What are you wearing? |
| Posted by Yesim (yesim) on Aug 11 2010 |
What does your personal image say about you and your business?
About a year ago I was at a book reading. This amazing, 20-something year old guy talked to us (a small group of business owners) about his book on how to communicate effectively with Gen Y. His presentation was superb, his style extremely eloquent, and he came across as super intelligent. The intriguing thing was, to me at least, that he was wearing a suit and tie. It just seemed odd, so I asked him afterwards why he was dressed so formally. His response was that he felt he wouldn't be taken seriously wearing anything else. As far as I was concerned he could have been wearing a t-shirt, board shorts, and thongs (flop-flops for your non-Aussies out there), and he would have been just as credible. In fact I think jeans and a smart t-shirt would have been much more authentic.
Can you imagine Richard Branson suddenly wearing a suit and tie? It just wouldn't suit his personality, or what his brand stands for. We all know him for his laid-back, informal, friendly personality, which is reflected throughout the Virgin brand.
I love the fact that Naomi Simpson, owner of RedBalloon, is always dressed in red when she makes public appearances. It enhances her brand.
First impressions are made within seconds, not minutes - before you've even opened your mouth, someone has made a judgement or assumption about you and your capabilities. Your image therefore is a major part of your personal and business brand.
Every single contact that you have with customers, prospects or suppliers gives you the opportunity to enhance or dilute your personal brand.
Here are some tips to help you get it right:
1) Appropriateness: for your age, the situation, and the culture (this applies to clothing as well as behaviour).
2) Confidence: when you feel confident in yourself and your appearance, you will put people at ease and be perceived as more engaging and appealing.
3) Authenticity: people can spot a fake a mile away. Be yourself and let others appreciate what you have to offer.
I love to hear your thoughts on personal branding.
Last changed: Aug 11 2010 at 11:46 AM
BackComments
Add Comment