Home Business 30 Tips for Building Relationships with Prospects in Senior Living Sales – Part 2

30 Tips for Building Relationships with Prospects in Senior Living Sales – Part 2

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I was recently asked, "What is a salesperson’s job?" This question really got me to think. I responded that a salesperson’s job at its core, is to help a prospect decide on whether they will buy or not buy a product or a service. The goal is to really help them through the process of making that decision. Here are the 11-20 ways that your senior living sales teams can build trust and rapport with potential prospects:
Senior couple sitting on a sofa | Waypoint Converts

This is part two in a three-part series on the Top 30 Tips for building relationships with prospects in senior living sales.  Without further ado, here is part 2.

I was recently asked, “What is a salesperson’s job?”  This question really got me to think.  I responded that a salesperson’s job at its core is to help a prospect decide on whether they will buy or not buy a product or a service. The goal is to really help them through the process of making that decision.  

30 Tips for Building Relationships with Prospects in Senior Living Sales - Part 2

Here are the 11-20 ways that your senior living sales teams can build trust and rapport with potential prospects:

11. Law of Reciprocity: Supply potential prospects with valuable information, guides, or any type of small gift. In most cases, people appreciate the extra effort. 

12. Mirror & Match:  Research shows that copying other people’s body language, mannerisms, and repeating their words helps build trust and establishes rapport.

13. Talk in Stories: If you share information and content in stories, it makes the information a lot more easy to understand and relate to.

14. References: Maintain your relationships with the resident or family. They can provide great referrals to help build trust and credibility.

15. Personalize Conversations: When following up with prospects, recall something specific from a previous conversation such as a pet or grandchild’s name or an activity they had planned to do.

16. Smile: Smiles build rapport instantly and can even be felt in a phone conversation.

17. Processes: Describing what your sales and the move-in process look like, so a prospect knows what to expect is critical. It also established credibility and confidence that they are in good hands.

18. Confidence: Speak strongly and maintain eye contact.

19. Super Knowledgeable: Community sales professionals should have a working knowledge of not only the community but also the other services clients will use such as downsizing, relocation information, pet services, etc.

20. Community Visits/Tours: Be there early. Take time to prepare. Customize the visit or tour to the person based on your discovery. Use that time to learn more about the customer’s top needs and wants.

Missed part 1? Here is the first blog post in this series. Here are part 3 of the 30 tips for building relationships with prospects in senior living sales.

Also, check out three of our favorite blog posts.

1. The Power of Asking “Why?”

Curiosity is the spark that ignites discovery. From childhood, asking “why?” is how we learn about the world around us. Even as adults, the simple act of questioning can lead to unexpected insights and fresh perspectives. Whether it’s about how your coffee is made or why certain habits stick, asking questions helps us grow.


2. Small Moments, Big Discoveries

You don’t need a telescope or a lab coat to explore something new. Noticing how your houseplant leans toward the sunlight or how birds respond to different sounds outside your window are everyday examples of curiosity at work. These small observations often lead to a deeper appreciation for the ordinary.


3. Curiosity in Conversations

Great conversations often begin with a curious mind. Asking people about their stories, opinions, and interests not only builds better connections but also opens doors to experiences you may never have imagined. A good question can turn a casual chat into a meaningful exchange.


4. The Role of Technology in Satisfying Curiosity

In the digital age, answers are just a click away. Search engines, documentaries, and interactive apps make it easier than ever to feed your curiosity. But with so much information, the real skill is learning how to ask the right questions—and how to dig deeper when needed.


5. Nurturing a Curious Mindset

Being curious isn’t just a trait—it’s a practice. Keep a journal of things you wonder about, read widely, and challenge your assumptions. Whether you’re exploring a hobby, learning a language, or reading up on random facts, embracing curiosity keeps your mind sharp and your world interesting.

6. The Role of Technology in Satisfying Curiosity

Thanks to modern tools, we have access to a world of information. Here’s a comparison of common platforms people use to explore their interests:

PlatformPurposeExample Use Case
Google SearchFind answers to questions“Why do cats purr?”
YouTubeVisual learningWatch a documentary about space
RedditCommunity discussionAsk for travel tips or DIY advice
WikipediaGeneral knowledgeRead about the history of photography
Written by
Brenda Limone is a senior housing executive, entrepreneur, and marketer with more than 25 years of experience driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence across senior housing, healthcare, and technology sectors. She is a co-founder of Waypoint Converts and has held senior leadership roles in resident services at Beacon Communities and at Connected Living, where she led early-stage market development. Brenda began her career as a co-founder of the Communication Collaborative, a placement firm for creative professionals. She is deeply committed to advancing and modernizing the senior care industry through technology and innovation.
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Senior couple sitting on a sofa | Waypoint Converts