How to Touch for Maximum Impact: The Power of Touch in Building Relationships
Clarence Cheong
Author of "More Than 100%" | Insightful & Funny | Wielder of Dad-Jokes | MDRT | CFP | DLI | Senior Group Financial Services Director | Podcaster | International Speaker | Woah what a mouthful... Still reading? ??|
Introduction
Have you ever wished you could touch someone in order to understand them better? It turns out, there’s a skill to it.
The sense of touch is often overlooked when it comes to communication, but it can be a powerful tool if used correctly. In this Newsletter, I will discuss how you can use the sense of touch to your advantage when presenting to clients.
IMPORTANT NOTE AND DISCLAIMER: Please read the article in its ENTIRETY, and take into account the Cultural and Personal norms. This is a topic to thread with care on, and all the more important to carefully consider what is OK and what is NOT!.
The Importance of Touch in Financial Advising
Touch is the most underrated sense when it comes to communication. That's because touch is a primary way that we communicate our feelings and emotions.
In the business world, touch can be a powerful way to connect with clients and convey trust and confidence. But it's important to use touch carefully, as it can easily be misinterpreted. Especially if you are a dude. The key is to pay close attention to the other person's body language and observe their reactions to your touch.
Generally it is safe for guys to use touch only on guys. Ladies generally have more leeway, but should be careful as not to be misinterpreted as well.
Hot Tip:
Guy to Guy, touch on certain areas, like a light tap on the Elbow, or a pat behind the shoulder, helps bridge relationship gaps.
GUYS, consider using the FAUX touch instead!: To do this, reach out AS IF you were attempting a touch, then STOP a few inches before making any sort of contact. This helps you to appear Caring AND Thoughtful, WITHOUT being intrusive!
How to Use Touch to Build Rapport
In order to use touch in a business setting, you need to first build rapport with the person you are touching.
One of the best ways to build rapport is to use the sense of touch. When you touch someone, you are sending a nonverbal cue that says "I care about you." It can help to create a connection and make the person feel comfortable with you.
In order to use touch effectively, you need to be aware of your body language and the other person's body language. Make sure that your touch is gentle and not overwhelming. And always be aware of your audience - there may be people who are uncomfortable with being touched, so it is important to respect their boundaries.
The Difference Between Culture and Personal Space
It's important to be aware of the cultural differences when it comes to personal space. What might be considered appropriate in one culture could be seen as invasive or inappropriate in another.
For example, in the United States, personal space is typically defined as an area around a person that they don't want to be touched. This space is usually 18-24 inches wide. However, in some countries like Japan, personal space is much smaller and is often defined as the area directly in front of a person.
When you're presenting to clients, it's important to be aware of these cultural differences and to adjust your touch accordingly. If you're not sure how to approach personal space in a certain culture, it's always better to err on the side of caution and avoid touching altogether.
领英推荐
How to Use Touch to Create Impact
Touch is one of the most powerful senses we have, and it can be used to create a lot of impact when presenting to clients. However, it's important to use it carefully and thoughtfully, as it can easily be misinterpreted.
When you're first meeting a client, try not to bombard them with too much touch right away. A light handshake, pat on the back, or touch on the arm are all great ways to start
establishing a connection. As you get to know them better, you can start using more intimate gestures like a hug (Guys please avoid this, its for the Ladies to Ladies mostly) or placing your hand on their arm.
Remember that touch should always be used in conjunction with verbal communication. It should never be used as a way to overpower or overshadow what you're saying. When used correctly, touch can create an incredibly powerful connection with your clients and help to build trust and rapport.
The Power of Observation
When it comes to touch, the power of careful observation is key. By paying close attention to your clients, you'll be able to pick up on the subtlest signals and cues that they give off. This will help you to better understand their needs and desires, and in turn, will allow you to provide them with a more impactful presentation.
The next time you meet with a client, take a few minutes to observe them before you start talking. Note how they're sitting, what they're wearing, and how they're interacting with their surroundings. This will give you a better understanding of their body language and help you to build a rapport with them from the get-go.
Pro Tips for Using Touch in Financial Advising
Context is key when it comes to using touch in financial advising. Always make sure that you are touching your client in a way that is appropriate for the situation. For example, if you are discussing a sensitive or personal topic, it might be better to refrain from touching your client altogether.
Timing is also important when it comes to touch. Make sure that you are touching your client at the right time during the conversation. Touch can be used to reinforce a point that has been made or to show empathy for a difficult situation.
Finally, intensity is an important consideration when using touch in financial advising. Always be aware of how much force you are applying when touching your client. Remember that less is often more, and you should only use as much touch as is necessary to get your point across.
Conclusion
Touch is one of the most powerful ways to connect with someone. When you're presenting to clients, it's important to use touch carefully and thoughtfully in order to make the greatest impact. Pay close attention to your clients' reactions, and be sure to adjust your touch accordingly. With a little bit of practice, you'll be able to use the power of touch to connect with clients and build trust and rapport.
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!)
EXERCISE THOUGHT AND CARE ON THIS TOPIC to ensure you do not overstep any boundaries with anyone.
Thanks for reading "Stacked Skills!" Subscribe to this newsletter to get a weekly dose of ideas that you can implement in your Financial Advisory business right away.
Inspired??drop me a DM?- always looking for like-minded individuals to connect and exchange ideas with :) Have a great day!
Entrepreneur | Marketing Strategist | Helping business owners and entrepreneurs attract buying customer through strategic content marketing.
2 年Your article is so insightful Clarence Cheong B.Eng (Chem Eng) I never consider this to be important. Being an Introvert ??, I try to avoid it all together. Now I understand better.
Freelance writer: Help you demystify the complex language to 10x your conversions|content writer|crypto writer|SEO specialist
2 年This is an interesting share. I'll take my time to read it when I'm less busy.
As an Independent Consultant, I guide professionals through career transitions, helping them achieve clarity in their aspirations. As a trainer and Design Thinker, I tailor training support for sustainable career growth.
2 年I will take the time to read this... as I am now preparing for a class... will give feedback later..
Executive Director | Co-Founder of Infinity Financial Advisory (SME 500)
2 年These are excellent tips! Touch is a very tricky tool. It helps in communication but you must be mindful as well so you don't get misinterpreted.
Associate Adviser | Strategy & Wealth Advisory
2 年DeNicola and Nino, 1992 - show for both types of investor - Active or Passive, both prefer a sensitivity to persona goals and needs, the red carpet treatment, and pro-active communication - all examples of focussed ‘touch’ and behavioural boundaries supporting trust.