The challenge many face online today is that there are so many people to connect with, it can be very overwhelming to know what to do to build relationships.

And for most small business owners, whatever they choose to do tends to be “hit and miss”. They often do not consistently implement a strategy.

Build Trust and Rapport All Over the World

One of the benefits of social media is the ability to build trust and rapport with people all over the world. You have at your fingertips the most powerful databases in the world for cataloging human experience. And to the extent that people share what is going on in their lives, you have an opportunity to see it.

This was just not possible 30 years ago. However, things have changed. And this now gives you a competitive advantage, if you use it.

It also gives you a unique opportunity to relate to people, become a part of their lives and to live authentically.

If you want to build rapport online, you need to be deliberate about it.

Here are a few tips to build virtual rapport online:

• Make a list of people you want to get to know better
• Think holistically about people. Visit their profiles on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to put together a complete view of who that person is
• Look for areas of commonality and make note of it
• Communicate both publicly and privately with the people you select
• Take a long-term approach in building relationships with people

Build Deep Relationships Online

Don’t expect instant results. Although, sometimes you might be surprised at the opportunities that arise when you start building deep relationships with people online.

Set goals and expectations for what you would like to accomplish over the next year.

Lather, rinse and repeat. Meaning, repeat this process on an ongoing basis. Choose a new list of people and then get to know them.

Let me know how it goes. Share any successes that you achieve.

Rick Cooper
Online Marketing and Social Media Trainer