93% of communication is non-verbal and a big part of what you say to the world at large is expressed in how you look. Specifically, how you present yourself… and it happens before you even open your mouth. People tend to get pretty worked up about this subject, they say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover – and they are right. But we all do it because when you meet someone for the first time it’s all you’ve got. Think about how you point out someone you don’t know ‘the girl with long brown hair’ or ‘the tall guy in the blue shirt’. You notice what is on the surface because initially you can’t see how smart, fun or knowledgeable they might be. People’s first impression of you is formed by the visual clues you send out.
You’ve got to wonder…what is your look saying to your customers, your boss and everyone you meet? First impressions stick and, unfortunately we humans are pretty set in our ways once we form an opinion about someone. It’s worth spending a couple extra minutes in the beginning of your day to make sure that your ‘cover’ matches the contents of your book.
Let’s pretend that you have $10,000 to invest and are choosing between two investment brokers. One is dressed professionally but still showing a little personality. He’s clean and pressed, his hair is neat and his beard is well-groomed…and you can bet he smells good too. The other broker’s pants are kinda wrinkled, his shoes are scuffed and his Batman t-shirt has a coffee stain on it. His beard looks a little scraggly and his eye’s look like he had a late night. WHO ARE YOU GOING TO TRUST YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY WITH? This example might be a little extreme, but it proves a point.
The good news is that it doesn’t cost a fortune to make a good impression. It only takes a little more time to iron your clothes if they are rumpled, comb and style your hair, keep your teeth clean, and make sure your nails and cuticles are tidy.
Most people are a little bit uncomfortable looking at themselves in the mirror but think of a full-length mirror as your truth-telling friend who lets you know when the message your image is sending is off the mark. Never leave the house without doing quick check – front and back.
Every day you make many first impressions and face it, you never know who you are going to meet. Whether at work or socially, the opportunity to make a good impression happens more often than you think.
Use these two questions to help you figure out what you want your appearance to say about who you are:
Am I comfortable? – This is super important to figure out before you leave the house, no matter where you’re going. .) People can tell if you are uncomfortable with what you are wearing. If your clothes are too tight or your shoes are uncomfortable (or have the potential to become so) you’re going to look uncomfortable, likely be distracted and and fidgety which will take away from the message you are trying to send. Keep in mind – Comfy is not the same as sloppy!
What is it that you are trying to convey? – Ask yourself what word or phrase expresses how you wish to be perceived? This will be different for everyone. Take into consideration what you do for a living and your company culture. Depending on the nature of your business, you want to express that you are financially responsible, stylish, artistic or warm and approachable.