Does your looks matter in business?
Since light travels faster than sound, you are always seen before you are heard. It's the quick impression someone has of you that can be the lasting one.
Today, I dressed up for work. My hair is done, my makeup is on, my dress is bright blue (my brand's colour) and fitting, my high heels are Giorgio Armani, my jewellery a combination of Tiffany's and Cartier - I look good. Well, as good as I am going to look based on what I am born with.
I have never thought of myself as pretty, but I am aware that I can make myself well presented to the point where people think I am pretty. It's all an illusion - although I celebrate the differences of one person to another and 'what makes us different, is what makes us beautiful'.
I live next door to my office building (the joys of St Kilda Road), and my very short stroll through the park not only had a number of people stare at me, but I also received 3 compliments by the time I left my lift on ground floor to the time I made it to coffee shop in my building and this was all before 6.30am in the morning.
Why? Because of how I looked and how I hold myself. You don't need to be traditionally beautiful to attract stares or to receive a compliment. But you do need to think about how you look, your stance and your body language.
Books are judged by their covers. Houses are sold on curb appeal. And an impression of a person is judged on how they dress or behave.
We can however control how we are portrayed: wardrobe, grooming and non-verbal communications (body language) are apparent aspects of who we are to the rest of the world.
They can frame us as competent, intelligent, elegant, gracious, powerful and anything else that we choose or do not choose in some cases to be seen as.
When people see us for the first time, they decide within 30 seconds as to whether we are intelligent, competent, successful, sophisticated, trustworthy and what our social heritage may be.
Before we go to a business meeting, we all should think about how we would like to be viewed. It's so much more than just about what we have to offer as a business. It's about what type of impression we make to our audience. If I am in 'sales mode' then I take particular note of how I dress. I ensure that every detail is taken into account and within 30 seconds of meeting my prospect, I ascertain through how they look, and their body language, as to how I will address them.
If they are from the country, I ensure that I take into account their casual approach to business and the importance of trust and honesty.
If they are a corporate, I always wear a full suit and a very tailored conservative look.
And, if they are in fashion, I pull out a "not so over the top" fashionable outfit that says that I understand fashion, but am not obsessed by it.
In the office, I know when I wear jeans to the office with a T-Shirt, my staff treat me differently then when I wear a suit and makeup.
So, next time you are going to a meeting with a prospect, pay special attention to your wardrobe, grooming and body language. It's a deal breaker!
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comments ( 12 )
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David
18 May 2012How you dress does change how people see us. I remember going for a job interview a while back on the same day as when i have a long day at uni and throughout the day i was getting compliments on my suit.
ReplyDuring one of my breaks, a friend had to get a gift for his mothers upcoming birthday, so I went with him.
Going into department stores while wearing a suit was a different experience for me that day. Usually when i go into department stores in my casual attire that consists of jeans and a t-shirt, half of the sales people will ignore me. However when i walk in with a suit, it seems that everyone wanted to help me, a guy who looked successful on the day and not just some kid with no money.
Raihan
02 Mar 2012It's true when they say how you dress is how you would like people to perceive you! I personally feel that how people dress and carry themselves says a lot about how they value themselves as well.
ReplyBrittany
20 Feb 2012First impressions are the lasting impressions.
ReplyWhether it be for a meeting, job interview, house inspection or a first date, people tend to judge you on what you look like to determine who you are..
Of course, first impressions can always change. But for a positive first impression, the smallest details go a long way.
Wendy
17 Feb 2012Looking good can also give an image about the company that a person is working for. It is not only how the clients will percieve you, its also about having the confidence. And usualy most of the people have confidence when they look good.
ReplyIt is very important for sure!
Josh
17 Feb 2012More often than not I am too nervous to really take in the finer details when meeting for the first time but I guess this all comes with experience.
ReplyMarco van Olst
16 Feb 2012I totally agree with this article, and I think that your body language, your stance and your look are one of the most important things to watch out for. Because with the first impression you can see if someone is shy or self-assured and good looking or less moderated. And I think if you have the ambition to be an succesful marketing manager, then you should be able to adjust you anytime and anywhere, to present your best! Because you get no second chance for your first impression.
ReplyThanks
Ana
15 Feb 2012A good article again!!!
ReplyI am eager to see the article of tomorrow
Enjoy
Kevin Vyt
15 Feb 2012So true as we don't get a second chance at a first impression!
ReplySophie
15 Feb 2012I love this article !
ReplyWhen people see us for the first time in a meeting, our appearance is the most important ! It's true...
Thanks
Simon
15 Feb 2012Usually I pay attention to how I look but it's always important to remember that kind of "details"!
ReplySuit up!