Keeping Up Appearances

Image consultant Angela Myerson, owner of First Impressions Consulting, offers key tips on how to good impression without saying a word.

Corporate image extends beyond that of a logo, website and industry position. If you are the owner of a business, the personal image of you and your employees has a direct influence on how others perceive not just your individual competence, professionalism and creativity, but vitally, your business as a whole.

 

Your CV may be fantastic, you may have the IQ of a genius, but if that initial first impression is off-putting then you may never be able to redress the balance. It takes only seven seconds to make 11 first impressions, none of which are verbal. It is frightening to think that someone has already subliminally made up their mind about you before you have even opened your mouth. According to research, it is possible to read the following from someone’s appearance:

 

Educational achievement, economic grouping, creditability and believability, trustworthiness, sophistication level, attractiveness, success level, political views, religious affiliation, ethnic background, social and professional desirability.

 

Troubleshooting Tips

How can you ensure your appearance gives your boss, colleagues and clients confidence in you?

 

Interview

There may be a very different dress code from everyday wear in the office, so at interview stage it pays to research the company’s look and feel in terms of appearance just as much as researching any company from an information point of view. What can you tell from its brand values? Is everyone wearing suits or is there a more casual approach? Bearing in mind the first impressions we all make, it is important to look appropriate for the industry sector you are hoping to work for and for the clothes you wear to enhance you.

 

Meetings and Conferences

Neither men nor women necessarily have to be dressed formally for meetings or conferences. Suits and ties for men and smart skirt suits for women may not be the order of the day, depending on the type of business you are in, however the key here is that you should look clean, presentable and smart, wearing styles that suit you best. This may seem obvious, but often we are attracted by a particular colour or pattern which may not either be suitable for the business situation or enhance us. What may appear to be smart or smart/ casual to one person may not be the same for someone else. For women, keep it simple and elegant. Choose the best colours from your palette in a style that suits you and ensure you feel comfortable – low necklines and sparkles are a definite no-no. 

 

Corporate Events

At corporate events where you are representing the company, dressing ‘on brand’ and ensuring that you reflect the company values is key. There are horror stories of people dressing inappropriately at corporate events, ruining any opportunity to make a good first impression.

 

Front of house staff in particular may have problems in knowing what looks appropriate if a uniform is not provided. I know of at least one occasion when someone has had to go home to change as what they felt was smart turned out to be an informal party outfit.

 

The golden rule is to ensure that, whichever industry you are in, dress appropriately for the event you are attending and ensure that your clothes make the most of those first seven seconds when personal impact matters most.