I originally planned on writing about networking, however establishing connections and maintaining rapport is an important starting point.  When it comes to developing and building relationships there are a few things you can do to create solid rapport.  How would you define Rapport?

When meeting someone for the first time it is important to seek common ground.  To begin with, you could research the person to find a common interest or topic of discussion.  This has become much easier recently due to social media platforms and the internet.  Creating this starting point will set up the basis for an engaged conversation you can build upon.

At the beginning of any relationship we should adjust our communication style accordingly as we begin to develop rapport.  You may need to change your pitch, tone, and vocabulary to match the level of the person you are conversing with.  Three types of styles include audio, visual, and kinesthetic.  People will give cues to the style they prefer through there words and actions.  I found a very interesting article by Joe DeVito called Conversational Coolers and Warmers which discusses conversation styles and characteristics of conversation. The purpose of engaging in this conversation is to build comfort and rapport, not to impress people.  

Next, we need to engage actively and lead through listening.  This is one of the most important skills to master, yet the least developed.  The key aspects of active listening involve: eye contact, focus, timing, and summarizing a conversation.  The most important part of actively listening is to actually listen.  Asking questions or giving verbal cues will allow you to seek a common understanding in the conversation and help with the retaining efforts.  For more depth, refer to a earlier post on Becoming an Active Listener.  

 Lastly, remembering names is an important aspect of developing rapport.  Using a person’s name makes them feel comfortable and even important.  By remembering someone’s name you are paying them a compliment.  So decide this is must, begin to associate that name with an object, picture, or even a word that rhymes with it and use their name in conversation. 

CRUX: Become an excellent communicator and build connections and rapport with people.  We must seek common ground, adjust our style, and take part in active listening.     

                                                                                                     
“Every person, all the events of your life are there because you have drawn them there. What you choose to do with them is up to you.” – Richard Bach

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