In networking speak, a ‘Rap’ is a statement of appreciation. Giving a good Rap is a fantastic way to help other members understand the work someone has done. However, like all forms of praise, it needs to be done correctly and effectively to have the impact you intend. We've all endured award acceptance speeches where people thank everyone from their cat’s physiotherapist to the person who showed them to the table that evening. These types of Raps are often dismissed as meaningless.
Raps can be overused in networking groups, often by members who have done nothing during the week to get a referral or by people who do not understand their special role. You will know if someone is "swinging the lead" in your group because they will give a lot of Raps and not a lot of referrals.
Avoiding Meaningless Raps
- Generic Thank Yous: Be cautious of the “I would like to thank the group as a whole” type speech. Although occasionally heartfelt and genuine, these are often used by people who have no referrals to give and have done nothing else to help the membership recently.
- Praise for Routine Tasks: Thanking someone in the meeting for simply turning up and doing a quotation is a waste of time. That is what they are expected to do.
Making Your Rap Meaningful
If you have been genuinely impressed by someone—perhaps they solved a problem that seemed unsolvable—the Rap is an ideal way to help promote them.Prepare in Advance: Do not give a Rap on the spur of the moment. Take the time before the meeting to write out your thanks and bring it to the meeting as a written testimonial. When the time comes, read the testimonial out (or at least the pertinent bit) and hand the paper to the member you are praising.
Third-Party Testimonials: If you have referred someone to a fellow member and they have been impressed, ask them to provide a written testimonial. The impact of delivering a third-party testimonial is even more impressive.
Enhancing the Rap Process
- Rap Book: Have a Rap book on the signing-in table and keep a copy of these testimonials within it. This could then be shown to visitors to allow them to see the excellent work that the group is doing.
- Written Testimonials: Writing your testimonial and giving it physically shows the group that you genuinely appreciate what the other member has done, which enhances their reputation and inspires others to do the same.
Avoiding Fake Raps
If you are conducting Recon meetings on a weekly basis, you will never need to give a ‘fake rap’ again. You will be genuinely thanking the member for their time, even if you have no referrals that week. This ensures that Raps are appreciated as a true form of praise, not just a ‘get out of jail free card’ for members who haven’t made any effort to be active.By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your Raps are meaningful and impactful, helping to build trust and appreciation within your networking group.