Last week I started a series on how to be more likable in social networking situations. If you missed that post, you can catch up here.
What do those extremely likable people do that is so different from the average population?
THEY ARE GENUINE
So many times upon a first meeting, you see people try to out do each other. This is the wrong move to make. Instead, likable people have the courage to expose their vulnerabilities and admit when someone is better at something than they are. I’m not saying you have to unveil anything drastic. For example, if you’re talking to someone who was able to expand their business at a more rapid pace than you did your own, admit you find that admirable and ask how they did it – you’d love to learn some tricks of the trade. People will appreciate your sincerity.
THEY DON’T ASK FOR ANYTHING
It always feels a bit slimy when you think you have a really great connection with someone, and then they start fishing around to see how you can help them. It changes your interaction and conversation immediately. Likable people never seek out their own gain – they always find ways to help others first.
THEY MAKE GREAT LAST IMPRESSIONS
Likable people avoid the cliché “nice meeting you” closer before they walk away. It’s dry and impersonal. In place of that, they bring it back to the warmth of the initial greeting. They shake your hand again, lightly touch your forearm, and mention how it was a pleasure speaking with you and they hope to do it again soon. “I’m really glad I met you” goes much further than “Have a nice day.” Likable people make sure that in addition to a good first impression, they leave a memorable last impression too.
If you haven’t had much networking success, maybe give these tips a go and see if you get different results. We’d love to hear your feedback in the comment section below!
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