Follow these six tips to increase your personal connections with clients and prospects.
1. Share something personal. When you share something that isn't about numbers and the bottom line with another individual (e.g., a story about parenting or your struggle to balance your job and personal life), he or she will be able to personally identify with you and become more invested in your goals and achievements.
2. Don't pretend to be perfect. Everyone loves when an underdog wins. It's natural to want to root for someone who faces the same challenges you do–so don't feel that your customers and colleagues have to believe that you're perfect.
3. Always say thank you. Nobody makes it to the top on his or her own, so be sure to sincerely thank the people who have helped you succeed–no matter how large or small their contributions.
4. Resist the urge to be a one-upper. Perhaps you feel compelled to share that you battled the flu for twice as long as your colleague. Or maybe you're dying to tell your client how great your vacation to Hawaii was after she mentions her trip to the lake. Three words: Don't do it. When you're always trying to top other people, you're ruining communication.
