7 Things That All Successful Businesses Do Right
Online businesses and businesses in general can be cutthroat, ruthless and down right nasty. Trust me, I know. However, that does not mean being likeable is without value in today's information-based, globalized business world.
Contrary to common perception, likeability is not only “natural” or inherited. Sure – a lot of people are endowed with numerous “it” factors, i.e.:
Good looks.
Social gregariousness (energetic extrovert).
Massive individual "born with it" talent.
Yet the reality is that you have ultimate control of your likeability factors. People have to work hard to succeed in life, and your most admired traits are no different. Empathy, sincerity and operational transparency trump the above mentioned qualities. Let's take a look at seven guaranteed ways you can increase the likability of your business brand.
Make a Great First Impression
See also: 3 Steps to Managing Your Reputation on the Internet
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. The initial seven (7) seconds of contact are critical for both face-to-face and web-based meetings. Without a positive first encounter, none of your natural or learned likeability skills can be brought to bear in networking, lead generation or ultimately sales.
Be Fun to Work With
Investors all want a return on investment (ROI) at the end of the day, we get that. Customers want your widget or advice to help them satisfy immediate needs and desires. However, people also want to deal with people who are openly passionate about their business and seem to be enjoying themselves. Enthusiasm and positive vibes make it easier to build relationships that will sustain your other activities.
See also: 3 Ways to Increase Trust and Sales with Email Marketing
Greet Subscribers and Customers by Name
Never underestimate the power of name recognition. It works fabulously for service providers, “brick and mortar” businesses, and online entrepreneurs. You may even score points by flubbing some difficult names, because others will recognize your effort and sincerity in trying to connect with them. Of course, e-mail automation with good email service provider makes first name personalization easy.
Be Reliable and Responsive
People need to know that you are a reliable vendor and source of advice regardless of when they make contact. Nothing turns off a customer more than vendors who fly off the handle or frequently fly by the seat off their pants. Reliability means that you mediate the ups and downs of your personal life without compromising daily business performance.
In this day of social media, you may want to consider outsourcing your social media marketing so you can respond quicker to online questions and comments.
Be Genuine with Others
You must show interest in people, whether they are raw prospects or loyal, long-time customers. Show that you empathize with their situation and are looking out for their interests – even above your own financial motivation. You will earn their trust through self-confidence and good decision-making on their behalf.
See also: 5 Ways to Grow Your Audience and Make Money Online
Be a Good Listener
Listening is a business skill like no other, because it determines how well you can absorb different scenarios and stay engaged with unique and possibly difficult situations. The online equivalent of listening would be e-mail replies to your subscribers, webinar interaction, or customer service replies through your e-commerce portal.
Ask the Right Questions
Asking the right questions goes hand in hand with being a good listener. It shows your customer that you have noted their concerns and are actively looking to solve their problem. As a result, you will have the necessary information to direct people to something that works for them.
The doors to business likeability are always open to entrepreneurs who are broad-minded and see the big picture. Take advantage of the messages that prospects and customers are sending you through various platforms to transform your approach towards innovation, production, and customer care.