In every industry, it’s important to know how to establish rapport with customers. Whether you’re a butcher selling sirloin, a sales representative in real estate or a big-time CEO of a company, you need to connect with your customers.

It’s not all that hard to do either! Read on to find out how to establish rapport with customers!

Rapport Building Tip # 1: Remember Their Names.

Remembering people’s names is very important. A lot of people may take this for granted, but you have to admit that even you take offense when somebody forgets your name!

While you can’t exactly memorize the name of every customer that walks into your store, you have to at least remember the names of your regular customers!

On the other hand, if you’re dealing with customers on the Internet, make sure you address them by their names when you send them an email.

Rapport Building Tip # 2: Know More About Them.

An effective way on how to establish rapport with your customers is by getting to know them.

Why do you think a lot of people like going to Starbucks? That’s because the baristas there have good memory. Not only do they remember people’s names (see above paragraph), they also have a knack for remembering what people like and don’t like.

Marie, a frequent Starbucks customer, hates sweets but loves sandwiches. Would a barista offer her a Belgian waffle or a cinnamon bun? No. The barista would offer her one of the set sandwiches instead! By knowing your customers, you can better shape your sales strategy to suit their tastes.

Rapport Building Tip # 3: Make Them Feel Special.

Nothing helps you establish rapport with your customers better and faster than special treatment. This isn’t just about remembering their names anymore. It’s about giving them something other customers don’t get.

This would be in the form of discounts, free memberships or even a special giveaway! One great example of tying all three together would be something like, "Good morning, Marie! It’s so nice to see you again! We know you love our sandwiches so we couldn’t think of anyone else better to sample our new crab delight sandwich! Compliments of the chef!"

By making them feel special, you encourage them to come back to your store again and again.

It’s quite easy to learn how to establish rapport with customers. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of talking to people. Just think of it as talking to a friend. Always remain pleasant, open and interested.