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At a business seminar recently, one speaker a well-known successful businessman wore a well-tailored suit, crisp white shirt with French cuffs, expensive cufflinks and smart tie. He looked the part of a very successful businessman. The other speaker equally successful worked in the organic food industry. He also looked sharp yet wore fashionable casual linen pants and blazer. Both were well dressed and groomed to suit their respective roles and professional brand image.

By understanding the brand qualities you want to project with the work you do, in alignment with the clients you work for, you can create a look that is suitable, creative and stylish to help make your mark.

Whether you work in a corporate environment or as an independent entrepreneur, YOU are the package. What does your package look like? What is your design, colour and look? What message does your personal image send? Your clothes, appearance and grooming are part of the external image of your brand. It’s not only your logo that needs to look good, as a representative of your brand, so do you!

At the office, every email, voice mail or phone call you make creates impressions that build your business brand. In person how you shake hands, make eye contact and how you conduct yourself in social situations all go toward your personal brand.

Your surroundings and environment project your brand also. You want your business to leave the right impression on your clients, customers, employees any visitors and of course – you. Does your desk, signage and place of business reflect an image of efficiency, quality, professionalism and hospitality?

Passing an outdoor furniture store recently, I noticed they had set up a range of goods in the garden area out the front. Good idea as there was a lot of passing traffic – however, the grass was overgrown with weeds everywhere. I certainly wasn’t inspired to sit on furniture in that garden let alone buy anything!