Robewanow's Weblog

3 Ways to Polish Your Image October 13, 2011

Like it or not first impressions count and as we all know you only get one chance so it is in your best interest to make the best first impression possible.  Here are 3 tips for you to help do just that on a consistent basis.  These tips are adapted from an article I read at NFIB.com.

1. Dress for success – you should treat any networking meeting or event the same way as an interview by dressing professionally.  Leave the jeans , sneakers and t-shirt at home.  Instead get out the sport coat, khakis, collared shirt for you guys and the pants, skirts etc for the ladies.  Many sites can be found on the web which provide additional in-depth details, ones I am most certainly not qualified to comment on.
2. Define who you are  - sometimes called your personal brand, think about the image you want to portray to people you already know and those you meet for the first time.  Are you currently or do you desire to be a Vice President, Director, Sr. Manager or Middle Manager?  How you answer that question has a lot to do with the image you portray and the clothes you wear to support it.   This also crosses over into the last point.
3. Spiff up your communication skills – whether you are giving a presentation to a group of executives as part of  a panel interview or speaking one-on-one with someone you just met the words you use and how well you communicate your thoughts has a direct influence on your image.  Learn how to be succinct in your thoughts, try to avoid jargon and buzzwords.  As a bonus learn how to use storytelling and analogies,  these tactics help keep your audience engaged and facilitate better understanding.

Being mindful of your image and how you are perceived by others is a critical component of the job search and the networking process in general.  A periodic review of these three areas can help keep you consistent in making that fantastic first impression.

Until next week….