I have found over the years that being genuine in your interaction with all people is the way to build that connection , as you called it here, Which leads to long term loyalty.

A relationship of any kind begins with honesty.

connecting with people is the hardest thing to accomplish. That is why I like W/A so much you can work on these tactics within the community.

There are some members that come across very well and other that come up short. I tend to follow those that make that connection. I can work within the community and as I do so I am only improving myself and helping others to shine also.

Sometimes a few word make an impact other times you need a bit more called engaging and interacting. Keeping in contact with those that you do make that contact is very important also.

Always a better way
Linda

You create and keep relationships by helping them see the answer to their own problems.

The way to build relationships is by being, yes, nice, but also being thorough and professional, informative and helpful, nice and aggressive enough to get your point across!

Yup.

Nicely and honestly go hand in hand

I think being nice is the way to go. Do unto others...,. Hard sell may work for awhile but your customer base dries out in the end

...be sincere, if you believe in what you sell and it is a good product then that is being 'nice' to them too. Sometimes when people are 'nice' to me it is almost a red flag, the 'nicest' people I've met will smile at you and stick a knife in your guts at the same time, the honest ones will knife you and be angry with you at the same time :D

But not everyone is a knifer, just be yourself! :D

I guess the thing I have always tried to do is be honest. Secondly, learn to listen. I say that because like many men I was not a good listener. It has taken me awhile to become a better listener.

Wayne

Just the golden rule: do unto others...