How can you connect with unresponsive contacts to build trust and rapport?

You've reached out to a potential contact, but they haven't replied to your email or message. You don't want to give up on them, but you also don't want to annoy them or seem desperate. How can you connect with unresponsive contacts to build trust and rapport?

1 Follow up with value

The first rule of following up is to offer something of value to your contact, not just ask for something from them. Value can be anything that helps them solve a problem, learn something new, or achieve a goal. For example, you can share a relevant article, a useful resource, a helpful tip, or an introduction to someone they might benefit from knowing. Make sure your follow-up message is personalized, concise, and respectful. Explain why you're reaching out, how you can help them, and what you hope to achieve from the connection.

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Alexey Geht

Talent Sourcing Lead
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Connect with people in an authentic and human voice of tone. Introduce yourself. Followup - nobody replies to 1st reach-out. Multichannel: try using different ways to connect and find where your target audience is hanging out! Use automation and AI to scale your game. Be a data here! Measure everything to be sure you are on the right track Good luck

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2 Use multiple channels

Sometimes, your contact might not see your email or message, or they might forget to reply. That's why it's a good idea to use multiple channels to reach out to them, such as phone, social media, or events. However, don't spam them with the same message on every platform. Instead, tailor your message to the channel and the context. For example, you can call them to invite them to a webinar, send them a LinkedIn request with a note on how you met, or comment on their blog post with a relevant question. The goal is to get their attention and show your interest in them.

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Corina Goetz

Middle Eastern Business and Culture Specialist | Board Member | Keynote Speaker
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On LinkedIn try different approaches - voice notes, short videos - anything to stand out. Comment on their posts but make sure your comments add value!

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3 Be persistent but polite

It might take several attempts before you get a response from your contact. Don't get discouraged or take it personally. They might be busy, distracted, or not ready to talk to you. The key is to be persistent but polite. Don't send too many messages in a short period of time, or use aggressive or demanding language. Instead, space out your messages, vary your tone and content, and always end with a clear call to action. For example, you can ask them to reply, schedule a call, or join a meeting. Also, always thank them for their time and consideration.

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4 Show your credibility

One of the reasons your contact might not respond to you is that they don't know who you are or why they should trust you. That's why you need to show your credibility and authority in your field. You can do this by showcasing your achievements, testimonials, endorsements, or awards. You can also share your portfolio, blog, podcast, or publications. Alternatively, you can leverage your mutual connections, referrals, or recommendations. The aim is to demonstrate your value and expertise, and to build trust and rapport with your contact.

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5 Provide social proof

Another way to build trust and rapport with your contact is to provide social proof. Social proof is the evidence that other people like, trust, and recommend you. You can provide social proof by sharing your reviews, ratings, feedback, or case studies. You can also mention your clients, partners, or collaborators. Additionally, you can join or create communities, groups, or forums where your contact is active or interested in. The purpose is to show your contact that you have a positive reputation and a loyal following, and to increase your visibility and engagement.

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Eric Jackson, CLU, MLO

Financial Advisor of COUNTRY Trust Bank®
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The best form of social proof is word of mouth marketing in networking lingo, otherwise known as a warm introduction from a mutual relationship. This is the perfect and practical example of “six degrees of separation”. Ask yourself and your network communities, do the research, and find out who you know that has an existing connection with who you are trying to meet. The other suggestions in this article may overlap with this effort as well, but there is nothing better in establishing “know, like, and trust” than to have someone your future connection already trusts and likes (loves) share their credibility and existing relationship capital to refer or introduce you to the person you want to meet. Then you have to deliver on that trust.

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6 Be human and authentic

Finally, the best way to connect with unresponsive contacts is to be human and authentic. Don't try to be someone you're not, or pretend to know everything. Instead, be yourself, be honest, and be curious. Show your personality, your passion, and your purpose. Share your stories, your challenges, and your successes. Ask questions, listen, and learn. Be respectful, supportive, and grateful. The goal is to create a genuine and meaningful relationship with your contact, not just a transactional one.

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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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How can you connect with unresponsive contacts to build trust and rapport?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Follow up with value

2 Use multiple channels

3 Be persistent but polite

4 Show your credibility

5 Provide social proof

6 Be human and authentic

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Networking

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How can you connect with unresponsive contacts to build trust and rapport?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Follow up with value

2 Use multiple channels

3 Be persistent but polite

4 Show your credibility

5 Provide social proof

6 Be human and authentic

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Networking

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