Steven Diebold, THE Brand Alchemist, comments on the CEO likability factor and contrasts Jobs and Gates:
"But will I evangelize how great Microsoft and Bill Gates are? Probably
not. That might not impact Microsoft sales directly, but if Mr. Gates
got into any trouble you can be sure no one would be there to give him
the grace they give the others. You can bet your Vista on that."
If Steve Jobs can do no wrong. And, Bill Gates can do no right. Then what does that say for us?
If you are an independent professional, is being likeable important?
I’m betting it is.
Think about it. We are pretty much compelled to buy Microsoft solutions. Does that make us happy?
NOT ME!
But, when I go shopping for an IT guy to service my home office network, who am I going to pick?
The surly geek who can’t interact with a human being?
Or, the weird geeky guy who’s friendly, personable, and take the time to answer my ‘stupid’ questions in simple, everyday English?
Easy choice.
Like it or not… likability is a factor in buying decisions.
So, start working on your charm quotient.
