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4 Ways to Be More Likable by Saying Very Little
Including a reminder from Anthony Bourdain that may very well be the key to just about everything
World domination isn’t something I spend a great deal of time thinking about as I have a hard enough time trying to keep up with my two kids.
But recently, Greg Isenberg, growth advisor for TikTok US, broke Twitter with a thread about the lessons he’d learned about life, entrepreneurship, and business by interviewing five billionaires in as many days. As a whole, Greg’s takeaways were fun to read, but there was one lesson in particular that stood out for the simple fact it got a rise out of some people —
“Likable people win. People sense those good vibes. It does wonders for your startup, career, and life.”
It’s surprising how polarizing a topic like likability can be for people. A solid majority feel it really is a superpower. Others, however, think it isn’t. In fact, some people think working to be more likable is a massive waste of time as it implies you’re a person of many masks.
Personally, I’m with the filthy rich people Greg interviewed.
Everything good in my life has come from other people and I’m fairly certain these good things wouldn’t have come into my life if other people didn’t like me very much.
If you too believe likability is important, but at times struggle to make connections like I did when I was a stuttering, introverted kid, below are a few lightweight but highly effective ways to help you on your way.
The best part is, as promised, you don’t even need to say much.
1. Remember Anthony Bourdain’s advice
In typical Bourdain fashion, when asked by author and entrepreneur Richard Reed for one piece of advice to share with the world for his book, “If I Could Tell You Just One Thing,” Bourdain listed 8 things.
In addition to being kind to waitstaff and a few other points, Bourdain ended his list by giving a piece of advice that can seriously help boost your likability factor — “Don’t be a dick!”
