Your ability to communicate with others can account for fully 85% of your success in life.   All else being equal, your ability to communicate can be the deciding factor in your next raise, job or business opportunity. A positive first impression is a powerful tool in demonstrating your competitive advantage to meet and exceed expectations.  Your image will create visual impact and give you confidence and power to succeed. 

It’s been said “you can’t judge a book by its cover” but today and especially in slow economic times, there is no time for a ‘do-over’.  People make snap decisions about your ability to help them be successful.   It’s all about the bottom line.  By your visual presence people will  evaluate you on three levels:

1. Knowledge (how smart or teachable are you?)
2. Success (do you look successful?)
3. Relationships (are you relatable and can you make friends?)

When you meet someone new or are presenting yourself for the first time, how do you appear?  Are you prepared for the meeting, having spent time understanding the company, group or person you are meeting?  Do you know the dress policy?  Even if the policy is denim or business casual everyday, I would be hesitant to wear denim to an interview or first meeting.  For example, I wouldn’t suggest you meet with a law firm in clothing that would be acceptable in an advertising or design firm.  Mirror as best as possible the company or person you are meeting. 

Create the presence that you want by simply preparing for success every time.  In the time it takes you to polish your shoes, comb your hair and iron your shirt or slacks, you set yourself up for unlimited opportunities.  Before your next event, check the tips below to ensure you are set for success:

• Knowledge is power 
  • Educate yourself about the person, group or company
• Successful looks (prepare your outfit properly)
  • Groom your wardrobe (polish your shoes, iron or dry clean your clothes)
  • Keep it simple (no cologne, minimal jewelry, men no earrings)
  • Wear hose if you are wearing a skirt
  • No heels over 3” and keep the animal prints at home
  • Wear a suit, sports coat or jacket – the jacket is your ‘power’ piece
  • Brush your teeth and hair
  • Women wear make up and remember the rule – emphasize your lips or eyes, not both
  • Carry a briefcase, handbag or portfolio not all three and bring a quality pen
• Relationships count (be on time – it shows respect)
  • Smile
  • Stand up straight
  • Shake with a firm but not a bone crushing handshake
  • When networking, scan the room upon entering to see what the crowd looks like.  Remember, it is easier to join a group when there are 3 or more people engaged in conversation.

Regardless of whether you are interviewing for a new job , networking to develop contacts, or presenting to a company always, always, always, be prepared.  Pay attention to the “small stuff”.  Besides, when opportunity knocks, it’s too late to prepare.

Karen Hughes, Founder of Image Assets, an Image Consulting Firm serving the Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta areas. As a seasoned certified image consultant, Karen follows a simple philosophy: educate, empower, and enrich the lives of her clients. Her philosophy is enmeshed throughout her practice and can be observed in her workshops, clinics, and one-on-one consultations. Her energetic and interactive style makes her a sought-after training resource for organizations and individuals alike. Even the most difficult topics seem effortless for Karen as she tackles such challenges as professional etiquette, business dress personal image and body shape.