I stopped trying to be likeable

I've noticed most people trying to make a name for themselves have the wrong target.

That's why they're not seeing results. And they're not happy.

They're trying to be liked, polished, professional, on-brand, and palatable.

I scroll through several posts from people like this before I see one that truly connects.

The post that LANDS has a human threaded into it. You can feel the pulse of this through the writing.

That might be a post where someone admits something they nearly didn't. Or they take a position that the rest of the timeline would struggle to share with words. And they may demonstrate an understanding or curiosity about you, the reader, that comes through the screen.

They may be inadvertently likeable for a select few, but not for all.

And that's fine. You're not supposed to be everyone's cup of tea.

So, rather than likeability, I call this thing that makes all the difference: unapologetic PRESENCE.

This kind of presence creates the connection between you and a reader, a customer, a stranger across a table, or a neighbour in a Bulgarian village who doesn't speak your language.

Presence creates effortless likeability. It also builds a select network of people around you who truly care that you exist.

The mechanics of this kind of magnetic presence are learnable.

I've spent years working them out, both for in-person interactions and on the page.

I've put these little secrets into a course called The Likeability Code, which I'd retitle 'The Connection Code' if I could roll back the clock.

Inside, you learn the 9 principles that turn a person from 'nice but average' into someone people remember, share, quote, follow, and reach out to:

• How to make people feel something specific when they read your work or sit across from you (Energy Alchemy)

• Why trying to be 'authentic' makes you sound fake, and what to do instead (Authenticity Paradox)

• How to stop overthinking how you're coming across and gain instant magnetism (Outward Focus Rule)

• Why a backbone is more attractive than agreeableness, and how to develop one without becoming a dick (The Challenger Principle)

• How vulnerability used strategically beats coming across as polished (Strategic Vulnerability)

• How to stop getting wobbled by every harsh comment, dismissive look, or rejection (Personal Immunity)

There are three more principles inside, but those six alone will change how strangers respond to you.

The course is open for a couple more days at $67 until Tuesday 23 June at 4pm ET.

Then the door closes again for 5 months.

You can get instant access here.

Alex