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Credibility and Likeability: Keys to Success?

Posted by Rick Hosmer on May 12 2009| 3 Comments

I had a very interesting lunch meeting today with Michael Lovas and Pam Holloway. They are partners in the business consulting firm About People and authors of a new book titled, Axis of Influence–How Credibility and Likeability Intersect to Drive Success.  I have known Michael and Pam for several years and am always energized by our conversations.

Their new book addresses answers to the following questions: Why do people like you or trust you? and Why do they hire you or follow you?

As visual communication consultants, my clients must trust me, my partners and staff in order to hire Klündt | Hosmer in the first place. And once they decide to hire us, what convinces them to actually follow our advice?

I have often wondered how to best gain credibility and how to leverage "likeability" or a generally friendly personality to generate new business and build relationships. It appears that Michael and Pam's book may provide me with insight into those questions.

The back cover of their book includes reviews from experts on how the human mind works. Eldon Taylor, author of "Mind Programming" says this about "Axis of Influence", "Read this book before your business associate, neighbor or significant other reads it. You'll discover the hidden thought processes that operate inside the minds of the people you seek to influence and those that seek to influence you."

Thanks to Mike and Pam, I now have a copy of their book on my desk... and expect to gain a solid understanding of how to enhance my personal "Axis of Influence." It's definitely a book I will read with a highlighter in my hand.