When it comes to your business, nothing is more vital than a first impression. And while it may be true that you should never judge a book by its cover, that doesn’t stop others from making assumptions about you based on how you present yourself, especially when you are the face of your company.
What we wear is a visual statement about who we are and what we do. Why get your message misunderstood by not presenting yourself the way you want to be seen? Learn just how important are the clothes we wear, and how you can dress for success.
The Seven Seconds Rule
Within the first seven seconds of meeting someone new, they have already formed an opinion about you.
Even if you haven’t said a word yet, you have already communicated what type of person you are. From your clothing to your posture, you are sending a message about who you are and what you stand for.
In business, the first impression is the most crucial. This is the time potential partners and clients decide if they want to do business with you or lose your number. So why hurt your chances? Our clothing communicates what kind of person we are, and you don’t want to miss out on business opportunities because people think you are unprofessional.
It Boosts Your Confidence
You shouldn’t just dress nice for others; you should do it for yourself! Dressing up for work has been proven to boost confidence, performance and productivity.
A 2012 study published by the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that subjects who wore a doctor’s lab coat scored better on test than participants who didn’t. While we don’t suggest wearing a lab coat to work unless you’re an actual physician, you should wear clothing that makes you feel powerful. The participants wearing the coat did better on the test because “dressing up” like doctors made them feel more confident in themselves.
Similarly, wearing the outfit of a professional, successful businessperson makes people feel more confident about their own work. It’s simple. The more you dress up, the better you feel, and the harder you work.
Keep Your Business on Track
As a business owner, you are your company’s brand! That means it is your job to fully represent your company. Are you looking for more tips and tricks on building your business? Then contact ActionCOACH of Tampa Bay today! We’re a family of business coaches ready to help you take your company to the next level. Call today to schedule a one-on-one coaching session, or stop by one of our Massive Action Planning events near you!