Learn key interpersonal skills for networking success and how to build rapport with professionals in any industry.

To establish rapport and find common ground with professionals, start by showing genuine interest in who they are and what they do. Ask open-ended questions encouraging sharing, like “What drew you to this industry?” or “What’s the most exciting project you’ve worked on recently?” Listen actively and respond thoughtfully, finding ways to relate their experiences to your own. Before you know it, you’ll be chatting like old friends! Look for shared interests, experiences, or values to build a foundation for your connection. It might be a favorite book, a similar hobby, or a shared challenge you both face. By finding common ground, you’ll establish trust and rapport, making exploring potential collaborations or opportunities easier.

Last updated on Sep 13, 2024

Here's how you can establish rapport and find common ground when networking with professionals.

Networking can be a valuable skill, especially when you're looking to build professional relationships. Establishing rapport and finding common ground are key to making meaningful connections with others in your industry. Whether you're at a conference, a business meeting, or a casual social event, knowing how to engage effectively can open doors to opportunities and collaborations. This article will explore practical strategies to help you connect with professionals in a way that's both authentic and beneficial for your career growth.

1 Active Listening

When networking, active listening is your secret weapon. It's not just about waiting for your turn to speak; it's about genuinely paying attention to what the other person is saying. Show that you're engaged by nodding, maintaining eye contact, and asking thoughtful follow-up questions. This demonstrates respect and interest in their perspective, which can quickly build a sense of trust and rapport. Remember, people are more likely to remember how you made them feel rather than what you said, so make them feel heard.

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Utsoritselaju Koloh

Asset Management | Fintech
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To establish rapport and find common ground with professionals, start by showing genuine interest in who they are and what they do. Ask open-ended questions encouraging sharing, like “What drew you to this industry?” or “What’s the most exciting project you’ve worked on recently?” Listen actively and respond thoughtfully, finding ways to relate their experiences to your own. Before you know it, you’ll be chatting like old friends! Look for shared interests, experiences, or values to build a foundation for your connection. It might be a favorite book, a similar hobby, or a shared challenge you both face. By finding common ground, you’ll establish trust and rapport, making exploring potential collaborations or opportunities easier.

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2 Open Questions

To establish common ground, ask open-ended questions that invite expansive answers. Instead of inquiring with a simple yes or no question, prompt others to share their experiences, opinions, or insights. This not only provides you with valuable information about their interests and expertise but also encourages a more dynamic and engaging conversation. By doing this, you create an opportunity for a deeper connection and a better understanding of how you might help each other professionally.

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3 Body Language

Your body language speaks volumes before you even say a word. To convey openness and interest, maintain a relaxed posture, make appropriate eye contact, and offer a warm smile. Mirroring the other person's gestures and expressions can also create a subtle bond, making them feel more at ease. Avoid crossing your arms or checking your phone, as these actions can suggest disinterest or impatience. Positive body language sets the stage for a friendly and productive interaction.

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4 Shared Interests

Finding common interests can bridge the gap between strangers. It could be a shared alma mater, mutual acquaintances, or similar hobbies. Discovering these connections can turn a formal conversation into a more personable exchange. Don't force it, though—let the conversation flow naturally and latch onto any commonalities that arise. Shared interests make you more memorable and can be the foundation for a lasting professional relationship.

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5 Personal Stories

Sharing personal stories is a powerful way to build rapport. When appropriate, offer a glimpse into your experiences that relate to the discussion. This not only humanizes you but also makes the conversation more memorable. Be mindful of the context and ensure that your stories are relevant and concise. A well-placed anecdote can demonstrate your expertise, show your personality, and make the interaction more relatable.

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Ly Nguyen

Owner
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It is indeed important to build rapport and find common grounds when networking with professionals. I agree that sharing personal stories and personal experiences helps companies' managers strengthen collaborative relationships and leverage the overall performances within these enterprises.

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6 Follow Up

The initial meeting is just the beginning. To truly establish rapport, follow up with a personalized message referencing something specific from your conversation. This could be an article you discussed, a shared interest, or simply expressing enjoyment of the interaction. Timely follow-up shows that you value the connection and are interested in maintaining the relationship. It's a thoughtful gesture that can set the stage for future collaboration or mentorship.

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Daria Lysenko

Multilingual Community & Career Catalyst | Advocate for Cultural Integration | Supporting Immigrant Success on Vancouver Island 🌍
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The first contact is undoubtedly important, as it sets the stage for future interactions. However, networking doesn't stop there. If you're genuinely interested in your interlocutor and see potential for future collaborations, seize the opportunity to follow up and keep the conversation going via email, video call, phone call, or LinkedIn. Building meaningful relationships requires time and consistent effort.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can establish rapport and find common ground when networking with professionals.

1

2

3

4

5

6

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1 Active Listening

2 Open Questions

3 Body Language

4 Shared Interests

5 Personal Stories

6 Follow Up

7 Here’s what else to consider

Interpersonal Communication

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Here's how you can establish rapport and find common ground when networking with professionals.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Active Listening

2 Open Questions

3 Body Language

4 Shared Interests

5 Personal Stories

6 Follow Up

7 Here’s what else to consider

Interpersonal Communication

Rate this article

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