Chetna Mehrotra is a certified Image Consultant. She is a presenter, coach and consultant who specializing in appearance, behavior and communications. If you’re looking for a an image makeover, she’s your lady! xoxo
“Image-ology” is today’s new buzzword. Effective Impression Management can really help you achieve your personal and professional goals. Be it clients, business associates or social groups; how you package and position yourself will help determine your success.
Here are 5 tips to creating that “Wow factor” for yourself, at the all important workplace!
1) Dress the part
Always ask yourself before you dress: whom am I meeting today? What am I doing? Always dress to impress (an oldie but a goodie!). At a formal presentation, wear formal attire; a charcoal or navy suit is official and unintimidating. At a relaxed lunch meeting, wear a formal shirt and a pair of trousers. I recommend a crisp powder blue shirt with black or dark grey trousers. To add that dash of individuality add a formal pair of cufflinks. Try them; they make a sure shot impression! I’ve observed that not many Indian women wear red to work, but red suits almost all Indian skin tones. Add it to your accessories, or on a jacket or stole. Red exudes confidence & energy.
2) Watch your body language
Most often ignored, body language that is out of sync with what you’re saying prohibits effective communication. If you avoid eye contact, extend a “dead fish” handshake, or slouch while a superior talks to you, you might be sending signals to those around you that you are uninterested or uninvolved in what the other is doing or saying. A confident and upright posture, a warm handshake, and good eye contact ensures you look attentive & involved.
3) Look good, feel good
Be neat & well groomed. Take care of your hair, nails & hands. Men should keep a check on their shaving habits. If they keep a beard, they should trim it regularly. Nothing looks more untidy than chipped nailpolish on a woman’s hand. It projects sheer carelessness. A bit of a make-up such as eye liner and lip gloss can make you look & feel fresh! Steer clear of strong & overpowering perfumes or aftershaves.
4) Courtesy & pleasantries
As my eight year old says “You forgot the magic words today!” In my experience of working in & with various corporates, I feel there is a huge lack of basic human courtesy amongst co-workers. Be it in the lunch queue, at a business dinner, or in an office elevator, you should remember that being “etiquette-ful” helps put everyone at ease, and projects a well- groomed impression of you.
5) The e-impression
In a world where the click of a mouse connects you to anyone across the globe, and where you are visible & connected to online forums & social networking sites, remember to mind your online “Ps & Qs”. You must be aware of your “e-image”. If you have access to social networking websites at your workplace, make sure you are not surfing them every 15 minutes. Be careful of what you project online. Remember that your presence on the Internet is archived and will always be available to anyone, employer or acquaintance, who searches for it.
When these five assets are integrated, they become your core personal message, unique to you. In order to create a positive impression, use your personal message to differentiate yourself. Best of all, you will also increase in self-confidence, as you will be presenting yourself from your position of strength.