Building rapport quickly starts with authenticity, active listening, and shared interests. I begin by finding common ground—whether business goals, industry trends, or even a personal anecdote. Genuine curiosity about their challenges builds trust faster than a sales pitch. I also mirror their communication style—some prefer straight facts, others a warm conversation. As Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” Making them feel heard and valued sets the stage for a strong relationship.

--> Doing a little homework before meeting a client can make a big difference-checking LinkedIn, their company website, or any recent news helps in understanding their background and finding common ground --> A warm greeting with a genuine smile and a confident handshake always sets a positive tone. -->Mirroring their communication style also helps. -->I also think sometimes, sharing a quick relevant story makes the discussion feel more natural rather than just business-focused.

Be Warm and Friendly: Greet them with a genuine smile and maintain eye contact. Find Common Ground: Ask open-ended questions to discover shared interests. Show Genuine Interest: Listen actively and acknowledge their points. Be Professional but Approachable: Balance confidence with empathy. Adapt to Their Style: Match their communication tone and pace. Var Varm och Vänlig: Hälsa med ett genuint leende och håll ögonkontakt. Hitta Gemensamma Nämnare: Ställ öppna frågor för att upptäcka gemensamma intressen. Visa Äkta Intresse: Lyssna aktivt och bekräfta deras synpunkter. Var Professionell men Tillgänglig: Balansera självförtroende med empati. Anpassa dig till Deras Stil: Matcha deras kommunikationston och tempo.

Few helpful ways i have found building a rapport with new clients are 1. Value their time and be clear on the ask and purpose of the meeting. 2. Explain them in a gist how you can add value to them. 3. Be polite and actively listen to the perspective of having you in the meeting. 4. Basic but important be open minded to process all the requirements of the clients and revert on the possibilities.

I ask open-ended questions to show genuine interest, find common ground to create a personal connection, and use positive body language to build trust. This helps establish rapport quickly and set the stage for a strong relationship.

To build rapport quickly with a client, start by actively listening to their needs and concerns. Use open body language, find common interests, and share a relevant personal story. Establish trust by being authentic and demonstrating genuine enthusiasm for their success.

Be professionally friendly: ask open questions and be directly. It is very important to be very kind and always try to find common ground!

Ask your client(s) how they prefer to work and honour that preference from “day one”. It is an act of both respect and efficiency.

Building rapport in the first meeting is crucial for establishing a strong foundation for a successful relationship. Beyond active listening which is key, I also pay attention to verbal and non-verbal cues. Observe body language, tone, and language patterns. Find common ground, whether it's a shared interest, industry event, or recent news. Use this connection to spark conversation and build a connection. Remember, building rapport takes time. Therefore, do not rush to achieve something "concrete" in the first meeting. Focus on laying the groundwork for a meaningful relationship.