You communicate from a position of WEAKNESS if your primary goal (and worry) is to be liked after your meeting.

Your body language, tone, words, and facial expression will all telegraph that you are not confident in the outcome. You will not come off as self-assured and in control because you are focusing too much on becoming or staying friends. The other party will pick up on these subtle (and some not so subtle) messages and most likely take advantage of them, which will result in you not getting what you want out of the meeting.

However, when you walk into a meeting and communicate in a positive, purposeful, and solution-oriented manner, you communicate from a position of POWER. That’s what helps you be more likeable.

During your meeting, be sure to open up your body position, strengthen your tone, make good eye contact, and cull your words down to the pertinent facts. The other party will take notice and respond accordingly, and your chances of having a successful outcome will be higher.

ARE YOU CONFUSING BEING LIKEABLE WITH BEING LIKED?

Building rapport, or maximizing your likeability, is a valuable part of any business agenda. Making friends is not. That can come later, after your goal for the meeting is met.

Contact Nikki or book her to speak at nikki@goal-tender.com