YOU ARE YOUR OWN BILLBOARD

In many past blogs as well as my BizQuack session, Human Touch Marketing, I refer to your appearance. You are what the prospect, both as a client and referral source sees before you ever have a chance to make a presentation. That first, quick impression goes a long way in determining the outcome of your meeting.

The following are a few suggestions to help make the right, first impression:

• Do I look like a professional? Attention to detail, what you wear and the colors you select will help create that professional image.
• Grooming is next. All the attention to what you are wearing will be lost if you need a hair cut or have dirty nails. Another stumbling block is the wearing of too much perfume or not enough deodorant. Make sure you don’t have any second hand smoke on your clothes as that has become another offensive issue.
• Styles change and wearing clothes from the 50’s will make you “out of date” and that may carry forth to the image of your business.
• Shoes have become another important message giver. In today’s world, ask my grandson, the right shoes are a must. Worn, cracked and dirty shoes compound the problem.
• The “wrong” clothing will give other people ammunition to criticize you.
• Are you dressed for the occasion? You don’t wear a Tux to a football game.

Stop and think about times you have made a remark about what someone was wearing. First impressions are critical in the world of small business. It is the first marketing tool that is used in person to person contact. Yes, that also applies to pictures or videos that you post with you as the center of attention.

Affordability should not be an issue. Proper attire should be part of your marketing budget. Take a look in the mirror; does what you see portray the image you want your business to convey?

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Tips & Advice by Nick Petra, CFP – Founder of Strategic Duck and BizQuack