Project a
Successful Image 7 Ways
It's
a challenge being a winner if people think you're a loser. Here's how to
improve the way you are perceived.
Image
is everything, at least at first. Right or wrong, that first impression goes a
long way in shaping how people feel about you until you impress them to think
otherwise. You can feel successful people when they walk into a room. Attention
goes their way in an instant. Everyone wants to be like them or near them. It
doesn't matter if they are CEOs, salespersons or carpenters. Some people are
naturally blessed with a successful aura, but most have to find their inner
confidence and learn to polish at least some aspects of their image.
If
you project a loser image, people will treat you like a loser right from the
start. You want people to think you are a winner from Day One. Winners get
hired. Winners get funding. Winners get promotions. Winners attract top talent.
Winners invite opportunity.
Here
are seven tips to improve your image, so people will recognize you as a winner
right off the bat.
1. Look Good for Any Occasion
You
don't have to be rich to look good. Acceptable business attire today is
relative. A suit is as much out of place at Zappos as sweats and flip-flops are
on Wall Street. Just pay attention to detail and dress appropriately. Want to
upgrade your image? Always dress one notch higher than what's expected. If
dress is business casual, put on a suit. If it's khakis and polo shirts, bring
out the sport jacket. Dress it up and accessorize tastefully. Hire a style
expert if you're tasteless.
And,
yes, shoes matter. In a room full of suits and khakis, your shoes say a ton about your personality, so keep them
stylish and nice. Lastly, don't forget grooming. Interesting hair and
nails are fine as long as they intentionally communicate the image you wish to
project. Unfinished or unkempt says you can't take care of
yourself. Keep healthy, and have good posture. Don't project yourself as a hot
mess.
2. Write and Speak Correctly
Do
you answer, "I'm doing good" when asked "How are you
today?" Using the proper grammatical answer, "I'm doing well,"
may seem minor, but small infractions are big to those who judge you. People do
notice. Improve your grammar, spelling, and especially, your diction. If
English is your second language, you'll need to work harder. It may not be
politically correct, but sadly many Americans still believe, if only
subconsciously, that people who don't speak and write English well are less intelligent than those who do. Don't let them dismiss
you because of the way you speak and write.
3. Master the Art of Intelligent Conversation
If
all you talk about is your company, your job, your family, or the Kardashians,
you won't be considered at the top of your or anyone else's game. Be up on
current events. Be a lifelong learner. Take courses, read books, listen to
interesting podcasts. Travel and learn about
different cultures, even if they are only a few miles away. Then find a way to
relate these lessons in interesting and valuable ways to people around you.
Make it so people look forward to hearing what's next. And most important, know
when to shut up. Make sure the conversation is reciprocal, or it's not a
conversation; it's a lecture.
4. Be Charitable
People
are impressed by selfless givers. Granted, these are tight times, and not
everyone has extra money. But you can be charitable in many ways. Give your
time, energy, and wisdom to people around you as well as those in dire need.
Help the person flailing in the office, or the friend hurting, or the disaster
victim, or anyone trying to build a better life. Just find a cause and give.
People will notice and respect you for it. Including the most important
person...you.
5. Be Organized
Regardless
of net worth or position, when you're unorganized, it shows and irritates those
around you. People may still accept your importance, but they'll also believe
you're out of control. You are judged on little things like timely response to
messages and email. Showing up late disrespects others and makes you look
careless or worse, indifferent. There are plenty of tools in your smartphone. Use them. Get an
assistant if you have to. And quit dragging all your stuff around. Travel
light. If you look organized and efficient, people will think you've
got it together.
6. Make People Feel Important
Successful
people know how to make it all about the other person. When face to face, have
a firm handshake, make eye contact, and show
respect by being present. Help people feel that what they have to say is
important and worth your time. Understand and use the power of gratitude, be it
with small gifts, time, or a simple thank-you. These are powerful tools that
used authentically will elevate your image.
7. Spend Time With Successful People
You
are always judged on the company you keep. Build a circle of people you respect
and admire, and you, too, will be respected and admired by the people important to
you. No one else matters.
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