The Ultimate Guide to Winning Buyers with Genuine Rapport!!
Jitender Singh Dahiya
Building Paykio || Ex. YES Bank, HDFC Bank, ABN AMRO Bank, ICICI Bank || Author || IICA Certified Independent Director || Startup Mentor & Coach
"The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority. Building genuine relationships with people is the foundation for gaining trust and making an impact."
- John C. Maxwell, Leadership Expert and Author
Bringing Rapport to Sales Conversations:
The concept of rapport building is timeless. From the wisdom of seasoned sales experts to modern business leaders, the art of rapport has always been about creating genuine human connections. True rapport is much more than superficial small talk—it is about authenticity, empathy, and trust.
In today's competitive market, buyers are looking for authenticity. Building real connections with your prospects fosters trust and allows you to develop strong, lasting relationships. It’s this authenticity that can make all the difference in winning new business.
5 Simple Ways to Build Real Rapport with Prospects:
1. Be Genuine:
Brené Brown, a well-known author and researcher, says, “Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.” The same principle applies to building rapport with buyers. Be yourself, avoid being scripted, and connect with people as you are. People are drawn to genuine individuals. Authenticity builds the foundation for real relationships, and when you are genuine, good things will follow.
2. Show Interest:
It's no secret that people love to talk about themselves. Use this to your advantage in sales by showing interest in your prospects. Ask about their goals, challenges, and needs. Show them that you care about their success and that you’re there to help. By focusing on their business challenges and being curious, you'll build trust and improve your chances of success.
3. Allow Time for Small Talk:
Rushing into business can make the conversation feel transactional and distant. Allow some time for small talk—it can help break the ice and create a relaxed atmosphere. Talk about the weather, current events, or anything the prospect seems interested in. Small talk creates a natural transition into deeper topics. Strike the right balance: too little, and it feels cold; too much, and it may feel unproductive. Gauge the moment to keep things comfortable.
4. Balance Advocacy and Inquiry:
A great way to build rapport is to balance advocacy (talking, offering advice) with inquiry (asking questions). Too much talking, and the prospect may feel overwhelmed. Too many questions, and they may feel interrogated. Aim for a balance—give the prospect room to share, while also providing valuable information when appropriate. Lean towards giving the prospect more airtime to help them feel heard and valued.
5. Listen Actively:
“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” This quote from Stephen Covey, author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” emphasizes the importance of active listening. Don’t listen just to respond—listen to truly understand what the prospect is saying. Show empathy by acknowledging their concerns and making them feel valued. If buyers perceive that you’re genuinely listening to them, the rapport will naturally follow.
Conclusion: The Power of Genuine Rapport:
Building genuine rapport with buyers transforms the sales process. When buyers feel seen, heard, and understood, they are more likely to trust you, share their needs openly, and choose you over your competitors. Strong rapport is about creating meaningful connections, fostering trust, and understanding the person behind the decision-maker. Genuine relationships are what drive real, impactful business success in today's marketplace.
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