All things being similar people do business with people they like right? So being likeable would give you an edge right?

Here are a few tips on increasing your likeability factor when doing business with people, prospecting or sopping at safeway... because you never know where your next deal is coming from right?

Some tips include...

1. Be polite at all times

2. Pay attention to the person you are talking too, if your eyes are darting around or your checking your watch or your cell phone signals the other person that you are not paying attention which is a big turn off when interacting with someone

3. Ask good questions, Make sure you ask others about themselves... If you talk about yourself to much you run the risk of becoming boring and the other person begins to disengage from your conversation.

4. Smile and maintain good eye contact, stay focused on the other persons eyes and facial expressions so you can guage how the conversation is going and react appropriately

5. Be positive, nobody wants to hear your negative comments. Keep the conversation positive and energized so that person remembers your positive energy

6. Watch your language, It’s easy to get too comfortable with someone after a couple of conversations and slip in some inappropriate language. There is no place for obscenity or profanity in a professional business setting. Ensure your language is professional and clean at all times...

7. Find ways to compliment others, on their achievements or their business

8. Maintain good energy and follow up with sincerity, find out how you can help that person and ensure you are sincere when following up with that person...

If you are more likeable than the next guy then you are likely to do business with that person because people do business with people they like... J