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Why image is everything when you do business

For a businessman, of extreme importance are his status, hierarchy and power. A businessman knows that a consistent credible visual appearance and presence will get him the loan, a funding for his company, or even enhance his personal image as well as the company's brand. He understands immediately that human beings evaluate each other all the time. A businessman also knows that clothing plays an important part in an evaluation process of visual credibility, which turns into his professional credibility enhancer. It's a little bit like asking, what is my ROI if I dress well?
Appearance is the most valuable business tool. The truth of the matter is, however brilliant, current, educated, competent or affluent a man might be, nobody will give him any credit if his appearance says that he is dowdy, disorganised, out-of-date, down on his luck or unsophisticated. So, the first impression, which always prevails, along with subsequent impressions, will be judged on his appearance alone.
If people respond favourably to his image every time they see him, they will also build a trust level in his performance in other areas. An inconsistent image, on the other hand, could leave his business associates unsure of his performance level, aspirations and goals in life.
That includes his dressing and visual impact on a non-professional environment (his personal life, for example). I am not saying a man should be in a three-piece suit always - but there has to be a level of refinement in his dressing for his personal and social life.
A businessman's image needs to say that he is: credible, competent, trustworthy, likeable and successful.
Ask yourself this. Is your image consistent with:

• Your skills and talent
• The corporate identity and, therefore, your future in the company
• Your goals, values, and mission in life
• Your verbal and non-verbal communication
• Your growth potential

A sportsman is outstanding if his performance is highly consistent and of an exceptional standard. It is the same with the appearance of a businessman. When it comes to image, he will be perceived as successful and professional if he has a consistent standard of dressing and overall verbal and non-verbal appearance, below which they do not fall.
However, to most men, there are three simple principles of dressing: comfort, simplicity and logic. Fabrics, fits, styles, patterns, colours, textures, coordination and knowing the right accessories are all very bewildering for most men in business. They also like to save time.
Time is extremely valuable to a businessman. That's why when they come to a consultant, their first priority is 'how can I save time and make my life easy?" They like the prescription set.
The concept of projecting an image consistent with skills, talent and vision then becomes very relevant to a man who is upwardly mobile.
Till next week, #beextraordinary.
wknd@khaleejtimes.com

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