Permission is given to reprint the following articles, provided that the following contact information is provided in its entirety. 

© by Bonnie Budzowski, President of InCredible Messages, LP. 
Visit  www.IncredibleMessages.com or contact Bonnie at info@IncredibleMessages.com. 

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You’re a Star Performer:
Do You Need People to Like You?

By Bonnie Budzowski
President, InCredible Messages, LP

Technical whiz kids, scientists, and others professionals focus on increasing their skills: the goal is to be an expert in their chosen field. While education and expertise are important, researchers now insist that more is needed for success. The highest levels of achievement come to those who mix expertise with likeability.

Research studies consistently reveal that people respond positively to others whom they like. People prefer to do business with and to buy products from people they like. Mitch Anthony, author of Selling with Emotional Intelligence, puts it succinctly, “Likeability is as important as ability.”

While you may not officially be in sales, you must sell your ideas, your credibility, and your recommendations every day. Here are some suggestions:

• Accept the fact that developing likeability is an important success strategy.
• Find and mention the points of contact or similarity you have with others.
• Learn to listen respectfully and to demonstrate an open mind.
• Engage in small courtesies and expressions of appreciation, regardless of the other person’s formal status.
• Learn to keep gossip, unkind words, and disparaging remarks unsaid.
• Take time to laugh with others.
• Choose a likeability mentor—observe and learn from someone who excels in likeability.

Remember to balance expertise with likeability; it a proven formula for success.

Permission is granted to reprint this article when the following contact information is included: © 2008 by Bonnie Budzowski, President of InCredible Messages, LP. For more free articles, go to www.IncredibleMessages.com or contact Bonnie at info@IncredibleMessages.com.

Imagine yourself in a situation in which one professional shows you how to incorporate the insights of three perspectives into your business communication:  marketing, persuasion, and visual design. 

Imagine an interactive session with an entertaining and inspiring speaker.  Do you like what you see?  You’ve just envisioned working with Bonnie Budzowski, President of inCredible Messages, LP.

Contact Bonnie to learn more about how she can guide you and your team to create compelling business messages or call 412-828-1629 . 

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