Several of you have asked that we review some of the basic tips for rapidly accelerating and deepening your relationships. Here are a few to consider:
- Be HUMBLE!!!!
- Set a casual tone and find ways to reduce formality
- Plan your conversations to create value and increase intimacy
- Never leave without a reason to return
- Look for clues in emails
- Reference a common connection
- Conduct relational research in advance
- Call connections JUST to stay in touch
- Mix business and social
- Add one new connection every day
- Ask why, not what
- Set-up Google Alerts for important contacts
- Ask for introductions from people you already know
- Check if other connections will be at planned events
- Find ways to become a host
- Discover common interests and passions
- Know their problems before they have to tell you (i.e. listen to investor calls)
- Send informative emails with info they can use
- Ask for help
- Endorse your contact on LinkedIn
- Make introductions of value to your connections
- Create your own holiday and send notes to out-of-contact, contacts
- Get to know your contact’s biggest customers
- Find ways to report back – create ‘work trial’
- Ask for coaching or mentorship
- Offer coaching or mentorship
- Share new things about your interests with your contact
- Review contact’s work history and education for commonalities or contact links
- Look for YouTube videos of your contact’s speeches or interviews
- Discover and read the articles and books your contact has written or enjoys
- Check out your contact on Facebook
- Always follow-up quickly with a summary of discussion and next meeting
- Give compliments freely and publically – Tweet about your contact
- Never-ever gossip about anyone
- Give permission to use your first name as soon as possible
- Send picture of events you’ve attended together or of common interests
- Include your families whenever possible
- Tell stories about your life and the lessons you’ve learned
- Be there when they need you and you have nothing to gain
As always, feel free to reach out to me directly at [email protected].
Stay connected,
