When you are meeting someone for the first time, know that you will be
judged before you have a chance to say hello. Yes, people see, hear, feel and, yes, even smell their way to assessing their first impression of you. All of this information is downloaded in seconds and
is not easily erased, if at all. If you are meeting a potential client, interviewing for a new position or networking, you can be sure that people are making judgments on what they see.
Messages sent by your posture, body language, grooming and
attire precede your handshake, eye contact and first “How do you do?”. Grooming—choices you make to ensure you are polished and ready to send the
right message before you even head to the closet let alone out the door is a personal subject and the attention paid
to this detail pays off.
Your grooming speaks to the respect you have for yourself
and others. Its message is powerful. When
you spend the time to present your best self you gain in reputation, advancement,
promotion, salary. And yes, studies exist that say women who wear makeup are
offered better salaries. You may not like the study results but the reality is –
it pays to look good. Here are a few
upfront preparations that will have you off to a great presence before you get
dressed.
Shower
– it’s a given, right? Thought so. This one is not one of the tips. It's a do or die.
![](http://www.phmg.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/grooming.jpg)
Hair is not the only thing to
brush. Make sure oral hygiene is top notch.
Your smile is one of your best assets. Let it work for you. Whiter teeth are
more attractive but not everyone is blessed with “pearly whites”. Coffee, tea,
colas, wine and smoking all contribute to discoloration of teeth. I am not
advocating giving up your pleasures. Just understand the extra care your smile
may need. Remember the mouth wash and mints.
Cosmetics
– Yes? No? How much? A study funded by Procter & Gamble and designed
and executed by Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston
University and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that individuals who wore makeup with a
natural or professional look were perceived to be more competent,
likable, attractive and trustworthy. Dramatic makeup reduced the trustworthiness
factor so leave the smoldering eyes out of the workplace. Individuals wearing
no makeup scored the lowest. Like the
research results or not, people respond positively to the “I took 5 minutes to
improve my appearance” effort. Many women also say they feel more confident and pulled together when wearing makeup.
Carolle Vargas is president of Your Etiquette Style, an etiquette and business protocol training company based in Jacksonville,
Great tips, thank you Carrolle
ReplyDeleteThey always say, "Dress for Success." But nobody ever details all the steps involved. Thanks Carolle.
ReplyDeleteGood stuff to know! Looking you best help you feel your best and perform your best as well. Great Article Carrolle, Thanks.
ReplyDeleteAll the tips you provide in post is too good and useful . I will keep it in mind,I really appreciate your post and you explain each and every point very well. And I’ll love to read your next post too.
ReplyDeleteReputation Management Professionals