Business Success Personal Appearance
Would you shake hands with someone whose appearance is sloppy, disheveled, or outlandish? In business, looking sharp is more than a guideline… it’s crucial to your success and advancement.
1. Know the dress code.
Every workplace has its own set of fashion commandments or Do-or-Don’t-Wears. Often you’ll be informed about dress code on the day you’re hired. If your boss neglected to give you this important information, don’t be afraid to ask your co-workers what’s appropriate clothing for your office or workplace. Breaking the dress code is a great way to gain negative attention from all those around you.
2. Always take one extra glance in a full-length mirror before leaving for work.
Have you ever sat down at your desk only to realize you have a big brown coffee stain on your shirt, or mud all over your shoes? Most likely, there were ten people at your work who noticed these bad things before you did. Co-workers or customers are usually too polite to mention when there is something wrong with your appearance. Remember: the mirror is your best friend. Keep mirrors everywhere.
3. Allow yourself enough time at work to “freshen up”.
Throughout your day, try to take a few extra minutes for short, personal grooming breaks. Your personal appearance will generally be going downhill as the day progresses, so even if you start out looking like a million bucks, by lunch you may be ruffled, crinkled, and worn out. It’s easy to get caught up in work and forget about how you look. This may give customers the impression that either a) you’re overworked, or b ) you just don’t care.
4. Quality does go a long way.
People in your workplace will notice quality attire more than you expect. Professional, well-fitting clothes speak volumes about your personal success level, and your self-esteem. People will actually be more trusting of a person that is professionally dressed. First impressions make a difference.
5. Don’t shrug off the details.
If you have dirt under your fingernails, or your pants are creased, or your gray roots are showing—yes, that is a big deal! The way you look after these little details of your personal appearance make a big statement about the way you attend to the details of your job. Give your customers and co-workers the message: “Details matter to me. I’m a careful and caring person.”
6. Boost your confidence level.
Healthy self-image has a direct relation to your business success. It makes people want to be around you. Observe the most successful people in your workplace. Do they exude confidence? Do they look good? Most successful people have learned how to take care of themselves. Get in the habit of complimenting yourself, and those who work around you. Positivity really rubs off - and who doesn’t occasionally like to hear: “You look spectacular!”
