How to build Rapport with Decision Makers

Are you struggling to build rapport with decision makers in your industry on LinkedIn? Do you find it challenging to get them to say YES to your connection requests and start a conversation?

Why building Rapport is KEY to Your Success

It was only yesterday that a senior executive from one of the BIG5 Banks told me about the exponential increase in connection requests she receives on LinkedIn - many of them veiled sales pitches that turn into a full-blown solicitation the minute she accepts the connection request.

Let's face it - decision makers are being bombarded by requests online - whether this is on LinkedIn, email, or any other platform they might be active on.

No wonder, they have become reluctant to connect with people who don't make time to earn the three hallmarks of REAL Rapport (which I am afraid you can't fake it until you make it) - the age-old Trifecta of Know, Like & Trust.

If you do take the time to build rapport the right way, these are the are three key benefits of building rapport with decision-makers before connecting on LinkedIn:

1. Rapport increases the likelihood of a positive response: By building rapport with decision-makers before sending a connection request on LinkedIn, you increase the likelihood of receiving a positive response. People are more likely to connect with individuals they know, like, and trust, and building rapport before making the connection request can help establish these qualities.
2. Rapport establishes credibility and trust: Building rapport with decision-makers before connecting on LinkedIn can help establish credibility and trust. By sharing valuable insights, engaging in conversations, and showing a genuine interest in their industry, decision-makers are more likely to perceive you as a credible and trustworthy professional.
3. Rapport builds a foundation for long-term relationships: Building rapport before connecting on LinkedIn can help establish a foundation for long-term relationships. By showing a genuine interest in their industry and engaging in meaningful conversations, you can build a relationship with decision-makers that goes beyond a simple LinkedIn connection. This can lead to future business opportunities, referrals, and more.

Remember the Water Cooler?

This is how we used to build rapport back in the days when the water cooler was still a thing. Imagine you and I had met there one day:

"It was a typical day at the office, and as I was heading towards the watercooler, I noticed you were already there. We exchanged a casual greeting and started chatting about our weekend plans. We talked about our hobbies and interests and discovered that we both enjoyed hiking and exploring new trails.

Over the next few days, we continued to chat at the watercooler, discussing topics such as our favorite restaurants, TV shows, and music. We even discovered that we both shared a passion for cooking, and started swapping recipes.

As we continued to build rapport with each other, we started to feel more comfortable sharing our thoughts and ideas. We discussed work-related topics, such as our goals and challenges, and even started collaborating on a project together.

Eventually, we started having lunch together and continued to build our relationship. Our conversations became more meaningful, and we started to rely on each other for support and advice.

Looking back, I realize that meeting at the watercooler was instrumental in building our rapport. It provided us with an informal setting to get to know each other, and allowed us to build trust and establish a foundation for a strong working relationship."

Where is the Watercooler on LinkedIn?

The real power of the NEW LinkedIn lies in its ability to build rapport in a subtle yet highly effective way. Having lived on planet LinkedIn for the past 12 years, day in and day out, we have discovered a total of 49 rapport building touchpoints that enable you to move decision makers along the Buyers' Journey, one step at a time.

Join us for a one-hour Masterclass where you will learn the secrets to building rapport with decision-makers on LinkedIn. Yathin and myself will guide you through the process of engaging with decision-makers in a way that builds trust and credibility.

In this Masterclass, you will discover:

• How to optimize your LinkedIn profile to attract decision-makers
• How to enable the 49 Rapport building Touchpoints on the NEW LinkedIn
• Strategies for engaging with decision-makers in a way that builds trust and credibility

Join us on

• Thursday 20th April
• at 16h00 SAST (GMT+2)
• Online (Register on LinkedIn)