Success in relationships—whether in business, networking, or personal connections—doesn't come down to luck. It’s not about gambling on the hope that people will follow you, buy from you, or support your goals. The key to winning in any interaction is to answer three critical questions in the minds of others: Do I like you? Do I trust you? How can you help me?
Do I Like You?
First Impressions Matter. People make snap judgments. If you don’t come across as likable, the door closes before you’ve even had a chance to prove yourself. Likability isn’t about being everyone’s best friend; it’s about being approachable, genuine, and respectful.
How to Win:
Be Authentic: Don’t put on a facade. People can sense inauthenticity from a mile away. Show your true self.
Be Positive: A positive attitude is contagious. People are drawn to those who lift them up, not drag them down.
Be Attentive: Show interest in others. Listen more than you speak, and make the other person feel valued.
Do I Trust You?
Trust is Earned. Trust doesn’t happen overnight; it’s built through consistency and integrity. If people don’t trust you, it doesn’t matter how likable you are—they won’t want to work with you or follow your lead.
How to Win:
Deliver on Promises: Follow through on what you say. Reliability builds trust.
Be Transparent: Honesty and openness are non-negotiable. When people see that you’re not hiding anything, they’re more likely to trust you.
Show Competence: Know your stuff. Confidence in your abilities fosters confidence in others.
How Can You Help Me?
It’s Not About You. People are inherently self-interested. They want to know, “What’s in it for me?” If you can’t clearly articulate how you can help them, you’re losing the game before it starts.
How to Win:
Understand Their Needs: Before you pitch anything, take the time to understand what the other person actually needs. Tailor your approach to address their specific pain points.
Provide Real Value: Offer solutions, not just products or services. Show them how working with you will make their life easier, better, or more successful.
Be Proactive: Don’t wait for them to ask for help. Anticipate their needs and offer assistance before they even realize they need it.
Stop gambling on relationships and interactions. You’re not rolling the dice—you’re strategically positioning yourself to win. By focusing on answering these three questions you shift the odds in your favor. Instead of hoping for a positive outcome, you create one.
Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with the best customers and top employees. How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits? How can we land and keep top talent in our organization with the salary wars. Kevin teaches your sales and leadership teams how to build the key ingredient to be successful with their relationships and take your goals to the next level with high levels of engagement.
Stop Gambling And Start Winning With Others: https://www.kevinsidebottom.com/stopgambling
Kevin’s website: www.kevinsidebottom.com
Kevin’s email: kevin@kevinsidebottom.com