A Polished Image Leads To More Business

By Sandy Dumont

All professionals have access to the same industry information, training and educational programs. So what's to separate you from the competition? A recent Harvard study says in-depth and long-lasting impressions are formed in just two seconds. That's not much time to project to your potential client that you are a serious, dynamic and extraordinary expert. That first impression will either open the door to future business or slam it shut in your face.

Making a good first impression depends on how you look, because the way you look and dress announces the outcome other people can expect from you. If you want more business, work on the image you project to others. You may have the best credentials in town, but here’s how to make a good first impression:

1. Dress to impress. Don’t think that others don’t notice when you’re all dressed up for them. It makes them feel special – and they’ll treat you as if you are special. They’ll remember you long after the memory of your competition has faded. When everyone else is wearing khakis and polos, wear dark slacks and a French blue shirt – and optionally, a tie for men and power earrings and comfortable heels for women. Suits, of course, convey the most power and credibility. 

2.  Take the time to discover the colors that make you look better. Most people look good in pure (think “primary”) colors like navy blue, black, true red, royal blue, and emerald green. Grunge colors rarely make people look their best; so avoid moss green, brown and most “earthy” colors.

3. Discover the styles that flatter your body type. If you’re fairly short, dress in one solid color from head to toe so you are visually elongated. If you are heavier than you’d like to be, dressing in one unbroken color will also make you look slimmer. For men, this means wearing a suit instead of wearing khakis with a navy blazer, for instance. For women, pantsuits make you look taller and thinner than a skirted suit. However, skirted suits convey more authority, because they are more formal. Stick to solids, because they not only slim and elongate, they also look more professional and have greater versatility.   

4. Good grooming makes you look polished and professional and it takes very little time. Keep your shoes polished and your nails clean and well trimmed. Make certain your hair is clean and well styled; dated hair suggests dated credentials or products. Scruffy shoes, dirty nails and disheveled hair shout that you are sloppy at work.

5. Develop good posture. It makes you look proud and confident, and it doesn’t cost a cent. Stand up very straight; breathe in from the lower abdomen until you fill your entire lungs. Your chest will be high and your shoulders squared. Let your shoulders drop gently and “unhunch” them. You might notice a subtle attitude change along with a posture change!

 6. Lastly, get used to wearing a suit or dressing in a professional manner. The problem with putting on a suit “when the need arises” is that you may feel as if you are an imposter; that it’s not the “real you.” The people you encounter will notice that you don’t feel good in your skin, and they may attribute it to a lack of confidence or insufficient experience. Showing up in an ill-fitting suit or one that makes you look like a fish out of water lowers your credibility dramatically.

Image doesn’t cost, it pays. When you take the time to dress to impress, you’ll increase your credibility, your confidence and your bottom line.

Read other articles and learn more about Sandy Dumont.

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