The 11 Laws of Likability: Relationship Networking . . . Because People Do Business with People They Like

The 11 Laws of Likability is one of several books I've recently read on the topic of networking. What I especially liked about this book is that it extends the context and concept of relationship networking beyond the conversation itself. The three parts of the book form a framework that organizes the 11 Laws of Likability into three categories: Part A: Before the Conversation (Get Real); Part B: The Conversation (Always Have It); and Part C: After the Conversation (Build Relationship). "Relationship Networking" is a great term that distinguishes itself from "Transactional Networking" and "Connectional Networking" as something that is a long-term process or investment as opposed to a short term event or gain. I like how the 11 Laws are all connected, interrelated, and interdependent as opposed to a random collection of independent laws.The stories, chapter summaries, and "Living the Law" tips allow the reader to devise a personal development program that converts the laws into habits of mind and practice. My favorite of the 11 Laws is "The Law of Energy" because it reminded me that energy is contagious and comes in two flavors: positive and negative, which can influence my interactions with others for better or for worse. The author states: "During any interaction, each person involved transmits energy that affects the dynamic of that relationship." Monitoring, acknowledging, and shifting my energy levels relative to that of others as the author suggests is a simple and useful strategy that I will endeavor to develop as a habit. I found the new term "Energy Knowledge" to be an interesting and useful concept to add to my, well, knowledge. I consider the Law of Energy as a Fundamental Law of Personal Dynamics that fuels all the other 10 Laws of Likability. I think it also relates well to Roy Baumeister's research on Willpower as a form of energy--a finite resource that can be depleted  Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength .Overall, I liked all 11 Laws of Likability and how the author organized them into an integrated system of stories, summaries, and strategies that I can apply to further develop my own networking skills and likability. As a lifelong learner and lover of language, I also especially appreciated the alliterative title! I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in networking and building relationships, "because people do business with people they like."

This book is a must read for anyone interested in improving their personal and or business relationships. It’s an easy read with many relatable examples of the various social cues we often miss when speaking with people. The author touches on many important aspects of communication and provides practical tips that help the reader easily navigate various social interactions. As a psychotherapist, I have recommended this book to my clients and colleagues that struggle with social anxiety or are simply looking to sharpen their socialization skills. The practical examples and applications of the concepts the book offers are helpful to people looking to improve their social connections and or expand their business network. I love the way the book is laid out starting with the importance of authenticity, then clearly outlining each of the 11 laws and summarizing all of the important points at the end of each chapter. In addition, each chapter leaves the reader with a new perspective that in my professional opinion markedly reduces anxiety in social situations, alleviates the need for the business favor tally, and transforms networking tasks from “have tos” into “want tos”. I highly reccommend this book because I learned a lot and didn’t want the book to end. Can’t wait to read the next one!

...it's about being aware of how you interact with the world and how that world interacts with you. It's about how to maximize your authenticity to the people in your world and proactively manage ways to make adjustments if you need them. I have been hanging on every word of the "11 Laws of Likability." It's one of the best investments I ever could have made at this point in my life! I listen to the CDs as I commute to work. As everyone's, my time seems to vanish into thin air everyday as I address all of my responsibilities. It's tough for me to find time left over to invest in my development, yet I am finding the need for fresh ideas to redefine myself as I embark in a new phase in my life. Using the time to commute to work by listening to Michelle's ideas is an incredibly valuable use of my time. Not only are the concepts enormously valuable, but her examples and descriptions make everything easy to relate to and immediately applicable. Michelle's words are inspirational, motivational and exciting. I very much enjoy her down-to-earth style that allows the reader/listener to remove the drama from the world. She gives permission to become the best we can be, instead of trying to develop in ways that just don't feel right! Staying authentic is refreshing these days - for others and ourselves -- Michelle motivates me to look at who I really am and give the world the best of ME. I wholeheartedly encourage others to embrace these laws! Thank you, Michelle!

While "likability" may not seem to be the #1 requirement for success, this book really demonstrates why you would put it up there as a prerequisite to success - in business and in life! This is a great "how to" book - not only does it tell you why, it also gives you the tips and strategies to do the "how". Highly recommend it to anyone seeking to build their business or their career in the corporate world.Leaders - take note too as this is definitely for you!!

How likable are you? How important is likability in business? In her book, Michelle shares the 11 Laws of Likability and how you can leverage your network to greater success by being someone people know, LIKE and trust. I loved this book and highly recommend it.

I wanted to like this book when I bought it but couldn't help but feel scornful halfway through. Too much boasting about how things wonderfully worked out for the author and her stories were just so unrelatable.

Bought the Kindle version, love the book and the insights provided. No boring or unnecessary elaboration. Neatly structured and 'Refresh your memory' at the back of chapters are very useful.I do not agree to the curiosity law. That'll make you seem needy and irritating, will lower your level wrt other person. Other than that loved the book.I would recommend.

I found this book insightful in many ways. The laws were easily accessible and applicable to everyday life. I enjoyed the stories and examples, as well as the ‘how to’ sections. I learnt a lot about myself and how to be the most authentic, and therefore likeable me I can. A great read!