7 tiny habits that instantly make you more likable in business

Have you ever noticed that the people who succeed in the business world aren’t always the loudest or the most aggressive? 

Often, it’s those subtle, almost invisible gestures—tiny habits that quietly draw others in and foster trust—that make a massive difference. 

It’s something I’ve seen up close many times over: in my own corporate experience, in meetings with tech entrepreneurs, and even while brainstorming with small startup teams.

These days, especially here at Small Biz Technology, we can’t help but notice that relationships are the heart of every thriving enterprise. 

You can have the best product in town, but if your colleagues, partners, and customers don’t feel comfortable around you, you’ve basically kneecapped your potential before you’ve even started. 

The solution, thankfully, is often much simpler than people realize. 

Rather than overhauling your entire personality, consider incorporating a handful of small, powerful habits that will instantly make you more approachable and well-liked in business.

Below are seven of these easy-to-adopt practices. They might look simple on paper, but trust me, they pack a punch in the real world.

1. They make eye contact (without being creepy about it)

Have you ever tried having a conversation with someone who keeps looking at their phone or scanning the room every two seconds? It’s more than a little off-putting, isn’t it?

In contrast, maintaining comfortable (not staring) eye contact signals presence, confidence, and genuine interest in the person you’re talking to.

Psychologists have long studied the power of eye contact. 

And the conclusion is unanimous—people who maintain a reasonable level of eye contact come across as more trustworthy and likable. 

So next time you’re in a meeting, on a Zoom call, or simply chatting in the hallway, try offering just a bit more eye contact than you normally would. 

It might feel awkward at first, but you’ll be surprised how quickly it becomes second nature.

2. They listen more than they speak

“People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it,” Simon Sinek once said.

Part of communicating that “why” is listening carefully to what your colleagues and customers want.

It sounds obvious, but many of us are guilty of waiting for our turn to speak rather than genuinely tuning in. 

Active listening is a standout trait in any setting, and it’s especially appreciated in business.

Whenever I’m talking with a team member, I try to remind myself to slow down and let them finish their train of thought—especially when they’re pushing back on one of my ideas.

Not only does it show respect, it also helps me catch valuable insights I might otherwise miss. 

If you ever feel tempted to jump in, try a micro-pause: wait a full second after they stop speaking. 

Consider practicing “reflective listening” as well. Paraphrase what the other person said and confirm you’ve got it right. 

This simple step puts them at ease and clarifies any misunderstandings. Over time, it becomes part of your conversational rhythm—and people will consistently note how heard they feel around you.

3. They learn and use names (and small details)

Ever had that moment at a conference when you meet someone, chat for a few minutes, and the next day they remember your name while you’re scrambling to recall theirs? 

It’s a small thing, but it means a lot. 

Recognizing someone by name reassures them they’re not just a face in the crowd. 

In a business environment where relationships can make or break deals, it’s one of the easiest ways to show genuine respect.

It goes beyond names, too. If you remember that a co-worker’s child was sick or a client just took a trip to Bali, following up with a quick question (“Hey, how’s your daughter feeling?”) underscores that you value them as a person, not just a business contact. 

4. They cultivate a habit of small kindnesses

When I was working at a mid-sized consulting firm, we had a guy on our team who would always show up with an extra coffee for the new intern or take a few extra minutes to help someone finish a project. 

No fuss, no big announcements—just quiet, consistent kindness. 

That person became the go-to team member for collaboration, not because he was a pushover, but because everybody felt valued around him.

Small gestures can have an outsized impact on how you’re perceived. 

Something as simple as emailing a helpful article to a colleague who’s been grappling with a specific challenge or offering to grab lunch for a teammate swamped with work can create a ripple effect of goodwill. 

That’s the magic: these little kindnesses are consistent proof that you’re thinking about the well-being of those around you. 

Over time, that sense of safety and positivity enriches every professional dynamic you’re part of.

5. They practice “strategic positivity”

We’ve all been there: deadlines looming, frustrations piling up, and it feels tempting to vent or dwell on the negatives. 

But chronically complaining or carrying around a doom-and-gloom vibe tends to drag others down, and no one loves working with a perpetual cynic. 

On the other hand, focusing on solutions, sharing small wins, and looking for bright spots (without ignoring reality) is a game-changer in team environments.

This is where “strategic positivity” comes in. 

I’m not saying you should wander the halls grinning maniacally like a motivational poster. Instead, you lean toward optimism when problem-solving or even just casually chatting. 

For instance, if a project is behind schedule, acknowledging the setback but quickly shifting gears to “How can we get this back on track?” fosters a forward-moving mindset.

It’s a habit that can be formed just like any other: when you catch yourself about to complain, pause and ask, “Is there a more constructive angle here?” 

That question guides you to reframe situations. And guess what? People pick up on it. 

They start turning to you, not because you’re a naive cheerleader, but because you bring a grounded optimism that helps everyone find a way forward.

6. They offer genuine praise (not flattery)

Praise is one of the easiest, most effective ways to make others feel recognized, yet it can be tricky. 

There’s a world of difference between dishing out hollow compliments to win points and offering heartfelt recognition of someone’s hard work or unique talent. People can usually tell the difference.

I’ve noticed that in business settings, a lot of people hesitate to give compliments—maybe they think it’s unprofessional or worry it’ll sound patronizing.

But when you single out a colleague’s specific skill or effort, it does the exact opposite: it shows you pay attention to details and you aren’t afraid to acknowledge someone else’s contributions.

It might sound like, “That sales pitch you did was incredible. The way you tied the client’s goals into our offerings was brilliant.”

Sharing real praise—especially in a public setting like a team meeting—cultivates an environment where good work is noticed and valued. 

And that positivity tends to come back around to you in countless ways.

7. They take responsibility without deflecting

I’ve mentioned this before, but it bears repeating: few things earn you respect faster than stepping up and saying, “Yep, that was my oversight. Here’s how I’m going to fix it.” 

As Tim Ferriss once wrote, “A person’s success in life can usually be measured by the number of uncomfortable conversations he or she is willing to have.” 

And sometimes, that uncomfortable conversation is with yourself, admitting you messed up.

Shifting blame is a surefire way to erode trust and hurt your likability. 

I used to work with someone who’d always find a scapegoat or blame “system issues” whenever a mistake happened on his watch. 

After a while, people just stopped believing him. He thought he was shielding himself from backlash, but in reality, he was damaging his credibility.

In contrast, whenever I see someone calmly own a mistake, it makes me trust them more. It shows they’re honest and secure enough to handle consequences head-on. 

And, let’s face it—business is full of challenges. If you’re someone who’s not afraid to face your role in those challenges, others feel confident that you’ll be forthright in future endeavors, too.

Final words

That’s it for this one, folks. I hope these seven simple habits gave you some ideas on how to up your “likability factor” in the business arena. 

None of these actions require tons of training or a radical personality shift; they’re small, daily choices that add up to a more positive presence over time. 

The best part? Not only can they help strengthen your professional relationships, but they can also improve your personal interactions.

If you’re wondering where to start, pick just one habit and focus on doing it consistently for a week. 

Maybe you decide to maintain better eye contact or to dish out one genuine compliment per day. Notice how people respond. Chances are you’ll see a subtle shift in how they talk to you, confide in you, and collaborate with you.

At the end of the day, being likable in business isn’t about trying to be a people-pleaser or morph into someone you’re not. 

It’s about being the best version of yourself—thoughtful, engaged, respectful—and these habits will help you get there.