How can you build rapport with clients without crossing professional boundaries?

3 Adapt your style

Another way to build rapport with clients is to adapt your communication and consulting style to suit their preferences and expectations. Different clients may have different personalities, cultures, and work styles. For example, some may prefer formal and structured interactions, while others may prefer informal and casual ones. Some may want frequent and detailed updates, while others may want minimal and concise ones. Some may welcome feedback and suggestions, while others may resist or reject them. To adapt your style, you need to observe, ask, and adjust. Observe your clients' verbal and non-verbal cues, ask them about their preferred mode and frequency of communication, and adjust your tone, pace, and format accordingly.

4 Share your expertise

A key part of building rapport with clients is to share your expertise and value in a relevant and helpful way. You want to show your clients that you are knowledgeable, experienced, and skilled in your field of HR consulting. You also want to show them that you understand their industry, challenges, and goals. To share your expertise, you can use examples, stories, and case studies from your previous or current projects. You can also provide insights, tips, and best practices that can benefit your clients' HR performance. However, avoid being arrogant, boastful, or patronizing. Share your expertise in a humble, confident, and respectful way.

5 Give and receive feedback

Feedback is an essential component of building rapport with clients, as it can help improve your relationship and results. Feedback can be both positive and constructive, and it can be given and received in both directions. As an HR consultant, you need to be able to give feedback to your clients in a clear, specific, and actionable way. You also need to be able to receive feedback from your clients in a receptive, open, and appreciative way. To give and receive feedback effectively, you need to use the right timing, tone, and language. You also need to focus on the facts, not the emotions, and on the solutions, not the problems.

6 Celebrate successes

Finally, one of the most enjoyable ways to build rapport with clients is to celebrate successes together. Celebrating successes can help reinforce your positive relationship, acknowledge your achievements, and motivate your future actions. Celebrating successes can be done in various ways, such as sending a thank-you note, giving a testimonial, sharing a success story, or hosting a celebration event. However you choose to celebrate, make sure to express your gratitude, appreciation, and recognition to your clients and their teams. Also, make sure to follow up and maintain contact after the project is completed, as this can help you build long-term rapport and loyalty.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?