You know those ‘dress for success’ blogs? This isn’t that kind of blog – this is a ‘how do you want to position your business and yourself’ blog.
Do you want to sell to high level executives and rich retirees or to struggling artists and young married couples on a limited budget? How you dress is a direct reflection of your business and has a direct effect on your target markets. Now the question is simple: ARE YOU DRESSING FOR THE PART?
The business attire rules of engagement are simple:
1. DRESS TO YOUR PROFESSIONAL IMAGE - NOT TO YOUR TARGET MARKET’S IMAGE!
It may be acceptable for the young CEO of a hot new start-up to walk around in cut-off jeans and flip-flops, it is not acceptable for you to wear similar attire when you are meeting her/him for the first time to introduce your business and your services.
2. NEVER OVER-DRESS – THIS IS NOT A CONTEST!
It is equally unacceptable for you to dress in overboard formal attire when you know the office and the staff of the company dress informally. A casual business jacket over a white shirt and pants/skirt – for a woman or a man - is acceptable. A tie is overkill. You want potential clients to feel comfortable in your presence.
3. PAY ATTENTION TO THE SMALL DETAILS!
How you walk, talk and present yourself make the difference between a successful sale and a bad meeting. Use this check list to ensure your look is polished and professional:
Clean, no wrinkled clothes
Clean, polished shoes
Clean, not-bitten-down-to-the-quick nails
Understated jewellery
No overpowering cologne /perfume/aftershave
In addition - whatever your profession and whatever your tools - computer, note book, makeup kit, calculator, camera - the tools of your trade must be clean and well kept. Your tools must present a professional, meticulous look as well.
4. IT’S NOT THE VENUE, IT’S YOU!
Whether your meeting is held in an office, a coffee shop, at an off-hour seminar or someone’s home, your look should reflect a professional and approachable appearance.
5. SMILE - YOU ARE DRESSING FOR THE CAMERA!
Remember that today every situation is easily photographed and filmed and uploaded to social media in the twinkling of an eye. There are no longer any excuses such as “I didn’t know I would be photographed” or “I thought this was an informal get-together”. Dress professionally at all times, so you won't cringe when you see the photos.
Every meeting is a test and an opportunity to succeed. Whether it is a Skype meeting or a meeting in a hotel lobby or in the executive suite of a large corporation, you must always be “camera-ready”.
Are you confident that your look and your business message meet the professional standards of your industry? Do you feel it’s time to bring new life and new enthusiasm into your sales pitch and business meeting methods? You, your look and your message are all crucial to the success of your business. Contact me today and together let’s create a more compelling story for your business, a more polished delivery of your services and polished look for yourself.
Want to know more about building and branding your small business? Contact me today. Make today the day you and your business work together.
Sign up for our Business Newsletter, simply click Contact Us and get all the insider tips on branding and marketing straight to your inbox!
