Below is a recent article that I wrote for the May edition of Soho Magazine. You can read the entire issue by clicking on
Download SOHO_MAY2010_FNL.
Impress from Head to Toe
Making that good impression is so important for building relationships and requires you to care for your appearance to maximize how you portray yourself to others during your networking activities.
Clothing
The most important item to address is your clothing. You want to make sure that you’re wearing the appropriate attire for each networking event that you attend as well as other situations in which you interact with others.
Some networking events require more professional attire while others allow more casual or business casual clothing. Contact the event organizer or check out the organization’s Web site to find out about the dress code.
If an event usually draws professionally dressed people, make sure you dress accordingly. It’s important to stand out in networking. However, you want it to be for positive reasons and not because your clothing was inappropriate.
Also, when setting up meetings with people that you meet at events or with potential new clients or partners, make sure that you dress appropriately as well. If you know that this person dresses professional, it’s a good idea to dress the same way. If this person is more casual and you are casual at work, don’t feel obligated to dress up.
Make sure you still wear nice enough clothes so you come across well groomed. You can never do wrong with professional attire even if the people around you are dressed less formal. If you are unsure of what to wear in certain situations, choose professional clothing.
Other Items to Consider
Make sure you put on the appropriate shoes with the attire you decide to wear. Though this should go without saying, some people need reminders. Also, make sure your shoes are in good condition and look professional. Get in the habit of polishing your shoes on a regular basis either by yourself or from a shoe shiner. People notice shoes and you should make yours look good. Every detail matters when you’re trying to make a good impression on others.
Another item that is important is nametags. The correct position to wear your nametag is on the right side of your body. By wearing your nametag in this position, it will be in the line of sight with the person who you are shaking hands with since you use your right hand to greet people. Consider creating your own professional looking nametag that you can bring with you to events.
You should also bring a quality and nice-looking pen with you to meetings or networking events. By using a quality pen, you will further come across as professional.
In addition, bring a nice pad folio and business card holder. When you take notes or give out your card, these items will add to your professional demeanor.
Make sure to have some of these basics covered, otherwise, you will not come across as professional. You want to stand out from the pack.
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