When you walk through their door - or they walk through yours - your image is imprinted in the first moment. Make sure you know what it is.
Research says that 67% of first impressions are accurate. Your image tells the world who you are and where you are going. Your company image says the same.
Every email, voicemail, and phone call you make creates the first impressions that build your self-brand. In person, how you shake hands, make eye contact, conduct yourself in social situations and the clothes you choose to wear continues to build your self-brand.
Your image is like the weather. People notice when it's extremely good or extremely bad. First impressions, often based on appearances alone, can indicate to a potential employer or client, your sense of taste, ambition and self-esteem.
There is no doubt that personal presentation plays a big part in succeeding in your career and business operations.
People shouldn't judge us by outward appearances - but of course you know they will.
You are what you wear
Your dress and appearance plays an important part in how others see you.
View the way you dress as a business communication tool. The outfit you choose to wear speaks loudly about your professionalism and personality. Make sure it is creating the right impression.
In a business environment, it's best to stand out, but don't shout out loud. A smart co-coordinated look will help you stand out, so will ripped jeans and a low cut top - but not in a positive way. Clothing that is distracting and calls attention away from the business at hand is inappropriate to wear to work.
Develop a picture file of looks and colours you like that reflect your emotional side and uniqueness. Start to build a wardrobe showcasing your style but also appropriate for the work you do and image you'd like to project. Buy the best quality you can afford and make sure your clothing fits well. Your dress should reflect the brand values and culture of your business, whether as an employee or of your own business. It should also reflect you. So treat your wardrobe like a tool to achieve your personal and professional goals.
Little things like quality accessories also play a part in your personal packaging. Note quality leather shoes, bags, watch, jewellery and pen. Take care of personal appearance including grooming and appropriate hairstyle.
Personality profile
Another measure of your success in dealing with people is due to personality.
The dictionary defines personality as, "the quality, which distinguishes one human being from another, individuality, distinctive personal characteristics".
As corporate or individual professionals it's important to discover your personality type. Self-analysis, uncovering of plus and minus personality characteristics is needed before an adequate self-satisfying self-image can be developed and revealed. Aggravating speech habits, lack of good manners, sloppy dress and grooming can be your worst enemies.
Your personal manner speaks loudly to other people. Your voice, way of talking, eye contact, body language and the way you develop relationships at work all count towards giving you a ‘manner'. We've all at times been horrified or surprised at hearing second or third hand what impression we've made on someone.
The best approach is to be yourself - but keep in mind an awareness of how you may strike other people and recognition that you can't just let your manner work itself out, because it's the little things that can make the crucial difference.
Punctuality, your tone of voice, these are the things about you that speak out loud and clear to others. Make sure that they're working for you. I'm sure you've all experienced the front office receptionist who looks the part, very corporate and presentable - but when she opens her mouth it's another thing all together. Or the savvy salesman who is very convincing and authoritative on the telephone - but when you meet him in person his sloppy dress and manner let him down.
You've invested a lot of time, effort and money into learning or upgrading your skills for the job or setting up your own business - why not invest some time and effort into yourself - you're worth it!
Business image
Your business tools also say a lot: find one look or message that describes your business and stick with it. Once you've done your personal brand audit and gained a feel for the colours, images and impressions you want your business to have, you also need to look closely at your market.
Cartoon-like images may not suit a corporate market. Neither would a formal business-like card be appropriate if you're a graphic designer.
Brand all newsletters and email messages for a professional image. Use the same colour scheme, fonts and design throughout your marketing materials including business cards, letterhead and website. Pay attention to your email messages and voice mail messages.
Your surroundings and environment project who you are also. You want your business to leave the right impression on your clients, customers, employees and all visitors. Does your desk, signage and place of business reflect an image of efficiency, quality, professionalism and hospitality? Whether it's an office, virtual office, corner desk, website or retail space - does 'Brand You' say your business is the best?
Learn how to develop your professional image and present yourself in a way that is unique to you. You need to reveal and promote the essence of you to gain successful brand visibility and therefore more business success. Customers and clients want to feel they know and trust you enough to do business with you.
Companies spend millions of dollars on getting the corporate identity right - but it's the people in the organisation that really reflect the company brand and often times that person is YOU.
Make a checklist of all the influencing elements to revealing your brand:
- Dress and style
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Appearance and grooming
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Manner and personality, self-confidence and charm
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Plus and minus personality characteristics
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Letterhead, business cards and other communication collateral
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Work space and environment
Read the article "Discover Brand You"
Read the article "Brand Visibility"