Visual appearance is one of the most important tools you can use when presenting yourself. Like it or not, we live in a very visual world and the moment you approach someone, you are judged by your visual appearance.
1. When in Rome….if you are going to a Chamber of Commerce event, then you know you should dress according to your business: if you are in an industry where people wear uniforms, wear your uniform; otherwise, a suit or slacks, dress shirt and jacket.
Always wear a name tag to networking events. You can purchase an engraved name tag for less than $10 with a magnetic back. The name tag should be worn on the right side of the body, just below the collar bone. This is so when you reach out your right hand to shake, your right shoulder naturally moves forward and your name tag is easily read. A name tag helps people to remember your name. Many people are visual learners who require a visual reminder for them to remember certain items – including your name.
If you are attending a meeting at a yacht club, golf course, or a beachside cookout, then wear something more casual. All events you attend should be considered networking events. This means you should look in the mirror before you leave your house and ask yourself, “Would I like to purchase a product or service from this person?”
2. Modesty. Most people avoid this topic in this world where people’s bodies are on display all the time. But networking is about doing business. Unless your business is a strip club, keep your body covered appropriately. This is directed at both men and women: no tummies should be showing. No one wants to see your stomach – really, it doesn’t look that hot, so keep it covered.
Being modest also extends to the beachside cookouts. If this is a meeting where you are associating with current or potential business clients, dress casually but modestly. Having a tiny bikini or speedo is going to get you attention, but not the attention you want for your business. Again, unless you have rippling 6-pac abs, keep your tummy covered.
3. Wear clothes which fit. As people have grown larger over the past decade or two, we have seen more and more people who think their clothing from 10 or 20 pounds ago still fit. They do not. Your clothing should not bind or restrict your body. If you are not a natural fashionista, take along a friend and ask them to help you pick out flattering clothes.
4. Wear clothes which are clean and neat. If your lunch shows up on the front of your shirt or you’ve got threads hanging down, this will reflect on you and give a message that you are messy and unorganized. Change your shirt or clean the spot and trim up any loose threads. Press your clothes if they are wrinkled. You do not have to wear the most expensive clothes to the meeting, just clothes which are clean and neat.
5. Hygiene. The importance of personal hygiene cannot be stressed. Your hands, including your finger nails, should be clean. Your teeth should be brushed and you should have fresh breath. Your hair should be clean and combed. No one wants to smell you coming into the room. This includes colognes and perfumes, go lightly. Too much cologne or perfume is just as bad as someone who has not bathed in weeks.
6. Personal style. Your personal style should reflect the group you are trying to reach as your target market. While you may be a tough, tattooed biker on the weekends, during business meetings with Wall Street types, you need to be wearing a suit and tie. Before attending any meeting, determine the general type of people who might be present and determine the type of people you are targeting your business towards; then dress to fit in with your targeted group. You don’t have to throw out your personal style, just make it blend in with your target market’s general style.
All of these points are not about stifling your creativity or personal style, its about being accepted into a group more easily.You want to do business with people, so you want to eliminate any possible barriers to creating a positive networking experience. You want your visual appearance to be accepted by others so you can place the focus upon promoting yourself and your business and how it will benefit others; not to draw attention to your mohawk or tattoos on your stomach. If ever in doubt, dress more conservatively.