3 Ways To Increase Your Likeability Factor
It’s interesting how when we like someone, we always have him or her in our thoughts and also say kind words of that person.
Wait…stop.
You are not alone.
This happens because of one word – likeability. How do you make others like you? Now that is the question.
Many a times in life, when you increase your likability factor in someone’s mind or heart, your chances at both professional and personal success will increase significantly.
In this blog post, let’s discuss the 3 practical ways on how you can increase your likeability factor and be everyone’s favourite go-to person.
Tip #1: Be Yourself
Authenticity is huge. You can trust me on this one.
When I started my business some years back, I never pretended I was anyone. I was just myself. I did my own stuff, lived my own values and in the process, became a unique individual with offerings others wanted.
If you are still thinking of being a carbon copy of others or giving model textbook answers which your employer loves to hear, then I urge you seriously to reconsider.
Gone are the days where all PMETs or students or entrepreneurs can run a successful race (I use the word ‘race’ to denote the corporate ladder, school life and business respectively) by pretending to be someone else.
Take business for example – if you are just a carbon copy of your competitor, then another new entrant can easily enter the market, compete on a cheaper price and kick you out completely.
Pretending to be someone you are not is painful. It involves years of honing your craft. And what will happen when your pretence is exposed one day? I dare not think about the dire consequences.
We all have strengths and weaknesses. Capitalise on your strengths and work on your weaknesses. It is only when we embrace imperfection that we become perfect.
Likeable people are comfortable in their own skin.
Tip #2: Give Rather Than Take
If I were you, I would rather give than take.
If I am in a position to give, that means all aspects of my life is doing great – whether it is health, relationships, spiritual or financial. For example, assuming I am struggling now with my own fitness, how can I even help my clients get in shape? Or if I have difficulty making ends meet, how can I even help the less fortunate via charity donations?
It is unfortunate that many I have met would rather do the opposite – they only want to take and not give back.
Paying it forward is a huge theme we need to emphasis in the coming years for our next generation.
Practise the power of giving as that very own gift in itself is priceless and will cement your place in the hearts and minds of others. Giving your own gift away is simply adding value to someone else’s life.
Tip #3: Show Genuine Interest
Have you ever attended any networking session and the person who is talking to you can’t wait to end the conversation and move on to the next guy in the room?
Well, I have.
And this just smacks of insincerity.
If you are not even sincere in a short conversation, what makes you think you will be able to boost your likeability quotient?
When you are genuinely interested in the conversation or helping others, a few things will happen physiologically. First, your eyes will sparkle. Next, your smile will widen. And you will be so eager to get started. It shows in your body language.
Showing genuine interest is not a zero-sum game. It is not a winner-takes-all mentality. Today’s society is about collaborations and partnerships. When you help others grow, you are in fact letting yourself grow and reach your fullest potential.
At the end of the day, it’s the little things you do that make people remember you. And learning to boost your likeability factor is that first step to success in life.