Ramp it Up, Step it Up, Get Your Foot in the Door!

Success is predictable. Even in today’s economy, people are achieving success. Predicting your success can be determined by your ability to communicate effectively. Having great communication skills builds trust and trust builds relationships. Relationships are how businesses are built and contracts signed.

Mastering the art of good communication can be learned, it is not just the words we say. Long before we open our mouths we are communicating volumes about who we are and our potential success. Many people forget about the simple, easy things they can do to communicate success. When you walk out the door in the morning ask yourself this question; what are you communicating?

Do you pay attention to your clothes, hair, shoes you wear? People notice? More importantly, they notice when you DON’T pay attention. If your nails are chewed, chipped or are un-kept, it may appear that you just came in from the farm, are nervous or not self-assured. They notice if your shoes are scuffed or heels broken. Do you care enough to polish your shoes? They notice if your pants are frayed, wrinkled or dirty. They notice a lack of attention to detail. A question they may ask themselves is whether you will pay attention at work.

Ladies, are you showing too much skin, are your clothes too tight and revealing? What are you conveying? Are you ready for work or entertainment? Dressing that exudes sex at work is never appropriate.

Yes it is true that you “can’t judge a book by its cover”, but you have to want to “open” the book to know what is in there. Unless you are able to communicate a successful image, you may never get the opportunity to sell your “book”, a.k.a. yourself.

Ultimately, it isn’t really about you at all. It is about the other person wanting to engage with you, join with you, know you and work with you. Dress as if you are already successful and people will assume that you are. You’ll find yourself in a league heads and shoulders above the competition. So, let’s ramp it up, step it up and get your foot in the door to success.

Check out these easy tips to ensure a successful image.

1. Shoes should be clean, scuff free, repaired and well heeled.
2. Hair and body should always be well groomed and clean, and minimize fragrance.
3. Clothes should be pressed and clean, free of any spots or stains.
4. Although ties are not always necessary, when meeting someone new or investigating a new opportunity, always wear a jacket or sports coat.
5. Pants & skirts should fit properly-not sloppy or too tight.
6. Jacket sleeves should NOT hang below wrist bone.
7. Nails should be groomed and well manicured.
8. Pants should be worn at or near waistline, with a slight break at the instep.
9. Belt should match shoes
10. Shoes should match or be darker than trousers and socks can blend with subtle patterns.
11. Ladies unless you have perfect legs, panty hose make a better look when wearing skirts.