How To Develop A Likable Character Brand
It's almost impossible to build a sustainable fan base if the audience simply doesn't find you a likable personality. Unless you can develop a likable character brand, it doesn't matter how good your content is. Building a likable character starts with identifying your most charming, likable traits.
Fortunately, everyone can learn to be more likable, and there are a few shortcuts to being a more likable performer. Scientists have spent years identifying factors that attract others. Here are a few of their most applicable discoveries
Show That You're LIke Me
In 1999, New York University researchers documented the "chameleon effect", which occurs when people match another person's behavior. 72 men and women worked on a task with a partner. Partners either mimicked the other participant's behavior or didn't, while researchers videotaped the interactions. At the end of the experiment, participants indicated how much they liked their partners.
Respondents were far more likely to say they liked partners that mirrored their behavior.
To win friends and influence audiences, identify the core values held by your target audience and exaggerate those commonly-held values in your character brand profile.
Showing your audience that you are like them or someone they know goes a long way to establishing a bond.
Be Nice
Your mom probably taught you that if you can't say something nice, keep your mouth shut.
She was onto something. Studies show that people associate compliments with your personality. It's called spontaneous trait transference.
The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found this to be a powerful way to be accepted and liked. Their studies show that what you say about other people influences how others view you.
To use this to your advantage, follow these guidelines:
Don't change your content to be more likable. Simply understand the traits in your personality that are most attractive and make it a priority to bring those things to the forefront. A well-developed character profile based on a couple of likable traits will provide that foundation.
- Tracy Johnson
Have a Sense of Humor
Show that you can laugh with your audience and they’ll love you. Research backs this up.
Studies by Illinois State University and California State University at Los Angeles found that a sense of humor is crucial to likability. In fact, the study suggested that participating in a humorous task (like having someone wear a blindfold while the other person teaches them a dance) actually increases romantic attraction.
Even if the content is serious or deals with sensitive topics, you can have a sense of humor. That's why it's a good idea to invest time on clearly identifying your Comic Perspective when building a 5-Star Character Brand.
Conclusion
Being likable doesn't mean sugar-coating everything or pandering to an audience. It simply means building core likable characteristics into the foundation of your personal brand.
It's much more difficult for sarcastic, cynical people to collect followers and fans than those with a likable good nature. Study these tips and practice likable skills. It’ll give you a much better chance of building a fan base.
For details on how to build a 5-Star Character Brand profile, check out the full self-guided on-demand course with all the tools and resources to fully develop your personality here.
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