By: Katryna Johnson, J.D. – Staff contributing writer, subscriber, affiliate
It’s a well-known fact in the business world that folks like to do business with people they “Know, Like and Trust.” There are dozens of ways to grow your KLT factor to develop rapport, deepen relationships and get support for your causes. Here are a couple actions that will get you on the right path:
1) Be honest and authentic. People will be attracted to you because of YOU. Being fake will turn most people off.
2) Be interested in others. Be curious. Ask questions. Don’t make everything about you.
3) Be friendly. Smile. Make eye contact. Acknowledge the presence of others.
4) Be generous with your time, attention, and money.
5) Be consistent. Know what you believe and stick to it. Wishy-washy is reserved for politicians.
6) Be open-minded and don’t be afraid to learn something new.
7) Get outside of your comfort zone. Mix up the routine. Do something new. Other people are watching what you do, and you are influencing others whether you realize it or not.
8) Be empathetic and understand that others may be struggling with something unknown to you or they may be missing information.
9) Don’t be a know-it-all, my-way-or-the-highway type of person. Allow others to have their own opinions and let them voice disagreement if they need to. You can disagree respectfully. Remember that someone else’s beliefs does not have to affect or change yours.
10) Be trust-worthy. Do what you say. Don’t take unfair advantage. Give credit where credit is due, even when it’s to yourself. It’s okay to toot your own horn.
The larger your circle of friends, colleagues and acquaintances who Know, Like, and Trust you, the happier and fuller your life will be.