When meeting busy people, you have only seconds to make a lasting impression that gets them wanting to keep in contact with you. Here are four tips I use every day to connect with people in a way that’s memorable (and profitable).

Tip #1 - Do Your Research Before You Meet Them
Use whatever resources you have (the internet or other contacts you have) to learn about the person you want to connect with. Get valuable information about what’s important to them, what they have done, what they are working on so that you know what to talk about to build rapport. If you can’t get that kind of information about the person, at least research industry trends so you can have an intelligent conversation with them that builds credibility.

Tip #2 - Listen Actively (And Resist The Urge To Correct Them)
When you’re listening to a new person tell you about themselves, resist the urge to interrupt, correct, criticize or argue points with them. Just listen. That alone will make you more memorable than 99% of the people they meet who are just trying to impress them with how smart they are. Listen actively, and watch them as they become more comfortable around you.

Tip #3 - Ask The Right Questions
Build even more rapport and open up doors by asking them questions like “What’s the most important project you’ve got going on right now?” and “What are your biggest resource needs at the present moment?” Then ask “Is there any way, shape, or form I can be a resource to you or facilitate bringing business to you?” Focus on how you can serve them, not on what you want from them. Helping solve their problems is the ultimate networking activity.

Tip #4 - Be Authentic
When you get an answer to the above questions, be sure you mean it when you say you’re willing to help. A dropped commitment will kill your chance to network with the person in the future, and create a bad reference that will circulate farther than you’d like. Say what you mean, and follow up on it.

Use these tips today to become a better connector and grow your business quickly.

Until we connect again,

Larry Benet

Popularity: 42% [?]