Written on the 1 August 2008 by Rachel Quilty of Jump the Q.
First impressions count as we look at the link between your image and the bottom line
Successful people dress today for the position they want tomorrow. They say, ‘An ounce of image is worth a ton of performance’. Is it time you started saying the same thing in your business?
Research indicates that 67 per cent of first impressions are accurate. Your personal image tells the world who you are and where you’re going ? and where your business is going also.
People will judge you firstly by what you wear, then by how you speak, and then by the words you say — and they will do it in the first six seconds of your meeting. In that brief time potential clients will decide:
1. whether they like you
2. whether they trust you
3. whether they want to do business with you or spend time with you.
Image really plays to people’s perceptions and our tendency to stereotype. It’s important to send the right message.
What does your personal image say about you and your company?
Statistics show that people who are bright, verbal and attractive make more money and are more successful than those who aren’t. This startling fact is as much about image and manner as it is about beauty. A smile is actually 60 per cent of your image.
Research also indicates that 70 per cent of a market will pay a 20 per cent premium on branded products and 40 per cent will pay a 30 per cent premium. Consider yourself a brand and reap the rewards!
Better image, better bottom line
Your image affects your market standing, your ability to attract and keep clients and to penetrate markets, and the price you can put on your products and services. It also has a powerful social influence. Improving your image is an investment in building your business. It pays to design your image to sell.
The strategies for success are simple and they start with the way you and your staff dress. Learn how to develop your personal image and present yourself in a manner that is unique to you. For clothing, the key is to reflect your business values. Dressing as an expert in your field sends a good signal (and if you have staff who aspire to more senior roles, they could consider dressing in the way more senior people dress).
Think of yourself and your staff as ambassadors of your business. Everything you say and do, your appearance and manner will have a positive or negative impact on the reputation of your business. You are the message. Changing your image can change your bottom line.
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Brand Yourself! And Jump the Q! Your personal brand should reflect your abilities and potential. Rachel Quilty, Personal Brand Strategist, known as ‘the Authority’ on personal branding and author of must- have book ‘Brand Yourself’. Go to http://www.JumptheQ.com.au for FREE strategic branding tips. Rachel encourages Jump the Q clients to think strategically when developing a personal brand to get that job offer, gain that promotion or win that client.
Jump the Q assists you to strategically and systematically leverage your professional profile and build your personal brand to become the authority in your industry. Get your free personal branding tactics and tips at http://www.brandyourselfblueprint.com
We assist you to develop your Personal Brand Strategy by:
- Discovering your purpose.
- Designing your best personal brand.
- Devising a personal marketing plan.
- Developing your Signature Brand.
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