Dressing For Success
|
By :
Angela Barrington-Hillier
Submitted
2009-09-12 06:27:14 |
Dressing for success is about putting forth the best "you", in order to stake your claim in the world of money.
Feeling good can be directly correlated with the way you dress and the manner in which you hold your head high and your eyes confident.
In the world of good business practice and competitive employment, the difference between first and last may just be divided between those who dressed for success and those who never gave personal appearance and self confidence a second thought.
Dressing For Success - The Metaphor
Yes, it is important to wear tidy attire, and dress like a professional that others can trust, but there is a deeper metaphor at play here - Overall self image.
How your confidence and personality appear to others is how they believe you are defined. Slumped shoulders, head down and eyes to the ground, give off an image of someone who lacks the confidence and ability to service the requirements of others.
Even if you are the most apt and skillful candidate, without a confident demeanor, a new employer or client may think twice about your credentials - It's sad but true, personality and appearance have been known to be the key factors, so what should we do?
One Step Ahead Of The Competition
No matter what line of business you are in "Dressing For Success" is a key factor in making you stand out from the rest of a growing, snarling at your heels, pack.
You can build yourself an edge, not to mention make a lasting impression, but you have to know how.
It all starts with the right attitude and the need to succeed, if you don't have those then it's quitting time already, but if you have a deep desire to excel and be the best then naturally you want the "edge".
The quality of your product or service should speak for itself, but you can use your own personal marketability to push the envelope and impress.
First Impressions
Your first meeting with an employer or a client are a critical time and you will most likely only get one opportunity to impress upon them why you are the best to service their needs.
You need a few "bare minimums" here including;
*tidy well fitting attire
*heightened shoes(The Pair That Make You Look Taller)
*a tidy respectful hair style
*clean appearance
*clean shaven for men, light make up for women
*light perfume/cologne
So that is the very basic list of Appearance based attributes, but like I said, those are just bare minimums and will only get you through the door, the real sell is you.
The Flow On Effect
"That Guy Was Great, He Was Friendly, Courteous And Confident"
Is that going to be what they say about you (replace guy with lady if necessary)?
Dressing for success isn't just the clothes you wear, it's the personality you wear with you. There are some "must do's" to set yourself above the rest.
Confidence shows that you have ability, (even when you don't) so if you lack confidence, you indirectly tell the other person that you may not have the right qualities they are looking for.
Conversely, overconfidence reeks of arrogance and an arrogant attitude tells the other person that you may have less ability than your ego portrays. The solution is to display a happy friendly confidence, but not to boast or brag.
Pride is fine, but one step too far is usually the last step.
Friendly interaction is the way to let your prospective boss/client know that you are the sort of socially apt person that can fill there needs for both the service they require and the amicable transactions they wish to always have.
If you are polite and becoming then you should put this across well.
Humor is the other solution, but if you don't do it well then you are better leaving this one in the box. A light-hearted attempt at humor done well can break the ice and earn points with a client or employer. The "x factor" personality is hard to define, but if you manage to use a little jocularity then you take a big step towards making the impression that you have it.
Dressed, Happy And Ready
The checklist is almost complete, you need great appearance, good social aptitude and a readiness to deliver. Once you pull the three together, you need the application.
If you apply it all correctly, then you give yourself every chance of making the right impression. So that's the projection of success taken care of, now a few finer points.
It may so happen, (in fact it is a probability) that you are pushing your boundaries whilst Dressing For Success, during this time you may be so focused on selling yourself that you may seem unnatural. Relax, don't push, just be calm and controlled. If you overdo it, you may come across as being disingenuous and that's not so good.
Apply some good breathing and ease yourself in. Also worth noting is to listen and listen well. Paying attention to what someone is saying is a great way to show you respect them.
Another little necessity is to be agreeable, without being sycophantic. Agreeing is one thing, sucking up is another thing to be altogether avoided.
How To Get A Promotion
Who is more likely to get a promotion, the lazy slobbish looking employee or the immaculate go-getter? It's a no-contest and a no-brainer.
You can instantly portray a higher level of professionalism by employing a clean, professional image. Who wants to give a job, let alone a promotion to someone who doesn't have pride in their appearance? After all, you project yourself in what you wear and very rarely do the highest quality employees ever project otherwise.
So, if you are wondering how to get a promotion then there's few better ways than to work hard, be socially apt and look professional.
Don't underestimate the power of image as it's what we all judge almost everything else we see by, so it MATTERS
In Conclusion
If you take the time to make yourself feel like you are the best, then there is a large possibility that it may end up being the case.
Those who make more money know the solution is more than just one specific factor, you need to get every advantage that you can.
Success is possible for anyone willing to take to initiative, is that going to be you? - I hope so.
Dressing For Success By Angela Barrington-Hillier
|
Author Resource:-
dressing for success
dressed for success
first impressions
how to get a promotion
confidence
dress like a professional
|
|
Article From Article Flame |
|
|
|
|
Print This Article
Add To Favorites