The biggest challenge most folks face in the business world is protecting their professional brand. The most significant mistakes begin with being careless with their image. Here are the seven most common areas of neglect:
1. Lack of impact- Appearing nondescript because of poor facial expressions (lack of a warm smile)
2. Weak body language- Slouching which shows lack of confidence
3. Inappropriate clothing choices – Business casual does not mean beach wear.
4. Old fashion style shoes- Tips too round or square
5. Ragged cuticles and nails
6. Chipped nail polish for women
7. Dated hair style
Your professional brand must always appear current and appropriate for your industry. You never know whom you will meet at any given moment.
One of the biggest fashion challenges for women is selecting the right pair of shoes to complete a polished look to an ensemble.
Here are some tips:
• Wear a ballet flat with slim, hugging pants that end above the ankle
• Wear classic loafer pumps or smooth leather flats with trouser cuffed pants
• Wear boots or platforms with wide leg, loose pants.
When you pair the right shoe with these different style slacks, you will always look smart and fashionable. Check out zappos.com or Nordstrom.com to find the right shoe for you.
A presentation uniform is a set of clothing you wear only when speaking to a group.
This outfit must be in the best condition. It must also be able to relate to your audience. Here are a few tips to help guide you to make the appropriate clothing choices:
• Color- Check the color of the room so that the color you choose you will stand out and not blend into the background.
• Fit-Never too big, Not too tight
• Reveal-Never wear anything too revealing. That means no cleavage for women.
• Boldness- A tie should be distinctive but not so bold it becomes distracting.
• Appropriateness- Know what is appropriate for your group. Is a suit necessary if it is a formal presentation? Or will it be a jacket with a companion pair of slacks or skirt for an informational one?
Remember these simple tips and be remembered for your talk instead a fashion faux pas!
Whether it is your appearance, communications or behavior, dependability is a critical factor in how you are perceived. People begin to trust you when they can count on your consistency. This does not mean you cannot change they way you look or sound but the difference must be not too far astray from your core.
For example, many times people will comment when you change your appearance, whether it is an update or a complete hair style change. Usually the comments are positive. What gets us in trouble is when the alterations are not seamless to your brand, the industry culture or the environment.
In fact, there are many folks who have been successful in business because their image has not changed or become dated. An example of this is Apple’s, Steve Jobs. His black turtleneck or T has been the same for 20 plus years.
Do not become one of the bad examples of misguided brand or image changes. Dependable, image conscious communication and behavior is the strongest example of true professionalism and in developing personal relationships.
