Personal branding is equally important as business branding- YOU ARE THE BUSINESS!
Why Image Matters
" You have 30 seconds to make a first impression, which can last up to 15 years"
Think how quick we are to judge people we meet in business or social situations.
Do you remember what they were saying? Do you recall the tone of their voice?
or do you remember what they wore and how confident they looked ?
Meeting new or potential customers can be a daunting experience, but if you look the part and feel confident that your appearance and grooming meets the customers expectations, it immediately gets their attention and meets their approval within those first few seconds.This creates the right impression and creates rapport that can win that important business, enabling you to make the sale, create the trust and establish a lasting relationship .
People buy people , so don't waste any opportunity to build your business brand, enhance your reputation and be remembered (for the right reasons) within your networks,business forums and the supply chain.
A memorable personal brand will no doubt generate repeat business with those business contacts, and encourage suppliers and customers to recommend your services and buy your products.
Whenever you make a 'public' appearance or have potential opportunities to influence your customers, do your research, find out as much as you can about the customer, the company and their working environment or sector. Then please consider:
- Does your image project your company values?
- Does your image reflect your ambition ?
- Do you want to be the preferred supplier?
- Does the customer have confidence in you and want to buy your services ?
- Does your image create rapport and mirror what the customer's sector, industry or profession may expect?
- Does your image meet or exceed the customers expectations?
If the answers to all these questions are all YES, then you are half way there!
by DRESSING TO IMPRESS, you are DRESSING FOR SUCCESS.
If in doubt, ask a friend, trusted business associate or colleague for feedback, and be strong enough to make changes that will create an effective first impression with those customers (who really do matter) ; valuable feedback can help you to create an appropriate first impression and develop a valuable and lasting business relationship with your customers.
Be true to yourself, but beware- you may have to 'conform' and leave the dramatic / creative look at home in the wardrobe.You may need to mirror what the customer wears and how they present themselves in their business environment.
Watch this space to Look good- feel good and be confident.
Next month the blog topic will continue with : Dress to Impress- 10 Top Tips for Business Success
