night, I covered a number of things that can cause you to be more connected to someone. In this short post, I want you to think about ONE THING:
Better Rapport Building By Mirroring Someone's Voice
This is incredibly simple. At first, it might require some thought, but…with a little practice, it will become unconscious and automatic for you.
Here's what you want to do. Listen. Pay attention. Be Present.
Whenever you are speaking with someone, you want to pay very close attention to how they sound:
Do they speak loudly or softly?
Do they speak fast or slow?
What is their tone or inflection sound like?
What kinds of words and phrases do they use?
Your objective is simple. Sound more similar to them. If they speak loudly, increase your volume. If they are soft spoken, bring it down a notch. If they're speedy, pick up your pace. If they're slow, bring it down.
This isn't about mimicking or copy catting someone. You need to be both subtle and authentic when you do this. But…when you do this, you will FOR SURE become better at rapport building and connecting with people.
As always…listen, pay attention and be 100% present in every conversation you have with people. Wherever you are…be there!
See you soon!
