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Three Business Image Mistakes
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Mistake #1: Dressing for yourself, and not for your company.
Are you dressing to express the inner you? On company time, you should be dressing to make your clients feel comfortable.
If you don't look the part, you won't inspire trust. For example, a financial advisor needs to look fairly traditional for credibility, while a graphic designer in an advertising agency can look trendier.
Solution: Find out about your industry and your clients' company culture. Dress at the same level or higher. Keep a jacket handy for unexpected meetings. You'lllook impressive, and your career will soar.
Mistake #2: Not paying attention to the details of your outfit
Has you suit seen better days? Is your umbrella broken from the wind? Are your shoes or boots scruffy?
No matter how smart you are, you may be giving the perception that details don't matter to you. Clients may feel that if you don't pay attention to the details of your outfit, you won't look after the details of your work either.
Solution: Buff up your image by paying attention to your loose threads and scruffy footwear. Remember that as you exit their office, the last thing clients see are the heels of your shoes. Make sure they aren't worn down.
Mistake #3: Not updating your image
Are you still sporting the same hairstyle from high school... even though your children are approaching that age? Have your glasses seen better days? Is your suit a few years behind the times?
It's fine to wear classic clothing, but if you don't update your image, you'll look like you're out of date.
Solution: Check the fashion magazines, or get help from a savvy friend or an image consultant. A fresh haircut and new glasses can update your look instantly. A new jacket and accessories from the current season will show that you are stylish, yet still businesslike.
Your business image is your visual resume. It's important to invest in it. You'll look like a million bucks, and it will pay off in career success.
Lynda Goldman is a business image and etiquette consultant and author of over 30 books, including How to Make a Million Dollar First Impression. Lynda invites you to receive a free report: Breakthrough Communication Skills, packed with powerful tips for business success, at http://www.ImpressforSuccess.com when you sign up for her free newsletter, Communication Capsules. Would you like to boost your career? Click here for simple How-to Guides that give you immediate results.
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