You have
less than 2 minutes
to make
a GOOD first impression
No Second Chances!
Packaging Makes a Difference
Would you buy a product with a torn or dirty wrapper?
Then why would you expect to be hired by a prospective
client if you are unkempt or inappropriately dressed?
Your Most Important
Presentation: Yourself
What is professional Presence?
Someone who is:
•well-groomed and dressed appropriately
for their role
•who conducts themselves with assurance
has professional presence.
Your Most Important
Presentation: Yourself
Good manners include how we look and how
we carry ourselves.
We have between 60 and 120 seconds to
make a first impression.
An appropriate appearance demonstrates
respect for yourself and others.
Your Most Important
Presentation: Yourself
Society has established rules regarding
appropriate attire and proper presentation
for various situations.
Failure to heed these guidelines is an
etiquette gaffe.
Socially inappropriate attire may cause
people to feel uneasy.
55% of impression is based on looks
• Before you speak a word, your clothes have
already spoken volumes.
• You want clothes that communicate, “I belong,
I am professional, I have judgment and taste.”
• Decide what your professional image is going
to be and stick to it.
Appearance Counts:
It Pays To Pay Attention
Packaging does make a difference-would you
buy a product with a torn or dirty wrapper?
Being well-groomed is more important than
being well dressed in the business world.
In fact, a well-groomed appearance can make
up for an error in judgment in what you are
wearing.
Appearance Counts:
It Pays To Pay Attention
The effect of an elegant, perfectly fitted
outfit can be completely negated by poor
grooming.
People assume that the quality of your
work isn’t any better than the quality of
your appearance.
Appearance Counts:
It Pays To Pay Attention
The person who is registering the fact that
your fingernails are dirty or chipped
probably isn’t even listening to what you
are saying.
Conforming to professional appearance
standards is essential.
Appearance Counts:
It Pays To Pay Attention
If clothing or mannerisms are outlandish,
it will affect your professional life.
Always ask yourself: What Message Does Your
Appearance Send?
55% of the impression you make is based on
visuals, which include Body Language,
Grooming, and Clothing.
Body Language That Speaks
Well of You
Body language is how you carry yourself.
Does your demeanor really make a difference?
Always think: Does my body communicate the
message I want it to convey?
The do’s and don’ts of body
language:
When Standing
Do
Don’t
Stand up straight
Keep your feet still
Keep shoulders relaxed
Keep arms at your side
Keep head and chin up
Slouch
Shift feet
Sway
Cross arms
Hang head
The do’s and don’ts of body
language:
When Seated
Do
Sit up straight
Cross legs at ankles
Lean forward slightly
Don’t
Slouch or fidget
Sit with knees crossed or spread
Tap feet
Proper Introductions
• Always rise when meeting someone
• Always shake the hand extended in friendship
• In the business world introductions are based on a
person’s rank and position in a company
• Never let someone stand around unacknowledged
• Introduce yourself
Proper Introductions
Name to Say First
When Introducing
•
•
•
•
•
Younger Person to Older Person
Peer in your firm to outsider
Nonofficial to official
Junior Executive to Senior Executive
Company Executive to Customer or
Client
•
•
•
•
•
Older Person’s
Outsider’s
Official’s
Senior executive’s
Client’s
Proper Introductions
• I’m Deborah, not Debbie
• People believe what they see
• What image do you portray?
Proper Introductions
Consideration and respect
Put people at ease
Remember, manners are always
more important than etiquette.
Branding Yourself
Before you leave the house ask yourself:
What message does
my appearance send?
Is this what I want to say?
Best Styles and Colors
for Workplace Attire
For Men
Shoes
• Best you can afford
• Quality leather
• Clean & polished
• Black with gray, navy or black
• Brown with tan
Belts
• Leather or reptile
• Black, brown or
cordovan
• Match shoes
• Discreet buckle
Jewelry
• No necklaces,
bracelets or earrings
• Good watch
• One ring per hand
• Quality cufflinks
Socks
• Fit over calf
• Nylon or thin cotton
• Black, brown & navy
• Match or blend with trousers
• Avoid bright colors & large
patterns
Briefcase/Wallet
• Colors - brown, black &
burgundy
• Wallet – front inside pocket
in suit jacket
Best Styles and Colors
for Workplace Attire
For Women
Shoes
• Black
• Brown
• Tan
• Navy
Jewelry
• Watch - best you can afford
• Earrings - gold, silver or pearl
• Rings – one per hand
• Accent pieces
Like it or not, looks matter
Here’s why they
should matter to you!
Like it or not, looks matter
Here’s why they
should matter to you!
55% of impression is based on looks
Your attire affects the external perception of:
• Your
expectations
• Your credibility
and reputation
• Accountability of
your own career
Top 3 Inappropriate Items
Worn To Work or Interviews
Rowenta (2002)
1. Jeans
2. Tight/Revealing Clothing
3. Unkempt/Dirty Clothing
Remember
• You will be judged by your personal
appearance
• Don’t pick clothing that reveals too much
or leaves too little to the imagination
• Keep accessories to a tasteful minimum
Remember
•The firm/company should make it clear exactly
what “business casual attire” means in your
workplace. Be very specific.
• There are boundaries between your career and
your social life. You should dress one way for play
and another way when you mean business.
Networking Etiquette
•Host Organization
•Preview Guest List
•Current Events
• Business Cards
•Handbags
Networking Etiquette
•Name Badges
• Dress Appropriately
• Smile
• Arrive On Time
Networking Etiquette
• I Don’t Know Anyone!
• I’m Starving
• Avoid Messy Foods
Networking Etiquette
• Be Brave
• The Handshake
• Be Effective
• I can’t remember his name
Networking Etiquette
• Don’t stalk the CEO
• Impressionable power play
• 80/20
• Never leave someone
standing alone
Networking Etiquette
• Glass Equals Class
• Drink Limit
• Clammy Hands
Networking Etiquette
• Business cards
• Jot down notes
• Oh, no, I’m stuck!
Networking Etiquette
• Checking Your Phone
• Text Messages
• Follow Through
• Stand Out
Bill Gates now
Microsoft 1978
Your appearance speaks volumes before you say
a word. It reflects your status, your personality,
your character, and your success.
Life Looks Better When You Do!
deborah@successfulimage.biz
www.successfulimage.biz