It’s virtually impossible to MAKE someone like you. However, with practice, you can be an immediately likable person and in sales, that may be enough. Likability is among the most basic effective sales techniques, but it develops only with consideration for your prospect’s personality.

Early life encounters and social interactions are the trial-​and-​error method of getting along with others. Adolescent dating and team sports are another helpful proving ground of socialization. But at this stage, we’re all on training wheels.

Later in our career we use networking to expand our professional sphere of influence. Our goal is to be seen as interesting, competent, professional, and potentially of value to others. But if they don’t find you likable, nobody will feel motivated to reach out to work with you.

An Effective Sales Technique Delivering Immediate Gratification

Mastering the first impression is the key to building trust and credibility. Furthermore, emotionally intelligent people have a distinct advantage in this area. Their experience, qualities and skills allow them to form deeper, closer relationships with others.

Author, Harvey Deutschendorf, writing for Fast Company stresses that emotionally intelligent behavior is situational and can change according to circumstances. Therefore, when faced with a first-​time meeting, successful salespeople will immediately act to cement their likability.

Linking to effective sales techniques, the article outlines five things to do when meeting someone to become instantly likable. Here are the first three. You can access more directly from the source here.

1. “Show genuine enthusiasm for meeting”

Formal sales meetings can often be staid affairs with emotions in check. But you needn’t suppress an authentic smile and an open, relaxed posture. With caring eye contact and a firm handshake, be ready to offer your full attention.

2. “Offer a compliment”

If you notice something you can sincerely compliment them on, do so right away. If not, ask a leading question that will get them to talk about themselves or their accomplishments. Challenge yourself to learn more and try to build a mental file on this person.

3. “Ask at least two open-​ended questions”

Good questions can propel and steer great conversations. When someone starts talking about something they enjoy, use that as an opening to ask more. Subconsciously they will remember liking you as someone they want to be around.

When you pay time and attention to others you are giving a part of yourself with no guarantees. However, banking the information you glean from the first encounter will return dividends in the future. Try it during the next opportunity and see if your investment pays off.

Reading Your Prospect’s Personality Is an Effective Sales Technique

I’ve written in the past about the power of nonverbal messaging and body language. Well, there is much to understand, and it begins with your own objectivity and ability to surrender your biases.

Dr. Judith Orloff offers techniques in the art of reading people in an article for Psychology Today. Beyond body language, she recommends listening to your own intuition and developing a sense of the subject’s emotional energy. She says, “intuition lets you see further than the obvious to reveal a richer story” about your subject.

Intuitive Empaths have Extraordinary Perception

Orloff advises readers to delve into more visceral reactions or ‘gut’ feelings than common outward, visible signs. She speaks of “flashes of insight” and informs the reader of intuitive empathy. Orloff guides observers in sensing people’s presence and noticing the feel of a handshake or touch.

Intuitive empaths are extremely perceptive and may possess sensory skills beyond us mere mortals. However, opening yourself to these behaviors can improve your sense of self and make you more likable as well. Beyond effective sales techniques, these methods will help you translate invisible signs to further develop your super-senses.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.