When it comes to image, most guys think about the clothes they wear, how they style their hair and so on, but what they don't realise, is the strong impression that other things can project about them. If you're looking to come across as a confident, professional businessman, there's a lot more to it than simply wearing a suit. If you'd like to know just a few ways to improve your business image and create a deal-winning impression, then read on.
1. The suit you wear
As I said above, giving off the right image is more than just throwing on a suit - you need to think about whether your attire is right for the impression you're trying to leave. Are you wearing a cheap, plain suit when all your clients invest in the best? Buy a cut that is tailored to your shape, in a colour that complements your skin tone. For example, if you have fair hair and skin, charcoal grey and blue suits will look far more sophisticated on you, as black suits will only wash out your colour. You may think this won't be noticed, but it can make a marked difference to people's reaction to you, and all adds to the impression you want to give of someone who cares about appearance.
2. The car you drive
Do you often turn up to business meetings in your 15-year-old banger that needs a new paint job? You might think that it's the person that matters, and you'd be right, but unfortunately most clients won't see it that way, and your car is a representation of you and your business. You don't have to rush out and buy a new one of course; these days, the savviest entrepreneurs are driving cars on lease when they have meetings to get to or clients to drive to offices. Plus, if you lease long-term, it also means you have far more freedom to change the model and keep your car up to date.
3. The card you give
What does your business card look like? What do you have written on it? Do you have a logo? It doesn't matter whether you're a solo entrepreneur or you're a sales rep for a company, your business card is important. You can try to make a lasting impression at a meeting, but it's the card that they will pick up (or not) in a week's time and make a decision on whether or not to go with your services. If they pick up a cheap quality card with some block text writing in one hand, and a card with a professionally designed logo with embossed print, I know which person I would call back.
These are just a few ideas on how to improve your image in business, but there are tonnes more ways of going about it if you think you need to reassess the impression you give to clients. If you have any other tips for readers, let us know.
This post is collaborative by Albert Adam - 16 Oct 2016