What you look like reveals who you are. Does what you’re saying represent the kind of company you want to be? Whether or not you recognise it, you already have a personal brand. We all know there’s more to an individual than their outward appearance, yet the fact is that people will judge you based on how you seem. Experts in behaviour and communication agree that your outward appearance matters greatly in business discussions and interactions. It affects people’s willingness to like, trust, and work with you. What you look like reveals who you are.
Therefore, as an entrepreneur, it is your responsibility to create your “personal brand” a reflection of your business’s identity, and the other way around. This necessitates that you treat your brand with the same respect that you give to your employer. One’s sense of fashion, which includes one’s grooming routine, is an excellent place to begin.
Since I founded MasonBaronet, I’ve made it a point to develop my own distinct identity as a reflection of MasonBaronet’s mission, values, and culture. Since I am the public face of my company, I always make sure to present myself professionally. Some advice that has helped me along the way is provided below.
Go With Timeless, Versatile Classics That Convey the Ideal Image for Your Business
Consider the first impression your outfit will make. Indeed, timeless classics that are both versatile and tasteful never go out of style. For instance, my firm’s identity as a brand is classic and elegant rather than showy and modern. So, I try to look the part as much as possible. Traditional pieces that complement one another in terms of both colour and design are a breeze to put together. Embrace a little more spontaneity in your outfit if the company’s image permits it.
Recognise the Long Hours and Constant Demands of Running a Business
It’s important for us business owners to always be “on,” as casual conversations with strangers could lead to fruitful partnerships. My husband is a lawyer, so there are times when I join him at events right after work. I need to dress for the event while still looking like a good representative of my company. When I look at my schedule for the day and evening as a whole, I am better able to make decisions about how to spend my time.
Think about how your outfit can take you from business meetings to employee volunteer events to networking happy hour and on to a business dinner with your spouse. Depending on your goals, timeless clothing can be dressed up or down with the help of the appropriate accessories.
Think About What is Proper for Your Position and the Industry You Work in
My role as agency head requires that I model appropriate behaviour for my staff. If I show up to work in my yoga pants and have a disheveled appearance, my staff are likely to do the same, which is not in keeping with the image we aim to convey.
So, I always put forth an appearance consistent with our corporate image, no matter how exhausted or busy I may be on any given day. I think it’s important for workers and other professionals to pay attention to the tone set by management. Entrepreneurs, in a similar vein, need to understand that their actions have a domino effect throughout the company.
Plan for Your Appearance and Get Yourself Organised to Simplify Brand Consistency
Instead of worrying over what to dress, mornings are best spent strategizing for the day ahead. Instead of wasting time and energy rushing about in the morning, you may ensure a polished appearance by preparing the night before. If you don’t wait until the last minute to think about what you’re going to wear, you won’t have time to wash and iron your clothes or come up with creative outfit combinations that will work for the day. Although it may seem obvious, the importance of preparation cannot be overstated. You want to project an image that is professional and polished, much like your company.
A well-planned and organised wardrobe is, in my experience, an excellent launching point. It’s convenient because you can quickly assess your alternatives and put together stylish ensembles. Shirts, dresses, trousers, suits, evening wear, and so on are organised by colour family, and I also prefer to group like items together. While this method simplifies my outfit assembly, it is by no means a universal fix. Get your wardrobe in order so that it accommodates your clothing and way of living.
When All Else Fails, Seek a Stylist’s Advice
I suggest hiring a stylist if you’re having problems finding a look that works for both you and your company’s image. A stylist can quickly and simply create outfits that express your business in visual form if you give them a few phrases that sum up your brand. Stylists are helpful not just in defining your image but also in challenging you to do new things. Business owners who feel they could benefit from an aesthetic boost would be wise to seek the advice of a professional stylist.
Personal presentation is only one aspect of branding, but it’s a crucial one because it’s the first thing people notice about your brand. In addition to clothing, men, and women often pay attention to other aspects of their appearance, such as their hair, nails, and accessories. Everything from your hairstyle to the colour of your shoes has an impact on how people perceive you and your brand. Think about your appearance, the message you want to convey, and how it relates to the company’s image. In my opinion, maintaining a consistent brand identity has a beneficial effect on my day-to-day business interactions and helps my firm achieve its goals.
