First impressions always matter. That’s what you are most likely to leave behind way after you’ve left a meeting. How you dress, personal grooming, how you carry yourself, punctuality and even your handshake believe it or not…It can actually act as your personal marketing tool.
When you go to interviews or business meeting, it is of utmost importance that you put your best foot forward. The last thing you want is to make the person in the opposite side of the table doubt your capabilities and think ‘Why am I here with this person again?’. Your image should come through in the best way possible. This is how:
- Be punctual.
- Wear that good suit. This means no low-cut tops or creased pants.
- Smile. It can brighten the mood in the room.
- A firm handshake and getting your thoughts across articulately speaks a lot to your character
- Switch off your phone. No time is more important than the present.
- Make sure the 1st thing that comes out of your mouth is a positive or at least has that positive effect.
It may sound trivial but trust me that can make all the difference. This is all about marketing your skill set, personality and capabilities. Never assume anyone will look beyond the low cut top or those creased trousers unless there is an incredible sense of informality and familiarity in that meeting.
Believe me, you don’t have to be cookie-cutter and wear what everyone else is wearing. Your personality & personal style can still come through but should be within the brackets of formality. It can be tempting at times but unless there’s a very casual dress-code in the workplace, let’s please leave those 7 inch strappy heels or casual hoodies for the weekends. It will be well worth your while in the end. If you don’t market yourself, nobody else will (unless they are called Mum)!
Audrey Ooro – Marketing Operations Executive
