keep it simple. do you like them?

I write weekly about the strategies, habits, and tactics around cultivating the connections that matter to you.

Have you ever wondered why some connections feel more rewarding than others? Or why we naturally gravitate towards certain people in professional settings, despite others having similar or even better credentials?

This week, I want to dive into a simple yet often overlooked aspect of networking: the significance of genuinely liking the people in your network.

The Power of Enjoyable Company

It’s not just about networking; it’s about connecting on a level that goes beyond professional courtesy. It's about surrounding yourself with people who not only inspire and motivate you but also bring joy and positivity to your interactions.

Why Likeability Matters:

• Stress Reduction: Interactions with people we like can actually reduce stress and make the challenges of professional life more manageable. When you enjoy the company of your network, even a quick catch-up call can become a stress buster.

• Increased Collaboration: Likable people tend to be more approachable, making it easier to foster collaboration. These are the colleagues who will likely go the extra mile, not out of obligation, but because of the mutual respect and affection you share.

• Authentic Advocacy: When you genuinely like someone, you become their advocate naturally. You’re more inclined to refer them, share opportunities, and support their endeavors – actions that are likely to be reciprocated.

Taking Action

• Reflect on Your Current Network: Take a moment to think about the people you interact with regularly. Who among them do you genuinely enjoy? Are there perhaps fruitful relationships that have been neglected?

• Initiate Meaningful Interactions: Reach out to someone you really like but haven’t spoken to in a while. Make it more about catching up personally than discussing work. These interactions can reinforce why you appreciated them in the first place.

• Organize Your Contacts: Consider categorizing your contacts not just by profession or industry, but also by how much you enjoy interacting with them. This can help prioritize whom to reach out to more regularly.

Sometimes it’s the simplest connections that stick the best, just like Velcro. In a world full of complex networks and strategic alliances, never underestimate the power of simply liking the people around you.

Until next week, keep nurturing those likable connections!

Much Love,

Zvi

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