Even in a high tech, fast moving world, our businesses are still built upon relationships and trust. Our ability to build rapport quickly is an essential skill to building valuable relationships. One of my original mentors in business was a master at building rapport. He would typically double the sales volume of everyone else. His key to success?
He became very, very good at getting people to like him very quickly.
Once they liked him, he could move forward in helping them own his product.
I’ve discovered that there are many ways to get someone to like you, but here are my Top 3.
1. Compliment People
Find something about a person that you can sincerely compliment. Whether it is the ring they are wearing, to a unique clothing article, find something that you can sincerely say something nice about. As a skinny 9th grader, I had given up team sports and began racing mountain bikes competitively. I remember one day that a cute girl told me I had the strongest legs she had ever seen. It built my confidence as a struggling 9th grader and helped me continue to take pride in cycling as my sport of choice. The bottom line is that people are starved for compliments. Give them, and you can change people’s day.
2. Laugh With People
The people who you laugh with often are very commonly the people who you are closest to. I sat at dinner the other night with a friend from England. He told me that one of the deepest bonds between him and his wife is that they can always laugh together. While marriage is never easy, this was something that connected them. This is not just true of intimate relationships, but with people you meet. Find something to crack up about, and you’ll almost always bond instantly. Laughter takes us back to who we really are in spirit. It feels good, and it connects us at the core.
3. Smile
A genuine smile is an instant connection. As I sit in an airport while writing this, I am looking around noticing that most people are frowning, not smiling. If you can bring out a smile in someone, you can instantly connect. What is the best way to get someone to smile? Do it first.
I encourage you to put these to work today. Building rapport quickly will set you apart from all the other boring and dull characters in the world. You’ll do better in your relationships, which translates into your business. If you have a great experience, I’d love to hear about it. brockscannon@gmail.com
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