What do you do if your efforts to build rapport with clients and stakeholders are falling flat?

Absolutely! Building rapport is essential in our line of work. Sometimes it feels like you're giving everything you've got, but the connection isn't there. Here's my suggestion: take a step back and examine the situation. Are you overly focused on yourself and your pitch? People connect with others, so attempt to discover common ground. For example, if a client reveals their interest in hiking, you could casually mention a recent trail you enjoyed. It does not need to be forced; all that is required is a true connection. Remember that people want to work with individuals they trust and like, so work on developing that relationship first.

Take a step back Take a few minutes to analyze your approach Try to figure out what's going wrong, and feedbacks will be very helpful in this situation. When you will notice which part of your approach should be improved, just go ahead and do it. Now look again, if the relationship is better than before. Building a good relationship is a long process. Don't give up, try to know well your clients and stakeholders.

If rapport-building efforts with clients and stakeholders are failing, I reassess my approach, seeking feedback to understand their needs and expectations better. I personalize interactions, actively listening and showing genuine interest in their concerns. I pivot strategies, exploring different communication channels or adjusting the frequency and timing of interactions. Demonstrating empathy and flexibility, I prioritize building trust and understanding. By consistently delivering value and exceeding expectations, I aim to reinvigorate relationships and foster meaningful connections.

Everybody's brain has two different processing centers: emotional and rational. The emotional brain is old. It developed millions of years ago, first with raw instincts—like fight or flight—that all animals have, and then into more complex emotions for us humans like anger, aggression, desire, fear, hatred, passion, love, disgust, sympathy, and so on. Then there's the rational side, which developed more like tens of thousands of years ago. This part of the brain is more deliberate, analyzing and studying, and thinking about the future consequences of various possible actions.

When your rapport-building efforts with clients and stakeholders aren’t yielding results, it’s essential to adapt your approach. Begin by assessing your strategy and identifying any missteps. Then, consider adjusting your communication tactics. For instance, tailor your style to match their preferences: some may favor detailed presentations and data-driven discussions, while others appreciate informal, conversational interactions. By aligning your communication with theirs, you can build stronger connections and bridge any gaps. It all about being flexible.

I have experienced that bespoke approach in communicating with clients is more effective. For example, many a times a formal letter / email to customers may not get you the desired results but a simple phone call may.

Understanding the needs and priorities of clients and stakeholders is paramount. They're more likely to respond positively when they feel their needs are recognized and addressed. Ensure to ask questions that allow them to express their expectations and concerns. Not only does this provide valuable information, but it also demonstrates your investment in a mutually beneficial relationship.

People want to be listened and respected. To make a connection with the stakeholders requires to listen their proposition and address their concerns with importance . Frequent communication is pivotal to understanding the requirements and their expectations from us, which will help us to sketch out the solutions to the root cause of the problems. Positive attitudes towards their issue will make them feel accepted and valuable for rebuilding the relationship.

I love this quote from Dale Carnegie “To be interesting, be interested.” Instead of focusing on ourselves, we can genuinely be interested in the other person; we will discover that everyone has a story, and we can learn from him or her. And, as a subproduct of our curiosity, we will at the same time develop a better relationship with the other person. The crucial word is "genuinely": we can't fake curiosity.

Be patient: Building rapport takes time and consistent effort. Stay professional: Don't take rejections personally. Focus on solutions: If a disagreement arises, work collaboratively to find a resolution.

D'après mon expérience, il est important de personnaliser son approche avec le client en fonction de sa sensibilité. Trouver ce à quoi il est réceptif et rester dans l'écoute active sans anticiper ce qu'il pourrait dire ou ce que nous voudrions qu'il réponde. Poser des questions ouvertes qui l'amèneront à s'ouvrir et nous permettront de le conna?tre d'avantage.

Consistently provide value in your interactions. For example as an Administrative Assistant think beyond just managing schedules or organizing files; for instance, you might offer helpful tips for optimizing workflow, recommend time-saving tools, or connect coworkers with relevant training resources. When they see that you're committed to enhancing their efficiency and success, they'll view you as a trusted resource and valuable team member rather than just someone who handles administrative tasks.

To cultivate lasting connections, consistently provide value during your interactions. This goes beyond simply delivering services or products. his involves not only sharing knowledge and offering insights but also connecting them with relevant resources that align with their specific goals. By doing so, you actively contribute to their success and build a stronger rapport. When clients and stakeholders recognize your steadfast dedication to improving their business, they are more inclined to view you as a trusted advisor, surpassing the conventional role of a mere service provider. This elevated status signifies a deeper level of trust and collaboration.

Always be open to any feedback. Our minds tend to deceive us. Spend sometime reflecting on this feedback , find where you got it wrong and then spend some more time adapting your tactics to deal with all the issues.

Indeed, voice of client is a crucial element to assess whether our strategy, approach and business in general are adding value and relevant to clients needs or not. Clients feedback has to be taken seriously, analyzed in a scentific manner and a clear action plan to be built accordingly with a tight timelines and solid KPIs tracking/monitoring.

My framework for increasing Customer Satisfaction- IIRCD I - Inspect I - Identify R - Realign C - Commit D - Deliver 1. One can Inspect the problem by doing some survey or via personal connect. 2. Outcome of survey will identify /result the problem. 3. Depending on the problem Realign your strategy, approach and process. 4. Get the new strategy reviwed with customer, take the feedback and implement it post commit. 5. Once you know the big picture work hard and Deliver the needs on or before time with high quality standard. Finally do the retrospective with customer and take the feedback. Don't stop the IIRCD process, it's an iterative framework that you need to continue across the SDLC. Regards Rohit

I think the first step is to listen to the clients and stakeholders in order to understand their needs. If it has been hard building rapport, something is wrong. It coul be that you are not listening enough to adapt your approach. It is also very important that they feel you can add real value to them.