The keys
to brand success are self-definition, transparency, authenticity and
accountability. - Simon Mainwaring
You are
the first brand ambassador of your company. - Bernard Kelvin Clive
Imitation
limits imaginations. - Bernard Kelvin Clive
When the television show What Not to Wear was on, I learned a good lesson. An artist needed assistance with her wardrobe
and had a unique pink hair color with black roots showing. When the hair stylist talked with the
participant, he told her he was going to dye her hair a deeper pink because it
set her apart for the advertising/art industry she worked in. To this Texas Lady that wears blue jeans and
pearls, it seemed outrageous; however, it was her personal
brand, she knew her audience, it set her apart from everyone else and it was
right for her!
In 1967, UCLA developed the Mehrabian Rule. This rule was developed when researchers
created a situation where individuals were communicating about emotions and
attitudes. The study found that 7% of
what was perceived was based on content; 38% was based on the speaker’s tone,
accent, etc.; 55% depended on how the person looked when communicating (www.dummies.com/careers/). The UCLA study goes along with what Lindsey
Dawson said in Law Technology Today:
I am not advocating for spending extreme amounts of money on
clothing, shoes, etc. or going on a massive shopping spree to buy a whole new
wardrobe. What is important is how you
feel, what you project and the impression you make when dressing. Your self-esteem will set you apart and will help
create your personal brand. I can assure
you that when I put on my cowboy boots I have confidence, a strong self-esteem
and a little Texas sassiness running through my veins!
A couple quick things to think about:
- Personal appearance will help or hinder your self-esteem. Dress your best to help provide yourself with the best possible advantage.
- No matter the industry or the company dress code, present yourself well packaged. If you are in jeans and a t-shirt, tuck in the shirt to look polished.
- If you are embarking into a new industry, learn the dos and don’ts of style in the industry.
- Demonstrate attention to detail by wearing clothing that properly fits you.
- Spend a few extra minutes to groom in the morning making sure hair, nails, breathe, etc. all make a good impression.
- Show your winning smile!
CHALLENGE: Take time to determine how you advertise yourself via
your personal appearance. Review your
research to determine if you are presenting yourself the way other
professionals in the field you work in or desire to work in dress. If you need to change your style, take time
to research attire appropriate for the industry either online or go to a mall
to just look around. With the holidays
approaching, there will be awesome after Christmas sales that would be a great
time to purchase a few needed items.
Resources
Please note that I am
including all resources that I use for the personal branding series each week
to assist the reader in the creation of the personal brand.
