From Small Talk to Laughter: How Humor Can Strengthen Relationships With Your Clients

When I first became a financial adviser, I was terrified of small talk.

I mean, what do you say to a client when you don't know them at all?

I quickly learned that humor is a great way to inject some spark into conversations with clients and to help build relationships.

In this post, I'll share some tips on how to use humor effectively with clients and some of the benefits it can bring to your relationship.

The Power of Humor

Are you looking to put your conversation mate at ease??Well, humor is your friend. According to a study by the University of Missouri–Kansas City, using humor in conversations with clients not only makes them more relaxed, but also strengthens the relationship.

In fact, the study showed that when advisors used humor in their conversations, clients were more likely to disclose important information, such as their investment goals and fears. Humor helps advisors to build trust and form closer relationships with their clients.

So the next time you're meeting with a client, inject a little bit of humor into the conversation and see how it goes. You might be surprised at how well it works!

When to Use Humor

When it comes to using humor with clients, timing is everything. You don't want to force a joke or try to be funny when the client is dealing with a serious issue. However, if the client seems receptive and you have a rapport, humor can be a great way to inject some spark into the conversation.

Jokes can help break the ice, lighten the mood and show that you're human—all things that can help you build a stronger relationship with your clients. Just make sure you pick your moments wisely, and avoid anything offensive or off-color.

How to Use Humor

When it comes to using humor with clients, it's all about knowing your audience. Not everyone appreciates the same level of humor, and you don't want to risk alienating or offending anyone.

That being said, there are a few basic things you can do to make sure your humor lands well:

• Be aware of your tone. You don't want to sound condescending or like you're trying too hard
• Be aware of the situation. If the client is dealing with a personal or financial crisis, humor may not be appropriate
• Know your audience. Some clients will be more receptive to humor than others
• Pick your moments. You don't need to be constantly cracking jokes, but inject humor into your conversations at strategic moments to strengthen the relationship

The Benefits of Using Humor

There's no doubt about it, humor is a powerful tool. When used correctly, it can help to inject some spark into your conversations with clients, brighten up their day, and even strengthen relationships. Here are just a few of the benefits of using humor in your work:

• It can help to break the ice and create a more relaxed atmosphere
• It can make you more approachable and relatable
• It can show that you're confident and comfortable in your own skin
• It can help to build trust and strengthen relationships
• It can be a great way to defuse tense or awkward situations.

So the next time you're meeting with a client, why not try using a bit of humor to lighten the mood? You might be surprised at how well it works!

The Risks of Using Humor

While humor can be a great way to inject some spark into your conversations with clients, it's important to be aware of the risks involved. For starters, you don't want to come across as condescending or unprofessional. Secondly, humor can be a tricky thing—what might seem funny to you might not be funny to your client. So it's important to take the time to gauge their reaction before cracking any jokes.

Finally, it's important to remember that humor is a personal thing. What might make one person laugh out loud might leave another person completely cold. So always test the waters before diving in headfirst.

Tips for Using Humor

So, you're ready to start using humor in your conversations with clients, but you're not sure where to start? Here are a few tips to help get you started:

1. Start small. If you're new to using humor, start by adding a lighthearted comment or joke to your normal small talk. This will help you get comfortable with using humor and will make your clients more receptive to it.
2. Keep it clean. Jokes that rely on profanity or sexual innuendo can be juvenile and unprofessional, so try to avoid them. Opt for jokes that are clever, witty, or observational instead.
3. Use humor sparingly. Humor is a powerful tool, but it can also be overwhelming if it's used too often. Try to use it sparingly, only when the situation feels appropriate. This will help you avoid coming across as "too funny" or trying too hard.
4. Be yourself. The best way to use humor in your conversations is to be genuine and authentic. If you try too hard or force jokes that don't fit your personality, your clients will likely see right through it.

Conclusion

I've found that using humor in my conversations with clients has helped to inject some spark into our interactions. It's also strengthened our relationship, because they know that I'm someone who they can trust and who isn't afraid to have some fun.

If you're looking for ways to connect with your clients on a deeper level, I would definitely recommend using humor. It can make all the difference in the world.

Pro Tip:

If you PRACTICE this skill every day, for 2 weeks: I assure you that you will feel a MARKED IMPROVEMENT in your client relationships and sales ability (and also how you can deal with your bosses!)

Give it a shot: what do you have to lose?

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