Essential items include a cell phone or PDA (which serves as a phone, camera and calendar). Next are your grooming items like a comb, lipstick and face powder. You will also need a wallet for cash and cards. The last item for the brief case is a portfolio and maybe a laptop.

Keep it simple. Carry only what you need. Not only will it make life easier, you will appear to be more in control.

• Jacket length: The back of the jacket should always cover your butt.
• Jacket shoulders: The shoulder should always end at the point of where your arms meet the shoulder. It does not matter if the shoulder is a relaxed or straight style jacket.
• Jacket lapels: The lapels are a matter of fashion style but the lapels should balance your chest size meaning if you have a wide chest portion wise chose a wider lapel.

If you use these tips when selecting a jacket– you will always look like you are wearing a custom fitted item.

These are the three critical questions to consider:

• At the end of the interview will they want to have a cup of coffee with you?
• Have your achievements made a significant difference in any organization?
• How many folks know about you and respect your reputation?

The folks who are successful in obtaining the next position and continue to move forward include these three elements in their opening piece about themselves.

They are the executives who are memorable and highly sought after in any organization.

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.

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.

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!

The key points are:

• A business meeting: Your name, title and what you bring to the meeting
• A business networking event: Your name and what you do (no title)
• A social event: Your name and where you are from

Talking points to add to your personal introduction for:

• Networking events: A business situation you have been involved in that will get the audience to understand what you do and the impact you make
• Social events: A fun and interesting thing you are involved with; it could be a vacation or book you have read

The main purpose of your personal introduction and talking points is to get folks to get to know you in an inclusive way. When you are able to do this, it will widen your circle of influence.

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.

Today, the time we spend with folks is very limited so each interaction must count. Stephen Covey says we must invest in relationships like a bank making deposits so when you need to withdraw funds are available.

How we talk and act on what we say consistently begins to build confidence with those we have relationships with in all areas of business and life. When we do this in every interaction, we will have the confidence of our audience 90% of the time.

Here are some easy tips for keeping clothing wrinkle free:

• Keep items on an hanger.
• Allow clothing to hang loosely in your closet.
• Buy a wrinkle free fabric spray such as Travel Wrinkle Remover and Fabric Refresher by Austin House.
• Hang clothing in bathroom during a shower. Steam removes wrinkles.

These tips will help you remain at least 80% wrinkle free.

Wrinkled clothing shows lack of polish which is not the image we want to present.