Rapport is SOOO Important!

RAPPORT?
What does rapport mean to you? Try to define it in your own terms. The words that I find useful when trying to describe rapport is "connection", "common ground". Gaining and heightening your level of awareness of communication, will increase your rapport building skills. When you are selling, or recommending a product or business to someone. People buy into it, because of you, not the company. So its important never to underestimate the power of rapport building skills. I have heard many people in my time be quite arrogant, and say "Oh I get on with people really easily, and I am an excellent communicator" (while the last person they spoke to looks terrified still from the experience, still shaking in the background!). Its important to eradicate the belief that you are at your peak. If you believe that, then you stop growing, you stop growing you go rotten.

You may have many friends with a large social circle, but the liklihood is, that these people are like you. Think about that, think about the people that surround you. In business terms, you need to be able to build rapport with people that are like you, and not like you. Imagine this.... a double glazing salesman (no offence to any out there). Think of the typical hardcore, pin you down, your not getting away for love or money salesman. Trying to sell to a a timid middle aged lady. The immediate scenario and result that comes to mind is... you guessed it... The salesman does not make a sale, and the timid middle aged lady has ran for her life. If the salesman, didn't use a pitch and took time to get to know his customer and what her needs were. This could result in a different outcome.
 
Looking at rapport, you must consider your level of communication. When you speak with someone you need to determine what kind of a person they are. How they communicate with you will give you clues to this. In a broad sense, people can be defined into four groups. Lets take a quick look:
 

1. Dynamic - These people are go getters, always ready for action. They talk fast, they want to get things done and sometimes jump in before thinking things through properly. If you challenge them, they will always rise to that challenge. If you say "Its probably not for you..." they will spin around and think "I will prove you wrong.!".
2. Thinkers - This group are people who are analytical. They like to get all of the information first, before even contemplating any decisive action. Facts and figures are a must for this group. They also tend to be very good listeners and ask alot of questions but in a gentle fashion.
3. Care Bears!- This group are people who are very loving and tender. They can be quite spiritual, and very gentle with the way they speak. They want to be loved, and give love.
4. Fun - The last group are a group which likes to feel as though they are part of a team. They will never go solo. Mostly depend on meetings and group sessions, then taking action on their own. They like  group dynamics, to laugh and to feel part of something.

It is important to know these groups, for when you are building rapport with someone. But also once you are responsible and you are a leader, you must recognise peoples needs.

I could talk about this for a LONG time ! So I will stop now. But if you wish to discuss further than my email is revenueforlife@hotmail.com or planethelena@hotmail.com

Best Wishes
Helena