Here's how you can build trust and rapport with clients as a business coach in a virtual setting.

In my experience as a high-performance coach, trust is one of the fundamental elements of great coaching relationships. Without trust, potential will not be achieved, which is what I strive for for my clients. That said, there is no one formula to build trust. It's like a six-pack - you can't buy it! You need to build it with time and put in the effort, through active listening, establishing values of care and compassion, being present and doing everything possible to safeguard the clients' well-being and objectives. I like this quote about trust, it's like taking the stairs up and the lift down. So hard to build, and so easy to lose.

Clear communication is foundational for building trust and rapport with clients as a business coach in a virtual setting. By articulating ideas effectively, actively listening to client needs, and ensuring mutual understanding through virtual tools like video calls and messaging platforms, coaches can foster a strong professional relationship. This clarity enhances client satisfaction and facilitates smoother collaboration towards achieving business goals.

Being face to face is the preferred method, but the next best is virtual with the camera on. I like my clients to see my face when they hear my voice and I want to see theirs. I have learned how important it is to make a lasting initial impression, building connection and rapport and making clients feel comfortable when speaking with me. I look to connect with them by just getting to know them, asking questions about them, their family, what they like to do for fun, what their stress relievers are...general conversation to help them feel at ease and find commonality. This lays the groundwork of trust and ease for the future. I also start each call on a personal note, inquiring about recent activities,trips or other before we dive in!

Day One, my friend. The virtual jungle awaits. Each client a partner, each step unique. Listen—truly listen—to their rhythm. Their goals, fears, dreams—they’re your sheet music. Adjust your tempo, your coaching style. Use their preferred instruments: video calls, personalized resources. Decode their DNA—even coffee preferences. And when they waltz through life, be their choreographer. That’s trust. Personalize your Prime delivery: concise emails, tailored schedules. And when their smiley emoji pops up, deliver like a drone. That’s rapport!

Online sind in etwa die selben Techniken anzuwenden wie offline. Die Menschen sind bereits online Meetings gewohnt. Blickkontakt ist auch über die Kamera herstellbar. Angepasste Coaching-Techniken sowie gründliche Vorbereitung und Nachbereitung jeder Sitzung sind dabei entscheidend, so merkt der Kunde, dass er ernst genommen wird. Während des Coachings ist es wichtig, sich stets an die individuellen Bedürfnisse des Kunden anzupassen und personalisierte Strategien zu entwickeln. Regelmäßige Feedback-Runden und kontinuierliche Kommunikation helfen dabei, den Fortschritt zu überwachen und den Kunden zu motivieren. Am allerwichtigsten aber ist ein ehrliches Interesse am Gegenüber. Das ist offline und online spürbar!

In this context, "building rapport" means establishing trust and building a positive relationship between two (or more) human beings. It implies that the focus will be on creating a strong, reliable, and friendly connection through virtual communication. My personal approach to building rapport with my clients is based on two measures: a) a 30-minute get-to-know call, and b) providing the FIRST SESSION completely FREE. This allows both of us to connect and determine whether it works on a personal level. From my point of view, it is important to start a coaching relationship on a strong foundation. This approach also embodies my belief that "together we are stronger"😉.

The easiest way to build rapport with clients is to remember they are people first. Forging a human-to-human connection makes everything easier for all.