Today, we're diving into the essential practice of relationship building using the acronym FORD. No, not the trucks! FORD stands for Family, Occupation, Recreation, and Dreams, and it's a powerful tool for fostering deeper, more meaningful connections with those around you. Whether you're interacting with colleagues, clients, or new acquaintances, mastering these four topics can significantly enhance your ability to connect on a personal level. By the end of this blog, you'll have practical tips and insights to help you build stronger, more authentic relationships in both your personal and professional life.
Family
Connecting with someone about their family, and more importantly, remembering what they tell you about their family, is a meaningful way to ensure they feel heard beyond their professional role. This goes deeper than client connections and is crucial for building relationships with colleagues as well. For instance, when someone asks you how your child’s birthday party went over the weekend or if your parents enjoyed their trip overseas, it could mean a lot to you. Noting details like your favourite restaurant or your husband’s favourite sports team helps create a mutual sense of connection.
Occupation
At B4 Networks, we might not know what someone does at a company if they don't have a title in their signature. Learning and acknowledging someone's role can be incredibly meaningful. For example, if someone from accounting calls in on a Monday, you might inquire if they were doing payroll and if the issue was impacting that in some way. The caller might be pleasantly surprised to not have to explain that piece because you were paying attention!
Recreation
Asking about someone's weekend activities or if they enjoyed an event they mentioned attending demonstrates attentive listening and a desire for connection. Sharing a small personal detail related to what they've shared communicates that there is space for a deeper connection.
Dreams
Dreams and aspirations are universal. Whether it's places they want to visit or events they dream of attending, remembering these details can lead to delightful surprises. Imagine if a client mentioned they've always wanted to visit Niagara Falls, and the next time your account manager visits for a meeting, they bring back a keychain for them. These thoughtful gestures can make a big impact.
Share Your FORD
These four subjects can help one person relate to another on a deeper level almost every time. If you want to connect with someone, mentioning something that fits within those categories for yourself might open the conversation about what fits for them. Send us a message or comment on our social posts – we'd love to hear what your FORD is!
