11 Tips to Immediately Connect With Anyone

Networking is extremely important for any type of professional, not just for the entrepreneurs. When you are out in the world networking with other people, focus on really building a relationship with them. Get to know them, show your interest in what they do, and ask questions. Try to learn as much as you can from them and put in the effort to make those new relationships lasting ones for your future. The first, and very important step in building relationships is always the first impression. Here are some tips on how to make a great first impression and immediately connect with anyone the first time you meet them:

      “To be successful, you have to be able to relate to people; they have to be satisfied with your personality to be able to do business with you and to build a relationship with mutual trust.” - George Ross

1. Listen more than you talk

When you’re just meeting someone, try to listen to them before you talk. Hear what they have to say, and then provide a response. When you’re listening to someone, process what they are saying in a way that you can understand what the appropriate response would be. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you don’t understand something. Asking questions is always a great learning opportunity to know more about the person and industry you’ve been introduced to. 

2. Remember their name

One thing that people often overlook when meeting new people is the importance of remembering someone’s name. Remember people’s names because that shows them that you care and enjoyed meeting them. It is also a sign of respect. How can you show someone that you respect him if you don’t even know his name? Additionally, if you want to be popular among your peers and colleagues, make it a habit to start calling people by their first names when speaking with them. A person feels instantaneously special when you call him by his first name.

3. Put your phone away

People say that, “There is no greater gift than giving someone your full attention.” This is completely true, especially when networking. You always want to show people that you are paying attention to them. It will make them feel good about themselves, and then they will remember that it was you that made them feel good. You will be able to create instant connections like this. We spend a lot of time glued to our phones and technology. Next time you’re around other people, put your phone away. Get away from that technology for a little while so that you can give someone your complete and undivided attention. 

4. Show interest

“Be genuinely interested in everyone you meet and everyone you meet will be genuinely interested in you” ― Rasheed Ogunlaru

5. Focus on people’s strengths

While you’re looking for people’s strengths, compliment them. Find something you like about that person and let them know. You will put them at ease, too. When you make someone more comfortable around you and feel good, they will want to spend more time with you. They’ll also start to be more confident when they notice what aspect of them you complimented. The more they open up and get to know you, the more likely they’ll want to pay you some compliments, as well!

6. Make them feel great

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou

Keeping people feeling great about themselves means putting in the effort to do so. Part of that effort includes your turn in admitting when you are wrong. Sometimes you’re right, but other times you’re wrong. If you are a stubborn person, and you know that you’re wrong, it is always better to admit that you’re wrong, rather than foolishly starting an argument with someone. People will respect you for admitting that you’re wrong. No one can be right all of the time. Mistakes happen, and that’s how people learn. Take a step back, recognize that you were wrong, and then move on. Always apologize for your wrongdoings or mistakes. Apologizing is necessary to continue building healthy relationships. Besides admitting that you were wrong, make it clear that you are sorry for what happened. Let your friend understand that you are repenting and want to make things better again. 

7. Surprise them

People like to be surprised; they don’t want to be bored. In addition, some people are quick to make judgments at first glance. They may think that you are a certain way, but once they get to know you they will be pleasantly surprised. Keep people on their toes, because it will leave them wanting more! 

8. SMILE

When you are with people that you enjoy being with, smile to show that you are having a great time with them. Smiling makes you seem friendly and inviting. People who believe that you are warm and friendly will want to connect with you, and down the line will even trust you. People want to be around others that make them feel happy. If you are someone who is always smiling and appreciating everything around you, people will automatically gravitate toward you, so that they can feel happy too. Also, smile when you meet someone new, in order for them to see that you care about what they are saying to you. The people you interact with want to feel like they matter to you. Smiling at someone helps put them at ease. A small smile may go a long way. 

9. Mind your manners

Another significant thing to remember when meeting someone new is to always mind your manners and be courteous. Never get too comfortable when you meet someone new. Don’t ask them personal questions or reveal information about yourself that may be considered too personal. If you’re not sure if you should share it with someone new, then you probably shouldn’t. Always be polite with people. Be on your best behavior and always strive to be the best version of yourself that you can be. You want to put your best foot forward and make a strong first impression when you’re trying to make a connection with someone, especially with someone that you think may help you accomplish your goals. 

10. Always be kind

In order to build relationships with others, you need to be likeable, friendly, and relatable so that people will want to connect with you. When you are meeting someone new, focus on the way you interact with that person. Pay attention to your body language and ask yourself if your body is saying what you want it to say. Show the person that is talking to you that you’re interested in what they’re saying. Show that person that you are giving them your full attention. Look people in the eyes when you talk to them or when they talk to you. This shows that you are truly listening to what they’re saying.

11. Be yourself

The main thing to remember, though, when you’re meeting someone, is to always be yourself. People respect others who they feel are being authentic. No one wants to put in effort to make a connection with someone who they think may have a fake personality. People want to know who you are, so show them how genuine you are. It’s fine to share your best self with people, but make sure that you are always staying exactly who you are. Authenticity is always respected over trying too hard to impress someone. 

“Pulling a good network together takes effort, sincerity and time.” - Alan Collins, author of “Unwritten HR Rules"

Building Relationships Self-Assesment

People say 'self assessment is the key first step in navigating your career'. Therefore, I've prepared a short list of questions that will help you assess how attentive you are. Give yourself a point for every “yes” you answer to these questions:

1. Are you an active listener?
2. Do you look people in the eyes when they’re talking to you?
3. Do you listen before you speak?
4. Do you ask people questions?
5. Do you remember people’s names?
6. Will you be able to repeat what someone just said to you?
7. Do you nod to people to show that you understand what they’re saying?
8. Do you focus on your posture when you’re talking with someone?
9. Does your face make you look like you are interested in the conversation?
10. Are you able to verbally respond when someone talks to you?

7-10 points: Congrats! You are attentive! Keep up the good work!

4-6 points: Well, you’re getting there…Try to practice being a better listener and more attentive.

0-3 points: Aah looks like you need to try focusing a littler harder on being more attentive.

No matter how many points you got, there's always a room for improvement. Nothing is more important for your happiness, health, and wellbeing than strong relationships - treat others as you want to be treated, and the good people will stick with you.