Be yourself to be likable

I work with a guy on my new project who reminds me of the Silicon Valley character GIlfoyle.

Gilfoyle is a satanist software developer with a dry sense of humor and a monotone voice.

The guy at work, who I'll call Bob, is also a coder and also speaks in a monotone voice.

You'd think he'd be hard to get along with but I like him! He is authentic and doesn't try to pretend to be someone he's not.

As a 1099, a big part of your job is being likeable.

Does this mean you need to become a smiley idiot if you are naturally a more level headed, even slightly cynical with an off beat sense of humor?

Not at all. Being fake is worse than being cynical!

If you want to be likable, be yourself. Don't be a jerk. Be courteous and professional and all that.

But don't hide your personality.

Want the full playbook? Check out Going 1099.