With relationship building, it is a given that you need to connect with others for the relationship to work. Figure out what you have in common with people and build from these items.

It is impossible to build relationships with everyone you meet. Focus more of your effort on who you connect with the most, which usually includes individuals with common interests, skills or experiences.
Pay attention to business and personal commonalities so you can develop more meaningful relationships. Connecting on a deeper level is a must for any relationship to survive over time.

Find Business Commonalities

Many of the people in your network will be people who you meet professionally. As you get to know these people, you will learn about their business skills and experiences.

Take note of what you discover because this information will help you to connect better with certain people. Some of what you learn will show what you have in common, which is very important for relationship building.

These commonalities will enhance your relationship and connect you on a deeper level. You will have an instant conversation starter every time and a reason to follow up.

At the same time, connecting various people is another important part of relationship building. As long as you take notes and pay attention to detail, you will be able to connect people of similar background and needs.

Making introductions is an aspect of networking that people will really appreciate. After all, you should be in the mindset of helping others.

While finding commonalities are important for existing relationships, it is also important for the first time you meet people. During the course of a conversation, you should pay attention to what is said and if this person has any elements in common with you.

Elements in common could include working in the same industry, working in the same role, knowing some of the same professionals and working at the same company.

Leverage what you find in common to get to know people better. It is impossible to build relationships with everyone. If you connect with a professional in any way, this may be a relationship you want to build.

Find Personal Commonalities

While it important to find business commonalities, you need to also connect with people on a more personal level. Finding personal commonalities is a key to building long-lasting and sustainable relationships.

Getting to know people on a personal level is an important element in any good relationship. As you are getting to know people, pay attention to personal details such as hobbies, family and sports.

It important to know these details. In relationship building, you need to reach out to people on a regular basis. Of course, you need to have a reason to contact people.

Because you will already know some details, the more equipped you will be to find reasons to connect. Take notes and keep them with the person’s contact information in your database.

Another common element to pay attention to is what sports people like to watch or play. For example, if you are a Chicago Cubs fans and you know that someone in your network is a fan as well, it is a nice gesture to send articles about the team.

If you are a golfer, invite other people to golf with you. Ask people to watch a football game with you if they like the same team.

Personal bonding is key to deepening a relationship. Whatever common element you decide to leverage, make sure you are genuine and really want to further the relationship.

Otherwise, the other person will know that you are not serious. Rather than sending articles or invites to your entire network, take the time to select only the individuals who have the same interest.
Of course, there will be times when you can send out e-mail blasts to your network. Just don’t forget that you need to pay attention to individuals as well.

Final Thought

If you want to connect on a deeper level with people, you need to find business and personal commonalities. In order for a relationship to survive over time, you need to find ways to keep in touch.
Leverage the power of common interests as a foundation for the relationships you want to sustain. People tend to gravitate toward people who they can relate to the most.