While I’m sure you’ve heard that looks aren’t everything, when it comes to your business, your personal appearance is a key component to the success of your brand.
Just Seven Seconds
“Whether at a networking event, a meeting or in the grocery store, people are forming a first impression about you in seven seconds or less,” says Lee Heyward, owner and style consultant at Charleston Style Concierge. “Your appearance alone can give a potential customer the confidence they need to decide your company is the choice for them.”
Look Confident, Feel Confident
We all know it’s true: when you feel good about your appearance, you project confidence – and that’s good for business. Why? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: you are your brand! This means your level of dedication, your professionalism and your business savvy are evident in the way you physically present yourself to your clients.
“Ironically, says Heyward, “the point of clothing is to cover up on the outside, but the right clothes help you feel confident enough to open up on the inside. Great style isn’t about being the best looking person in the room; it’s about feeling like the best version of you. When you feel confident and happy, success follows.”
Easy and Effortless Style
Lee Heyward’s tips for easy and effortless style:
• Regularly edit your closet at least twice a year, typically in the spring and fall
• Purchase clothing that is easy to care for
• Only keep clothes you truly love to wear
• Create a wardrobe that can be mixed and matched
• Remember that style should be fun!
“You need to take the same no excuses approach you use in your business and apply it to your wardrobe,” says Heyward. “How many times would you tolerate searching for paperwork before getting frustrated enough to develop a filing system? Well, how many times are you going to stand in your closet searching for the right thing to wear?”
Style on a Budget
It may seem like a challenging feat to live up to the ideal style for your brand – but rest assured, style can be created on any budget!
“When you’re on a budget,” says Heyward, “I recommend spending the most money on your basic pieces. Buy the best quality you can afford in neutral colors – this way you can mix and match them with other wardrobe items for years to come.”
Your Style is Your Brand
Take it from Style Consultant Lee Heyward: “Your wardrobe is an integral part of your business’ branding. What you wear directly affects how people view you and your business.”
There’s no doubt about it: your personal style is an important component of your brand and it’s also an important step toward total well-being and business success. You are your brand – so get out there and show your stuff!
Look for more information from experts in upcoming posts in the You Are Your Brand series on The Branding Spot!
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