082: How to Build Rapport to Get Better Negotiated Results

<p>Are you one of those people who can instantly connect with others? Are you able to build a sense of trust and connection with ease? If so, you’re positioned to be a highly effective negotiator. If not, don’t fret. Contrary to popular belief, rapport-building is not an elusive gift you’re either born with or destined to do without forever. Stay tuned to uncover tips and tools to help you better build rapport so you can negotiate your best life.</p> <p> </p> <p>All of life is a negotiation. Rapport-building is one of the foundational elements of effective negotiating. It’s one of 6 key skill sets that make and mark the most effective negotiators. And yet, until recently, it has received little attention in negotiation circles. In fact, our conditioned understanding of negotiation frames it as a competition. This win/lose mentality causes us to focus on elements that are actually counter-productive to getting better outcomes, buy-in, and relationships.</p> <p> </p> <p>Let’s dig in to up-level our understanding of how to build rapport so we can get better negotiated results. In this two-part series, we’ll uncover some of the top strategies to better build the rapport necessary for best negotiated outcomes. In this Part I, we’ll unpack some of the foundational elements for setting the stage to build rapport. In Part II, we’ll dig into some specific strategies as the negotiation progresses.</p> <p> </p> <p>Rapport is an emotional connection with others. Building rapport is the process of establishing that connection. This can be instant in some cases or may take time to develop. It can also grow naturally or you can intentionally build it. Ideally you want to both build rapport and to stimulate it.</p> <p> </p> <p>Here are some top tips and tools to help you on the path to improving your ability to build rapport:</p> <p> </p> <p><em>I</em> <em>Be Yourself</em></p> <p> </p> <p>Oscar Wilde is oft-quoted for his quip, “Be yourself – everyone else is taken.”</p> <p>Sage advice that still holds … in life generally and in