Are you frustrated with your business' productivity? Do you feel like you've hit a wall? Are you facing down a competitor that you feel has an edge on you? Your problem may be that you're in the wrong business.

The longer I am alive, the more I am convinced that we are all in the business of people—whether we like it or not. If you thought you were in the insurance business, you are wrong. If you embrace that very fact, you will have a huge competitive advantage over your competition. 

There are 7.9 billion people on the planet. So there is no excuse for you not to have tons of clients or a strong staff. All you need is to access more people. Even if you live in a small town with 3,000 people, that's still 3,000 people. That is a lot of people. 

“Successful people know a lot of people." I've been saying that to audiences for years with no pushback and only gentle head nods. The smart play is for you to get into the business of people to better position your business to explode. 

All you need to do is back away from the policies scattered all over your desk and the tabs open on your computer. Go outside and do some people-watching at the mall or business district. Once you do, you will see the world differently. You'll see that there are people everywhere who need you. 

Maybe, you've executed every type of policy, premium and payout. And you've been to tons of conferences and buttoned up all your certifications. So why are your sales stagnant? And why isn't your business booming?

You never made the transition back to the business of people. The most important thing you need to know is that you are a brand. The strength of your brand is solely based on how many people have heard of it and like it.

Here is one powerful way to better position you in the business of people. By being likeable!

Here are five ways to be likeable:

1) Always smile. A warm smile is scientifically contagious. And use humor—people love to laugh and enjoy conversations. 

2) Be positive. No matter what, put a positive spin on everything and everyone you know. 

3) Be real. Be honest, always tell the truth and be accountable by owning your mistakes.

4) Care. It sounds simple, but caring about your clients' needs more than your quota or potential commission is huge. 

5) Dress well. By dressing with care, attention to detail and an eye for quality, you communicate success.

Walter Bond is a Hall of Fame motivational speaker and former NBA starter. He has made a career of learning and mastering the formula for greatness.