In everyone’s life, there will be some people and companies you like better than others. There are many reasons but if we take it for a given, in terms of relationship building people do business with people they like. To discuss what likability is and how you can do better in it, Michelle Lederman wrote The 11 Laws of Likability published by American Management Association, NY, 2012. How do you ensure there are true win-win situations and you will hopefully note the laws can be applied to life in general.

Law 1 – The Law of Authenticity

Each of us are unique or individuals, when we meet other people – that is what others are looking for. For many, as someone gets promoted they feel they need to act as it seems a successful person in my position would, which can be stressful if you do not include the parts that make you the individual you are. Authenticity is who you are – your honest reactions, your natural energy. Sharing what is real about you is the key to building real relationships with others. When you show your authentic self, people will respond in kind, laying the bedrock for mutual understanding. connections and growth.

How to be authentic – do not try, just be. Cultivate the connections that you want to have, not the ones you think you should have. Build relationships with the people you enjoy, If you have to deal with people you do not like, try to find the good in them, hopefully they are in a position because they do something good.

Law 2 – The Law of Self-Image

The first step is when you look in the mirror, do you like you? Perception is reality, and self-image is self-perception. Focus on what you can do, not on what you can’t do or Ack! I can’t do this to Yes it is going to be difficult but I know I am capable of it and it will get done!

There is an expression – Fake it till you make it. The expression in reality is Fake it till you make it real. The idea is stretching your comfort zone till it becomes the new normal. The first time you do something you may or may not know, if you fake it till you learn it, you are living the expression.

Law 3 – The Law of Perception

We all make first impressions, it would be hard to function without doing it. This law says it is easier to make a good first impression than to change a bad one. There are a number of reasons why make the first impression – different styles, inconsistent communication and self-doubt. Remember Total Liking – 7% verbal plus 38% vocal plus 55% facial. The words you have spoken mean little if your body is not backing it up. You need to be consistent and have an open mind.

Linking to dividend paying stocks, there are many to choose from, some you will like more than others. We all have a rating system why pick A instead B, that is natural and there is nothing wrong with it. Just remember with likability of a person, you will have biases, often that can be offset with a diversified portfolio. If you are picking dividend paying stocks there are few wrong picks and many good returns.

There are more questions than answers, till the next time – to raising questions.