subject: One Sentence to Establish Immediate Rapport [print this page] Making that connection is the most important thing you can do to lower or eliminate initial resistance and give yourself a real chance to see if what you're offering is a fit for the person you're speaking with. Here is the one sentence you can use that will give you the best chance to make that connection: "Hi _______, this is ________ _________. We haven't spoken yet but I'm calling you because you (use your product or could benefit from it) and I have (your product offering or benefit) and wanted to run something by you. Let me ask you a quick question, if I could..." The power in this technique is that by leveling with your prospect that you don't know them, you are immediately eliminating the natural resistance that is there when this goes unspoken. Prospects respect this honesty, and you'll feel a natural connection form as a result. Don't underestimate the power of this technique, but rather, try it for a few days and see for yourself how effective it is. Obviously, you'll want to adapt it to fit your product or service, but taking the time to do this will pay big dividends. Remember - making an immediate connection is the most important thing you can do, and this technique will help you do that.
