Happy Valentine’s Day! This is a day for expressing love and appreciation, and I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge my husband, Mike, for his love and support  all of these years.

I also want to express my love and appreciation for you, reader. It’s because of you that I wake up everyday with motivation to help you achieve and prosper in your business. I hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day with the sweethearts in your life!

I want you to take a moment to think about the person over the course of your career who you liked working with the most.

What characteristics come to mind about him or her – Is he or she optimistic? Genuine? Funny? Trustworthy? Driven to succeed? Talented at motivating others?

When you look at successful business professionals, it’s easy to think that they were born with the characteristics that have enabled them to achieve so much. And perhaps when you think about the person you’ve enjoyed working with most, you think his or her best qualities are innate as well.

But the fact is, likable qualities are learned, not born into a lucky few. You can master the same qualities that have contributed to many outstanding careers in business.

Likeability might seem like icing on the cake – nice, but not of top importance for business. I would argue that likability is an invaluable tool at your disposal that will not only make your business more successful, it will make your career and life more meaningful and enjoyable. And if sales is a part of your job, this is even more relevant because likability is essential for success in making the sale.

So what are these qualities that make a person likable? And how do you work to improve them? Let’s take a close look at 5 skills the most likeable professionals have mastered.

They are good listeners. No one likes to feel like they’ve been railroaded in a conversation. What happens all too often is that in focusing on getting someone to like them, people talk endlessly without giving the other person a chance to speak, and the effect is alienating. Instead, ask thoughtful questions when there is a pause in the conversation and listen intently. Lean in toward the person you’re listening to and maintain eye contact.

They are authentic. Make no mistake: it’s not necessary to have a larger than life, extroverted personality to be likable. I have lots of good friends who are introverts and I would imagine you do too. My friends are different in lots of ways, but the commonality they share is being themselves. They don’t change their core values or beliefs for other people because they have the confidence to know that being who God made them is what will make them likable.

They are positive. Do you smile when you enter a room? Do you speak with enthusiasm? Do you get engaged in the conversation? People are attracted to positivity. It’s important you strike the right tone, of course, because there are times when you need to be serious. But even in serious moments, find the silver linings and your positive attitude will shine through, making the people around you feel more assured.

They are personal. Likeable people never miss a chance to make a great first impression. When you meet someone new, firmly shake hands and give them a warm smile. Then call them by name each time you see or talk to them – this one change can make all the difference in the impression you leave on other people.

They are conscientious. Of course, no one wants to work with a professional who lacks motivation. But how does conscientiousness make you more likable? You take responsibility for your actions, you’re driven to constantly improve and innovate, you strive to meet your own internal standard of excellence, and you’re committed to the company, organization, or goal.

Developing these 5 skills will not only keep your clients happy, but also create a culture where people enjoy working with you so much they refer you to their friends and colleagues. It’s the difference that turns an ordinary business into a Legacy Business.

At Celeste Giordano Consulting, I teach my clients these very skills that are needed to Double Plus your income this year, all while creating a lifestyle that allows you to spend time doing the things you love with the people you love most. If you want to develop skills to make your job easier and your clients happier, contact me today.

Use the code GIORDANO for a 10% Discount!

Celeste Giordano’s mission is to help business owners develop the skills, knowledge and attitude necessary to “DoublePlus^TM” their income and become effective and inspirational leaders in their fields. Whether it’s taking your successful business to the next level or starting a new venture, she will teach you the exact skills and strategies you need to enroll more quality prospects, build a rock-solid team, and break through obstacles to achieve real profit and lasting success. Celeste is a professional business growth specialist, a master sales strategist, and dynamic speaker with 40 years experience in direct sales and managing high-performing teams.

To learn more about Celeste, click here.

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