How do you build rapport and trust online with potential contract partners?

Negotiating contracts online can be challenging, especially if you don't know the person or company you are dealing with. How can you build rapport and trust with potential contract partners without meeting them face-to-face? Here are some tips to help you communicate effectively, establish credibility, and create a positive impression online.

Key takeaways from this article

Leverage video calls:

Video calls enable you to convey personality and emotions, fostering a more personal connection. By seeing and hearing your partner, you can build mutual understanding and avoid misunderstandings.### *Show empathy and appreciation:Acknowledge their perspective and express gratitude for their time. This approach makes them feel valued and respected, enhancing rapport and trust.

This summary is powered by AI and these experts

1 Use video calls

One of the best ways to build rapport and trust online is to use video calls whenever possible. Video calls allow you to see and hear the other person, which can help you convey your personality, emotions, and body language. Video calls also enable you to show your interest, attention, and respect for the other person, which can foster a sense of connection and mutual understanding. Video calls can also help you avoid misunderstandings, clarify details, and resolve issues that might arise during the negotiation process.

Add your perspective

Imad Sweidan

Executive Leadership | IT Specialist & Strategist | Enabling success through strategic direction and innovation
Report contribution
Using video and/or in person adds value to the relationship and helps building the trust. I think trust is the most important piece to have in the negotiation.

Like
Parinda Saetia

McKlein Company LLC
Report contribution
I totally agree with using video calls. Since we no longer get to meet in person, video call is the next best thing. With English being a second language, I think it is very important to have a visual effect to capture personality, emotions, and body language.

Like

2 Do your research

Another way to build rapport and trust online is to do your research on the potential contract partner before you contact them. Find out as much as you can about their background, industry, goals, needs, and preferences. This can help you tailor your message, offer, and approach to suit their situation and expectations. Doing your research can also show that you are prepared, professional, and serious about the negotiation. You can use various sources of information, such as their website, social media, reviews, testimonials, or referrals, to learn more about them.

Add your perspective

3 Be transparent and consistent

A third way to build rapport and trust online is to be transparent and consistent in your communication and actions. Transparency means being honest, open, and clear about your intentions, expectations, and limitations. Consistency means being reliable, responsive, and respectful in your interactions and follow-ups. Being transparent and consistent can help you build trust and credibility with the potential contract partner, as they will know what to expect from you and feel confident that you are not hiding anything or changing your mind.

Add your perspective

Evelyn M.

Communication Coach | Podcast Host | Helping individuals and families resolve conflicts, rebuild relationships, and find peaceful solutions
Report contribution
When building rapport and trust, it is important to remember that it is a positive thing to ask clarifying questions if you need more info or details about something in particular. It is also good practice to ask the other parties if they have any questions or if you can clarify anything that you have said. This saves everyone a lot of time in the future from running into miscommunications around things that were not clarified at the beginning (transparency) and sets the tone for a safe space of collaboration for future clarification during miscommunications (consistency.)

Like

4 Show empathy and appreciation

A fourth way to build rapport and trust online is to show empathy and appreciation for the potential contract partner. Empathy means understanding and acknowledging their perspective, feelings, and challenges. Appreciation means expressing gratitude and recognition for their time, effort, and cooperation. Showing empathy and appreciation can help you build rapport and rapport online, as they will feel valued, respected, and heard by you. You can show empathy and appreciation by using positive language, asking open-ended questions, listening actively, giving feedback, and saying thank you.

Add your perspective

5 Deliver value and quality

A fifth way to build rapport and trust online is to deliver value and quality in your work and results. Value means providing solutions, benefits, and advantages that meet or exceed the potential contract partner's needs and goals. Quality means ensuring that your work is accurate, complete, and professional. Delivering value and quality can help you build rapport and trust online, as they will see that you are competent, capable, and committed to their success. You can deliver value and quality by understanding their requirements, following their instructions, meeting their deadlines, and exceeding their expectations.

Add your perspective

Beth N. Davis

Permitting & Pre-Construction Expert | Construction Consultant for Contractors, Developers & Architects | Residential & Commercial Projects: Multifamily, Restaurant Buildouts, Renovations, New Builds, Affordable Housing
Report contribution
In today's digital landscape, where face-to-face interactions are limited, it has become even more essential to demonstrate competence, capability, and commitment to the success of our contract partners. In particular, I think it is critical for us to do the following alongside our contract partners: • Provide solutions, benefits, and advantages that align with our potential contract partner's needs and goals. • Deliver accurate and complete work on time. • Exceed partner expectations. By continuously striving to enhance our skills and staying updated in our field, we can further reinforce our competence and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement.

Like

6 Ask for feedback and referrals

A sixth way to build rapport and trust online is to ask for feedback and referrals from the potential contract partner after the negotiation is done. Feedback means soliciting their opinions, suggestions, and comments on your work and performance. Referrals mean requesting their recommendations, introductions, or endorsements to other potential contract partners. Asking for feedback and referrals can help you build rapport and trust online, as they will feel appreciated, respected, and satisfied by you. You can ask for feedback and referrals by sending a follow-up email, conducting a survey, or offering a testimonial.

Add your perspective

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?

Add your perspective

How do you build rapport and trust online with potential contract partners?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Use video calls

2 Do your research

3 Be transparent and consistent

4 Show empathy and appreciation

5 Deliver value and quality

6 Ask for feedback and referrals

7 Here’s what else to consider

Contract Negotiation

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Contract Negotiation

More relevant reading

How do you build rapport and trust online with potential contract partners?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Use video calls

2 Do your research

3 Be transparent and consistent

4 Show empathy and appreciation

5 Deliver value and quality

6 Ask for feedback and referrals

7 Here’s what else to consider

Contract Negotiation

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills