This might possibly be the single most important rule of business or sales.  If they LIKE you, BELIEVE you, have CONFIDENCE in you and TRUST you, then they will do business with you or buy from you.  Now, of these four things: LIKE, BELIEF, CONFIDENCE AND TRUST, which one do YOU think is the most influential?  Raise your hand if you're thinking it is BELIEF. C’mon raise your hand.  Raise your hand if you thinking it’s CONFIDENCE?  Who thinks it is TRUST?  Do I see someone who thinks it is being LIKED?

If you were thinking TRUST you’re almost right. If you were thinking LIKE, you’re right.  Here's an example. Pretend you’re a single woman; you go out on a date with a guy.  You come back and now you’re talking about that date with your mom or girlfriend.  “You know, Betty, I really trusted this guy, but I didn’t like him!”  Or, are you said, "Betty, I liked him a lot and I hope we go out again." What? "Again." I hope we go out again  Liking leads to trusting. Trusting leads to confidence and confidence leads to belief. Are you with me on this?

If you’re not likable the best thing for you to do is get out of the people business.  Get a job on the bomb squad or as a secret government assassin where not being likeable is ok.

Next, become a trusted advisor.  And,the only way that you can become a trusted advisor is to first become a friend. The only way that you can become a friend is to be liked. Right?

Bert Martinez is an international speaker and transitional teacher. Bert’s ability to help people handle their negative emotions and beliefs has earned him the nicknamed "The Emotional Engineer." Follow Bert on Twitter or Connect with Bert on Facebook.