Last evening at the event I co-hosted at the 234 Ocean in Deerfield Beach, with Jeff Tockman fromProfessional Social Networking Group, he organized a contest of the “Best Dressed Professional People” – I loved the concept because as me Jeff is a business consultant teaching people how to network effectively, and as I always say, the way we dress is our 1st marketing tool. We have only ONE chance to make the 1st right impression. So why so many people don’t really pay attention to their personal look – Small business owners often pay lot of money to define their business brand but unfortunately don’t think of their personal brand –

This reminded me of a chapter I wrote in my book “Start Your Dream Business Today“, (And if you follow me for a while, you know that as a personal styling – Image is very important for me).

Are You Reflecting the Right  Image for Your Business?

Are you one of those people who say that they don’t judge a book by its cover? If so, are you really being honest with yourself?

How do you act when you meet someone for the first time? Do you pay attention to his/her general look? I do!

Do you know that in life, and more importantly in business, you have only 10 to 30 seconds to make the right first impression　when you meet someone for the first time? Yes, in just 10 seconds people will subconsciously make a decision on whether they want to work with you or not. So make that first contact count!

How you dress influences what people think about you.

Working with small business owners for years, in France and in the U.S., and specializing in networking, I have to say that I am always surprised to see how some people dress for networking events or business meetings. Those who do not dress in suitable business attire are usually the ones who are surprised that their business doesn’t take off.

How do you act when you buy a product in a store? Let’s say that you are looking at a printer and you have the choice between two brands. The products inside the boxes have the exact same features. How do you make your choice? Do you choose the one with the less attractive package or with the most attractive package? Do you choose the one which highlights the features and benefits of buying this product, or the one which presents the product in a regular, white box without any information?It is exactly the same thing where people are concerned.

How a prospect will choose between you and your competitors is not based on your experience and your competencies, but is based on the way you look. If you are able to impress them with the way you dress and the way you look, they will pay more attention to what you have to say.It seems unfair, I know, but remember that you are judged every day, simply on the way you look.

How to maximize your appearance:

1. Create an image to impress! Your image is what people see long before you even get the chance to speak. Choose a wardrobe that works for you and your business. You need to be yourself. Don’t try to copy someone, follow what you see in a magazine, or follow some fashion trends. If your image doesn’t reflect your personality, people will see it immediately. Don’t try to fake it, be yourself. Create an image that fits your business. Have the right attitude. Be consistent with your image. The image you reflect, good or bad, has a direct impact on how others perceive your business. In other words, have a professional look. Respect yourself and others will respect you.

2. Dress with Confidence When you look your best and act with self-confidence, others will see you that way too. For men or women, having a great suit will give you instant authority. Choose one in a classic style that fits well and suits your body type. Keep it simple. Wear traditional colors like navy (trustworthy), grey (conservative) and black (chic & conservative). If you live in area like California or Florida with sun all the time, you can use brighter colors but make sure it’s not too flashy and that eveything is coordinated.

Pay attention to your shoes; sloppy shoes can completely damage your image. Choose shoes that improve your silhouette. Make sure to clean your shoes before your leave the house.

Treat your hands like your best friend. When you meet someone and hand out your business card, people will have a look at your hands. Have neat, well polished nails if you are a woman and remember to change your nail polish on a regular basis, if you wear it. Never, ever go out with your nail polish half effaced. I read once in a magazine that when a man dates a woman for the first time, the first two things he notices are her hands and her shoes. So consider the same thing for business.

You don’t need to spend lots of money to look great, business-like and confident. I work with many start-up businesses and very often my clients tell me that since they have a limited budget for their business, how can they possibly have a budget for a new wardrobe?

Don’t buy clothes that will go out of style at the end of the season. Buy a few new tops, ties, or accessories that will make the difference. Sometimes by just changing one item from your outfit, you will look totally different. So you don’t need hundreds of clothes; just learn how to put everything together. Think of yourself as a brand.

As a small business owner, you spend a lot of time trying to perfect and improve your offering. So treat yourself as your most important product.

Go back to your marketing plan.

-How did you brand your product? -How can you do the same for yourself? -What makes you different? -How can your image make an impact compared to your competitors?

Need help to have te right look for your business? BOOK A FREE FAST TRACK SESSION HERE