Remember that day you were invited for that job interview you had spent days or even weeks rehashing what you’d say, how you’d say it and the kind of image you need to portray? Remember when you were summoned for a meeting by your MD and you just needed to make a great impression; or when you had this all-important presentation that was going to make or mar your c
areer? Now, look down at what you’ve got on right now. Do you think you portray that same elegance and charisma you wished to show on those days you dressed exceptionally well? If your answer’s no, then we really need to talk.
Trade Secret:
First Impressions do matter A LOT!
Contrary to the school of thought that postulates that image isn't as important as we hype about, image is indeed Very important and could make or mar your career. Your image isn’t about the designer labels you flaunt or how loud you dress. It’s more of how put together you look and what impression you give off from the total package. Do people see you and stare at what you’re wearing rather than listen to what you’ve got to say?
Let’s use this analogy: John is a First class graduate of one of the best institutions in the country. He’s been invited to an interview in a top-notch financial institution for the position of Sales Manager. Competing for the same position is Henry. Henry has a Second Class Upper degree. They both have the same number of years of experience.
On the D-day, John, in a bid not to let his colleagues know that he’s attending an interview, dons the usual cut-off jeans and rolled up shirt he wears to work on Tuesdays. (Rolling your eyebrows? This might have been an exaggeration, if I haven’t seen worse). His only upgrade on the total appearance, are his shoes. His hair badly needs a cut, his beard unshaved and his nails look like he’s cultivating them to make chopsticks. Now, here comes Henry. Henry knows the importance of a good image. Anyway, he looks just the way he looks for work every day, except on dress-down Friday. His well-tailored suit fit him to a T. His shoes are well polished, a pin-stripped tie adds to the professional look. His cologne isn’t cloying or overpowering; nails neatly cut and filed, haircut and a great fresh breath with a smile to suit it. Who do you think got hired?
It beats my imagination why we fail to realize how important our image is to our success. A friend would always say ‘if you’re selling me stuff, I’d better see that it works for you by how you look. If you don’t look good, I’d pass; you’re a fraudster.’ We live in a fast-paced world where you have less than 5 minutes to say your bit before I hit the ‘NEXT’ button. It’s what I see often that determines if I’d sway to your idea. Are you well groomed? Do you look like you slept in your clothes or like a rat raided your closet? If you’re selling me an insurance policy, a product or service, how in the world am I going to believe you when you look like you don’t believe it yourself! Your tie is askew, shirt is rumbled, suit jacket is popping open, shoe is unpolished, you’re fiddling with your hair, your bra strap, your chipped nail polish and I can even see your thong! (Ewww!) And that’s not all! Your handshake is limp; like you’re scared of even giving one. The make up? I thought it was Halloween today! Now you’re calling and wondering why you didn’t get that client’s account. You scared him/her stiff.
‘The Power Suit’ isn’t about wearing a suit all the time. It’s about always putting your best foot forward; ALWAYS! You always have to make a great impression, even when you’re going grocery shopping. Sometimes, you can actually seal a deal or create a new relationship while at the till. One wouldn’t take you seriously though if your pants are low to your hips, displaying your boxers to the world, especially if it’s a serious-minded organization’s staff you’re meeting. Someone might say that doesn’t matter; it sure does though. Secret: Airline staffs are partial to giving preferential treatment to well-dressed passengers. Usually, when you’ve got an overflow in the economy cabin, the crews seek out loyal or well-dressed customers to get an upgrade. Hmm! I’m sure you didn't know that. Why take chances then of being labeled in a not-so-favorable way, when all you need to do is clean up your act and your closet? So, next time you want to step out your bedroom door, ask yourself if you’ve got your power suit on. Have fun putting your best foot forward.
Trade Secret:
First Impressions do matter A LOT!
Contrary to the school of thought that postulates that image isn't as important as we hype about, image is indeed Very important and could make or mar your career. Your image isn’t about the designer labels you flaunt or how loud you dress. It’s more of how put together you look and what impression you give off from the total package. Do people see you and stare at what you’re wearing rather than listen to what you’ve got to say?
Let’s use this analogy: John is a First class graduate of one of the best institutions in the country. He’s been invited to an interview in a top-notch financial institution for the position of Sales Manager. Competing for the same position is Henry. Henry has a Second Class Upper degree. They both have the same number of years of experience.
On the D-day, John, in a bid not to let his colleagues know that he’s attending an interview, dons the usual cut-off jeans and rolled up shirt he wears to work on Tuesdays. (Rolling your eyebrows? This might have been an exaggeration, if I haven’t seen worse). His only upgrade on the total appearance, are his shoes. His hair badly needs a cut, his beard unshaved and his nails look like he’s cultivating them to make chopsticks. Now, here comes Henry. Henry knows the importance of a good image. Anyway, he looks just the way he looks for work every day, except on dress-down Friday. His well-tailored suit fit him to a T. His shoes are well polished, a pin-stripped tie adds to the professional look. His cologne isn’t cloying or overpowering; nails neatly cut and filed, haircut and a great fresh breath with a smile to suit it. Who do you think got hired?
It beats my imagination why we fail to realize how important our image is to our success. A friend would always say ‘if you’re selling me stuff, I’d better see that it works for you by how you look. If you don’t look good, I’d pass; you’re a fraudster.’ We live in a fast-paced world where you have less than 5 minutes to say your bit before I hit the ‘NEXT’ button. It’s what I see often that determines if I’d sway to your idea. Are you well groomed? Do you look like you slept in your clothes or like a rat raided your closet? If you’re selling me an insurance policy, a product or service, how in the world am I going to believe you when you look like you don’t believe it yourself! Your tie is askew, shirt is rumbled, suit jacket is popping open, shoe is unpolished, you’re fiddling with your hair, your bra strap, your chipped nail polish and I can even see your thong! (Ewww!) And that’s not all! Your handshake is limp; like you’re scared of even giving one. The make up? I thought it was Halloween today! Now you’re calling and wondering why you didn’t get that client’s account. You scared him/her stiff.
‘The Power Suit’ isn’t about wearing a suit all the time. It’s about always putting your best foot forward; ALWAYS! You always have to make a great impression, even when you’re going grocery shopping. Sometimes, you can actually seal a deal or create a new relationship while at the till. One wouldn’t take you seriously though if your pants are low to your hips, displaying your boxers to the world, especially if it’s a serious-minded organization’s staff you’re meeting. Someone might say that doesn’t matter; it sure does though. Secret: Airline staffs are partial to giving preferential treatment to well-dressed passengers. Usually, when you’ve got an overflow in the economy cabin, the crews seek out loyal or well-dressed customers to get an upgrade. Hmm! I’m sure you didn't know that. Why take chances then of being labeled in a not-so-favorable way, when all you need to do is clean up your act and your closet? So, next time you want to step out your bedroom door, ask yourself if you’ve got your power suit on. Have fun putting your best foot forward.
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