Likability is important in life, work
No matter what business you think you are in, you are in the people business. And the more people like you, the better and easier life becomes. It’s that simple. Likability can get you where you want to go — whether it’s a promotion at work, election to a political office or building a wonderful circle of friends — it applies to nearly every facet of life.
Likability is crucial in the sales game because people buy from people they like. People like people who are genuine, pleasant, sincere, easy to talk with and friendly.
You can’t please everyone, as the saying goes, but you’ll do better on the job and in your life by being likable. Since most of us spend more than a third of our lives at work, it’s important to be likable, which will allow us to be more successful.
“Likability is a skill — something we all universally can work on getting better at,” wrote Rohit Bhargava in his book, “Likeonomics: The Unexpected Truth Behind Earning Trust, Influencing Behavior and Inspiring Action.”
Bhargava focuses on five main principles for businesses to be liked, and he uses the acronym TRUST: Truth, Relevance, Unselfishness, Simplicity and Timing.
Don’t confuse likability with niceness. Nice people will try to make you feel better and protect your feelings, but likable people tell the truth.
A perfect example is Steve Jobs, a well-known tough-love truth-teller. He was blunt and transparent, which instilled trust among those who worked with him. And the people closest to him were passionately devoted to him because they knew he would be straight with them.
That holds true for co-workers and customers alike. Your customers have easy access to plenty of information about you, your products and services, comparative pricing and your reputation. Trust is fundamental to being likable.
When co-workers and friends enjoy your conversation and companionship, they’ll be more eager to help you achieve your professional and personal goals.
Mackay’s Moral: Improve your likability, improve your life.