What is a Powerful Business Presence?
A powerful business presence exudes professionalism both visually and in your verbal and non-verbal communications skills. Confidence comes from knowing who you are inside. A powerful business presence is being composed and in control. It commands respect in the workplace. Having a powerful business presence says “I am smart, savvy, confident and resourceful. I know who I am and I can handle myself in any business situation.”
If you were a product, branding experts would use several strategies to identify your brand. Since you are your brand and your brand is your presence in the workplace, here are some questions to help you think about your own business presence and its influence in the workplace and with clients.
What does your business presence say about You?
What does your business presence say about what you do?
Does your appearance say ” I’m confident, I’m composed and I can handle myself in any situation?” Or does it say, “I’m unsure of myself, mismatched and a little undone?”
A powerful business presence exudes poise, personal power and personal style. It communicates power through proper grooming, etiquette, behavior, attitude and appearance to gain confidence, attention and success in the workplace and with clients. An important aspect of your powerful business presence is your personal image.
Studies by social psychologists on the impact of personal image reveal there is a long list of first impressions about you and your abilities that are formed in the first 3 seconds you meet. The list of impressions encompasses:
- Personality
- Educational level
- Career competence and success
- Level of sophistication
- Trustworthiness
- Sense of humor
- Social heritage
In three seconds, you can’t show people your resume, college degree and references…there just isn’t time to tell others about your experiences, skills and how your employers and clients are more than happy with your work. In three seconds, others for an impression about you based on what they see—your clothes, your hair, facial expressions and other nonverbal communications. This is why appearance matters so much!
In a perfect world, there would be no judgments. But, we don’t live in a perfect work and we do judge. We just a book by its cover, a wine bottle by its label and a house by its curb appeal and we judge people initially by how they dress and act. In a perfect work, we would only be judged by what is in inside which is what really counts.
Since visual presence is your first impression, the first thing you have to figure out is what you want your image to say. What message do you want to convey? What reaction do you want to receive when working with clients and colleagues? This is your instant personal brand message in the workplace.
Why do YOU need a Powerful Business Presence?
You need a powerful business presence to Stand Out in all the right ways as either an entrepreneur or professional. This is your competitive edge that will take you to the next level. It will give you the confidence you need to get the client, the promotion or whatever it is you desire.
Since personality plays into personal style, make sure your outside matches your inside. This creates the most authentic, magnetic you possible. This is what literally attracts people to you and your business.
You can’t afford not to have a powerful business presence in today’s economy and stiff competition.
There can even be a price to pay for ignoring your personal appearance and it can be a big one. Stephanie Armour writes in USA Today: “Looking good on the job is an intangible asset that can be important, just as sharp technology skills or the ability to be a team player can give certain workers an edge.”
Emily Jasper gives a great bit of advice at Forbes.com about how to get a handle on the right look at work when she writes: “…When you consider your future, remember dressing for the position you want does go a long way… Steps to moving forward begin a long time before you ever get to those positions, and adjusting your appearance is a great way to start.”
Don’t let opportunities pass you by because of your appearance. By taking control of your appearance and by dressing from the inside out, you can reflect your inner personality to the world. Your wardrobe, grooming, and nonverbal communication should be genuine and based on your personality and show the world who you really to make a great first impression.
