When you look in the mirror, what do you see?
Or should I ask did you look in the mirror? WHAT does the world see when they see you?
Are you pulled together and polished? Or . . .
Perhaps there is another image you are trying to convey?
Saturday when I was out to dinner with my husband, I looked at him and he looked at me and we both thought there is something definitely wrong here. Trust me, it could have been a whole section is Cosmo’s ‘Dos and Don’ts.
I won’t tell you the name of the restaurant, but when the hostesses have dresses that are too tight on the bottom and too loose on top and their clothes are probably one size too small not to mention their grooming just needs help, you begin to wonder.
Then you look at the patrons who you think would know better (because of their age . . . 50 to 60ish), and they are the same. It was interesting people watching to say the least.
Why do I say to this?
YOU HAVE ONE SHOT AT A FIRST IMPRESSION
In so many ways . . .
1) The Way You Look (the way you dress your package)
2) The Way You Introduce Yourself (your elevator speech)
3) Your Business Card/Your Presentation Materials (Your Image)
4) Your Brand (that’s a whole additonal article)
Point One
So why is it important that you are pulled together in a neat (if not professional manner)?
How you look subconsciously tells people how you conduct business (if you are successful). It doesn’t mean you have to go around wearing designer suits and handbags, it DOES mean you need to wear clothes that are clean, neat, and well put together and flattering.
If you don’t know what’s flattering, invest $200 with an image consultant and try different styles so you can get an unbiased opinion.
As I was recently reminded, if you haven’t changed you hairstyle in 20 years, YOU NEED TO! That was me!
Make sure your hair is neat, and you’ve at least got some lipstick on (for the girls ). . .
I generally only put makeup on when I’m doing a speaking engagement, presenting our business, on a hot date with my husband, or am having lunch with friends.
Here are a few photos that didn’t make Cosmo, but probably could have . . . (note the too much make-up and the comb over)
Point Two
What are you saying about your business?
Think about What you like best about what you do. What unique problem do you solve for your clients?
From a potential client’s perspective, what can youtell them in 15 seconds that they will want to know . . .
WHAT’S IN IT FOR THEM?
If you were to write yourself a testimonial letter, what would it say?
Last but not least, ask for a call to action as part of your introduction.
So to recap:
Tell them what solution you provide (a benefit they can expect from working with you)
Tell them what’s in it for them
Tell them what action you want them to take (go to your website for a fr.ee report)
Point Three
Your Business Card should always be handy . . .
There is a whole psychology behind the design of a business card that gets results, but here are a few quick points:
1. Name
2. A professional email — preferably branded (your name or business)
3. A single phone number
4. Your Website
5. A reason to go to your website (fr.ee gift)
6. A great photo of you (without a photo of you, when you are gone, you will be forgotten)
7. A brief testimony, and a guarantee
Point Four
Your Brand should be who you are —
How you do anything . . .
Is how you do everything.
In other words, how you do one thing in life, translates how you do other ‘areas’ of your life.
So, when dashing out the door to just pick up a few things, LOOK in the mirror. When you are just running a few errands, LOOK in the mirror and check your briefcase or handbag (are you prepared to make a professional impression).
Here’s something that should make you feel better . . .
I’m a mom of two fairly young kids (ages 9 and 12). Generally, I am wearing either nice shorts, a summer skirt, or yoga pants with a shirt. The shorts are from Talbot’s and fit nicely (not too short — they look professional), The skirt is comfortable (remember it’s hot in Florida). Now the shirts, are ALWAYS, are NICE — either a button shirt or a high end knit shirt (not a crew neck T-shirt). The shirts are always embroidered with our logo–many times it will start a conversation. In two weeks, we’ll be at Disneyworld. I’ll be wearing shorts or a skirt, an embroidered tank top and an embroidered VISOR.
Not too long ago, I saw another mom from a different company in stained clothes with a shirt that had a hole in it and she handed me a business card that had bent edges as we were standing by her car that was a complete disaster inside (amess). This was a woman who was clearly not in control of her personal life OR her business life. IF she was successful, it did not show. I would not do business with her because of the impression she left. (See Point 1 above with the Cosmo Donts)
Who would you rather do business with . . . Look Great (you’ll feel better), be prepared. And bring home the business!
*****
Debbie Wysocki is the owner of Women with Dreams and residual Money secrets – companies that empower the average person to live an extraordinary life by teaching how to build profitable businesses in the network marketing arena. She is a wife, mom, volunteer, a top producer in the MLM industry, a wellness educator, a real estate investor, author, trainer, and former Beverly Hills financial analyst who is passionate about helping others succeed. Her motto is ‘How you do anything, is how you do everything!’ For more information or to contact Debbie directly at Debbie@WomenWithDreams.com or 954-781-6629
