Be likable, be relatable

By: Katie Myers Thursday June 4, 2015 comments

We all know those people in our lives that have that instant likability factor. They are charming, people gravitate towards them and they seem to find a friend anywhere they go. Sometimes you can’t quite put your finger on it but clearly there is something engaging about them during the first impression.
 

Why do we care so much about being likable? We could spend whole days talking about the psychology around being accepted and what attracts us to those likable people, but for now let’s look at the basics. We as human beings want to be heard, we want to know that we matter and we want to be loved (or even just liked). When we feel accepted we perform better, are more relaxed and in our natural state and don’t come across insecure. In our businesses these are some key elements that can distinguish us from our competition. We want our audience to find us relatable and likable. Why is this such an important part of business?
 

People who have the likability factor have the ability to trump their competition.  We all do business with people we know, like and trust. Being a relatable individual will give you the “know” and “like” factors right out of the gate. So how do you turn on this likable/relatable charm to grow your business? Follow these few tips:

• Know your audience: Who do you wish to attract as a customer? We all have a different idea as to who we want to work with. I suggest you write down exactly what that customer looks like, give them a name, and jot down their characteristics. Find out what they like and do. (Hint: the ideal client may be a lot like you!)
   

• Authenticity: Try and speak from your heart. People can tell when you’re being genuine or not. When you start communicating authentically with people you will find that the trust and likability factor will soar!
   

• Set expectations: Whether you’re talking with a best friend or a potential client, if you lay the ground expectations as to what you expect from the other person and what they should expect from you, your relationship will be laid on a canvas of trust.
   

• Share your story: When you share where you came from and how you came to be where you are it opens a floodgate of likability and paves the way towards trust. People do business with other people, they don’t do business with the business. Show your humanity and your real story and surprising things will happen!

People are waiting for you to show them who you are and to share your story. Follow our tips on how to be instantly likable and relatable and new paths will surely open up. We want to celebrate your successes, help you through your struggles and resolve your questions. If you have questions about this topic or any regarding follow-up or customer retention come on over to our Facebook page and send us a message or comment on our Talk it Out Tuesday video series, www.facebook.com/purecommunicationllc.com .

To your pure success,

Katie and Grace

About the Author: Katie Myers