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

Michelle Tillis Lederman, founder and CEO of the management training organization Executive Essentials, presents a guide to building authentic professional relationships. The book argues that appearing manipulative or self-serving damages connections, and instead emphasizes the power of genuine, deep relationships for business success. The 11 Laws of Likability includes activities, self-assessment quizzes, and real-life anecdotes from professional and social contexts. These tools help readers identify their own likable qualities and use them to build connections with other professionals. The book covers practical skills: starting and maintaining conversations, converting acquaintances into friendships, understanding people's preferences, adjusting your personal style for reciprocal interactions, and making a lasting impression after first meetings. While networking is recognized as important for success, traditional networking often excludes emotional elements and focuses only on immediate goals. This book teaches how to build relationships with lasting value that provide genuine satisfaction and long-term support.