Archive for September 13th, 2007
What Makes Them Entrepreneurial? # 29
Their Likeability
Targeted Audience: Entrepreneurs
You might question that what likeability is to do with hacking a code or raising multi million dollars. Yes, likeability may not be the only reason because of which successful entrepreneurs are successful today, but it is very vital aspect of their continuing success. You might become successful once by fluke, but you can not get continuous success without the support of people who like you very much.
The other day I was talking to one angel investor and he referred me to another young and successful entrepreneur. While introducing, he praised, “You should meet him. He is very likeable person. Rather, everybody who meets him don’t just like him, they love him.” I was amazed to see how an investor introduces another entrepreneur. This is what they call as the likeability impact.
Sometimes it seems very logical that all entrepreneurs should be likeable. Entrepreneurs by default are leaders and they generally work in a small and closely associated team. In startup environments, due to the small size of a team, every member has genuine affection for each other. Even though they have small team size in startups, they sometimes have to follow hierarchical structures as well. They have to maintain boss Vs subordinate relationships. But what differentiates these relationships in startups from the relationships in big companies is their belief that it’s more important to be liked than respected.
Successful entrepreneurs very well know that to lead their followers to a better future, garner support from their associates, earn the loyalty of their employees, be healthy and finally achieve their life’s dreams, they must first be liked. Likeability is the foundation of their success.
I am not sure if some people are born with likeable nature. But I know for sure that likeability is a skill that can be learned. It needs conscious efforts to get liked and to like others. I recommend reading The Likeability Factor book by Tim Sanders for how to increase your likeability factor.
If we want to influence others and be more successful, then we have to increase our likeability factor such as it becomes part of our daily habit.
To read more articles from this series, please visit: What Makes Them Entrepreneurial?
