Connect Share Prosper - Episode 5 - BOND

BOND Method: Build on Common Interests

For context, you should read about the network stories in “Five Plus One: The Entrepreneurs Formula for Success”. It covers one of the worst lunches that Chas has ever experienced. It led him to think about how networking was conducted. That’s where the idea of looking for a common thing that you can ask questions about.

A key take-away is learning how to ask questions. The responses are key for making the relationship. Be leery of tying each response to something about you. Saying “Me too” to the responses can be draining on people. Be genuinely curious about someone.

Try going three levels deep on your questions before adding yourself into the conversation. As an example: you may ask “what is something that interests you?” They reply might be something like “I like to kayak.” Instead of saying “me too”, respond with another question that goes into further detail. Ask something like “where do you like to kayak”? And after they give the response, ask yet another question either about the location they just gave or ask them about the people they like to kayak with.

This gives you a further layer of depth when learning about an understanding of the relationship with.

Don’t try and rush the process. Sometimes it may be quicker than others to go through a bonding experience but don’t assume that is always the case. It can take days or even weeks in some cases. Just come with a mindset of service and not of selling and things will be great.