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In yesterday\u2019s blog post I talked about building an email list from scratch. In case you didn\u2019t have an opportunity to read it here it is again<\/a>!<\/p>\n Now once you have started to build your list, then what? You need to build rapport<\/strong>. Try the WD-40 effect!<\/p>\n What does WD-40 oil have to do with building rapport? Developing rapport with your customers is like squirting oil on squeaky gears. Think about gears grinding together. Once you squirt the oil on them, the friction is reduced and everything works together a lot more smoothly.<\/p>\n The same applies when people interact with each other. Rapport is the lubricating oil that reduces the friction making the interaction go smoother.<\/p>\n For a businessperson, establishing or creating rapport is a critical step that allows the customer to feel at ease and leads to a much more effective sales experience.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s how Wikipedia defines Rapport<\/a>:<\/p>\n Rapport<\/em><\/strong> is a close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups concerned understand each other\u2019s feelings or ideas and communicate well.<\/em><\/p>\n The word stems from the old French verb rapporter which means literally to carry something back;<\/em> and, in the sense of how people relate to each other means that what one person sends out the other sends back. For example, they may realize that they share similar values, beliefs, knowledge, or behaviors around politics, music or sports.<\/em><\/p>\n Fortunately, creating that sense of shared values and understanding is a skill that has been examined throughout the ages. Here are seven proven ways to build rapport with anyone.<\/span><\/p>\n \u20181. Pay attention to your appearance<\/strong><\/p>\n Stay true to the old adage, \u201cFirst impressions are lasting impressions\u201d. People form an impression of you at first glance, even before they say hello. It is important then that your appearance says you are confident and competent.<\/p>\n This same principle applies to your blog or website. When visitors come to your blog for the first time they may not know you personally. Your blog or website appearance should help you connect with your visitors. Use compelling headlines that will attract visitors; offer valuable content so your visitors can get to know you; position yourself as an expert in your niche.<\/p>\n \u20182. Be honest<\/strong><\/p>\n Honesty can be disarming and sometimes unexpected. Honesty reveals something about you as a person and makes you relatable. People can sometimes see themselves in your situation or a similar situation.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u20183. Mix in some humor<\/strong><\/p>\n There is something about laughter that removes the barriers between people and relaxes tension. Humor is a great way to build rapport. Stay away from telling jokes or being sarcastic. Sometimes a simple smile is enough to break down barriers.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u20184. Respond to your blog visitor\u2019s comments<\/strong><\/p>\n By responding to your blog comments you are communicating to your visitors that you genuinely care about them and their thoughts, as well as, the time they spent on your site. You can even build rapport when someone leaves you a negative comment by saying something like, \u201cI\u2019m sorry you feel that way, but\u2026.. Remember, every communication is an opportunity to build rapport.<\/p>\n \u20185. Ask questions<\/strong><\/p>\n A question asked sincerely does the same thing that a complement does, it shows interest. A complement does not always require a response, but a question does, thereby building rapport. A question can initiate a conversation and show your prospects that you care about them, you are interested in their needs and want to know what they think. \u20186. Make a personal connection<\/strong><\/p>\n Talk about the things you have in common with the prospects in your niche. If you are a vegan, talk about great vegan recipes. You could belong to an organization that is big in your niche, talk about it. This will help your visitors realize that you have things in common, which in turn makes you relatable, makes it easier for people to do business with you, and builds rapport. People will begin to feel they are just like you!<\/p>\n \u20187. Tell a story<\/strong><\/p>\n Stories move us. They inspire us. We learn lessons from stories. They are personal and a bit transparent because a story reveals something about you, as a person. Facts are important and they provide information, but stories are memorable. Telling stories is a uniquely powerful business practice. Make sure your story is positive and uplifting. What better way to build rapport than to allow your visitors to take a peek into your life through a story.<\/p>\n![\"build](\"http:\/\/d1zlh37f1ep3tj.cloudfront.net\/wp\/wblob\/54592E651337D2\/1592\/234FB9\/nr85NWRyw2tmo5SEltN-Dw\/smiley-face-150x150.jpg\")
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