Not necessarily trying to become BFFs with the prospect, but vibing with the future champion never hurts.
Need creative openers that aren't about the weather.
Send help! 🆘
Any tips on building rapport?
10
I always stalk their LinkedIn activity and profile and check their company news to find something I can mention at the beginning of the call. If all else fails, you can ask them how their day is going and then share something quirky/interesting about your day to try and crack a smile.
What do you see around their office? Are they hunters? Golfers? Pics of kids? Degrees on the wall? You'll notice that kind of stuff immediately.
You can also do your research before you go. Google gives you a wealth of information. I've found many of my contacts are little league coaches, volunteers, or on the board of other companies.
Also bring value to them and their role. This will establish a foundation.
Welcome to the War Room!
You can also do your research before you go. Google gives you a wealth of information. I've found many of my contacts are little league coaches, volunteers, or on the board of other companies.
Also bring value to them and their role. This will establish a foundation.
Welcome to the War Room!
The background in Teams sucks. Because the room says a lot about people.
Any company activity that is relevant to their role or the solution you're talking about.
A question about the city they live in.
I'd usually have one or two little anecdotes in reserve incase I can't think of anything else.
A question about the city they live in.
I'd usually have one or two little anecdotes in reserve incase I can't think of anything else.
What kind of anecdotes?
Oh something like the struggles of trying to give up coffee, humourous and most people get it.
If I was chatting to an American I might just mentioned something aggressively British as they tend to lap that up.
Don't feel the need to force it though - rapport isn't built up over one call and not all people want to have that sort of engagement straight away.
If I was chatting to an American I might just mentioned something aggressively British as they tend to lap that up.
Don't feel the need to force it though - rapport isn't built up over one call and not all people want to have that sort of engagement straight away.
Yeah that s a great way!
I try keep small talk relevant to their company, industry or role. Usually makes it less awkward and doesn’t seem forced
Straight up be yourself in the conversation as if you weren't at work, but stay formal...and don't curse. Most importantly, be candid and completely honest. Don't sell on hopes or dreams and don't bullshit. DMs especially experienced ones can detect it from a mile away.
Do your research on linkedin and find common ground, for example: the college they attended. Also, keep it real, don't be a ''pusher''.
I really don’t like mentioning we went to the same college. Is that an US thing?
Hmm well... in my case it depends on the tone of voice, if the guy sounds friendly I definitely pull the college card, if not, I try something else.
Look at their LI info or social media account and see if there's a connection to be made. If anything, start with a self-deprecating joke.
Everything matters. You are either building rapport or tearing it down. There is no coasting... you can only coast down a hill.
Be genuine about it, try not to force a conversation but if it’s there naturally lean into it. People can react pretty poorly to fake chit chat so just be yourself
Internet stalk them, talk to their hobbies.
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