Why do some people have more business than they can possibly handle – while others just scrape by? One reason is because they have the ability to make people WANT to do business with them. How do you develop that kind of personality?

That’s the subject of this article by Bob Bly (http://bly.com/blog/)

12 Ways to Get People to Want to Do Business With You

All of us are born with a certain amount of charisma – but some people have a special kind. They have what I call a “magnetic selling personality.” In other words, others not only feel drawn to them and want to have a relationship with them… they also want to do business with them.

A lucky few are born salesmen, with the natural ability to make people buy whatever it is they’re selling – be it a product or an idea. But what about the rest of us? Can we learn how to do that? Absolutely. I can think of at least a dozen things that you can do to develop this skill:

  1. People tend to do business with people they like. So, behave in a way that makes you likable. Be polite and patient. Avoid being crude, rude, gruff, or impatient. That sort of thing.
  2. People are attracted to people who keep their word. So when you make a promise, do exactly what you promised, by the deadline you promised – or sooner.
  3. People are attracted to people whom they believe have their best interests at heart. They know you have their best interests at heart when they hear you give them advice that benefits them the most, in spite of the fact that you won’t make any money by doing so.
  4. People are attracted to people they believe are experts in their fields – the “gurus”. To use this principle, first you need to actually become a leading expert in your field through practice, research, training, education, and study. Then, do things (such as writing articles and books or giving speeches) that demonstrate your expertise to others, including potential customers.
  5. People are attracted to people who are honest, ethical, and aboveboard. So why lie in your marketing (and elsewhere) when telling the truth is so much more effective at getting you business?
  6. People are attracted to people who are physically attractive, or at least not physically repulsive. So eat right. Exercise. Stay fit. Be well-groomed. Dress well. And pay attention to your personal hygiene.
  7. People are attracted to people who seem “real” — meaning they seem to be just regular folks. The best way to establish rapport and begin a relationship is to be cordial, friendly, and genuinely interested in the other person. Instead of talking about yourself, ask him questions — about his company, his job, his industry, even his family and hobbies.
  8. People are attracted to people who listen – and really hear what they are saying. Remember the old cliche: You have two ears and one mouth, so you should listen twice as much as you talk. Actually, for best results, you should spend 80% of any conversation listening and talk only 20% of the time.
  9. People are attracted to people who are like them. The trick here is to establish one thing you have in common with the other person – golf, kids, pets – and allow that to grow and cement the bond between you.
  10. People are attracted to people who are humble. So don’t be a braggart. And never discuss how much money you make with your customer. Reason: If it’s less than he makes, he may think you are not successful; if it’s more, he may feel you are making too much money because of the high prices you charge.
  11. People are attracted to people who seem busy and successful. That’s why you should never tell a prospect that things are slow and you really need orders. Think about doctors. You don’t like waiting for the doctor – but how would you feel if you walked into his office during hours and found it empty? Wouldn’t you be wondering how good he is if he has no patients? Wouldn’t you feel more assured if the waiting room was packed with patients waiting to see him? Of course.
  12. People are attracted to other people (as well as companies and products) that make their lives easier and save them time. They also prefer to deal with people who are flexible and accommodating, not rigid and difficult. And they hate it when you waste their time, although they are not terribly concerned about wasting yours.

Bottom line: Concentrate on developing these twelve characteristics of a “magnetic selling personality” until they come as naturally and easily as driving a car or tying your shoe. When you master them, I predict that you will attract at least twice as many prospects, close at least twice as many sales, and earn at least twice the income you make today.

Leap of the Week: Which of the 12 characteristics above can you focus on this month? Create a measurable goal and set a deadline for meeting it. Don’t forget, self-development is key in achieving business growth.