Making a Good First Impression

“ You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” That old adage is even truer today. Just look at the number of people having cosmetic surgery. But, cosmetic surgeons will tell you that most people want their nose, chin or other body features changed simply because they feel self conscience about themselves. After the surgery, other people often cannot tell what was changed, but what they do notice is that the person suddenly has an increased sense of self-esteem. Just by changing some small feature, your self-confidence and self-esteem will shoot up and others around you
notice it.

It’s the same with the way you dress. Often, businessmen tell me that when they put on their custom suits, they feel as if they can, “…walk through walls.” And if you feel that way about yourself, others will feel it also.

In today’s economic climate, have we cleaned up our act and groomed ourselves to stay competitive in the work place or have we stayed the same and risked losing business to those who have? Just a few years ago, companies were looking for consultants to help define and implement the concept of casual Friday. Fast forward to now and businesses are moving away from the casual office with the logo t-shirts, wrinkled cotton pants and boat shoes. Instead, they’re requiring their employees go back to the more traditional business look of tailored clothing — starched shirts, slacks, skirts, and proper dress shoes.

Consider it a sign of the times. Customers today expect people who handle their business to look and act properly. In their minds, anything less could be harmful to their bottom lines. Companies, like the investment banking firm Smith Barney, have limited the casual Friday look from Memorial Day to Labor Day and generally expect suits for men and women the rest of the time. This professionalism is the result of companies looking for their customers to feel comfortable with them — leaving them with a lasting impression.

The bottom line? The business world is changing and we must be more proactive in making our appearance a priority. Your investment in your personal image is an investment in your bottom line.