Whether you are interviewing for a new job, trying to move ahead in your career, or hoping to impress or influence someone, an effective personal image is key. In these tough economic times, nearly everyone is trying to save a buck here or there, so here are the first 5 of 10 ways you can improve your image without spending a dime. Take my word for it, the effort you put into these activities will start paying immediate benefits for you.
1. Sharpen up your manners. So you think manners are no longer relevant? Think again. According to a recent industry study, good manners play an important role in moving up the corporate ladder. According to NFI Research, two-thirds of senior executives believe that good manners are “extremely important” in career advancement (Why Manners Matter, Management–Issues). Rude behavior in the work place is deadly to team building, loyalty, and collegiality. Socially, overt rudeness and even an innocent lack of knowledge about proper etiquette demonstrates a lack of respect both for others and for settings or events that others might hold dear. Many people immediately lose respect for men who neglect to remove their hats when indoors or especially during the playing of the National Anthem. Who wants to spend time with that guy who talks throughout the entire movie?
2. Shine your shoes. OK. So I couldn't find a study to support the fact that a well-shined pair of shoes is an important aspect in gaining credibility and social acceptance. Nonetheless, it is true. Your footwear says a lot about your attention to detail. That will definitely earn points with your boss and may be high on the list of that certain someone you would like to know better. So whether it’s on the job or on a date, well-shined and maintained shoes say that you care about details and about the opinion of those with whom you are associating. (Please don’t email me to remind me that it costs about 2 cents to shine a pair of shoes!)
3. Focus on others. I just got off the phone with someone who was calling me to ask for help with her image and then she spent 90% of the time bragging about herself. When we head to an event, I usually tell my family to try to get others to talk about themselves. People, generally, love to talk about themselves, and if you let them, they will go away thinking that you are a brilliant conversationalist. According to author Roxanne Khamsi, “A Texas corporation ‘aiming to improve productivity,’ told its employees to look in the mirror and say 'I am beautiful' 100 times before coming to work. In contrast, a Japanese supermarket instructed its employees to begin their day by telling each other 'you are beautiful' " (qtd. in Tina Vasquez, Common Traits of the Self-Centered Person, Lifescript: Healthy Living For Women). So which employee would you rather run into first thing in the morning?
4. Look them in the eyes. Few aspects of body language have been studied more than eye contact. E-writer Michael Lee, sums up the research: “You must make eye contact around 70% of the time if you want to convey your sincerity and respect. Avoiding eye contact unconsciously gives the impression of dishonesty, shyness, anxiety, or humiliation” (Eye Body Language - How to Use Eye Body Language to Build Trust and Be Liked, Ezine Articles). I guess if you want to give one of those impressions, you could avoid this tip.
5. Develop your handshake. Study up on this one because your handshake speaks volumes about you. The dead fish, the on top position, the sandwich. Each one conveys a message that you probably do not want to send to someone you hope to influence. According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), prospective employers were more influenced by the caliber of a candidate’s handshake than by either tattoos or body piercing. And a recent University of Iowa study found that “good handshakers are seen as being more extroverted and, eventually, more hirable. Women with strong handshakes have an advantage over men because their grips are more memorable” (Donald Trump, The Importance of a Good Handshake, Evan Carmichael).
1. Sharpen up your manners. So you think manners are no longer relevant? Think again. According to a recent industry study, good manners play an important role in moving up the corporate ladder. According to NFI Research, two-thirds of senior executives believe that good manners are “extremely important” in career advancement (Why Manners Matter, Management–Issues). Rude behavior in the work place is deadly to team building, loyalty, and collegiality. Socially, overt rudeness and even an innocent lack of knowledge about proper etiquette demonstrates a lack of respect both for others and for settings or events that others might hold dear. Many people immediately lose respect for men who neglect to remove their hats when indoors or especially during the playing of the National Anthem. Who wants to spend time with that guy who talks throughout the entire movie?
2. Shine your shoes. OK. So I couldn't find a study to support the fact that a well-shined pair of shoes is an important aspect in gaining credibility and social acceptance. Nonetheless, it is true. Your footwear says a lot about your attention to detail. That will definitely earn points with your boss and may be high on the list of that certain someone you would like to know better. So whether it’s on the job or on a date, well-shined and maintained shoes say that you care about details and about the opinion of those with whom you are associating. (Please don’t email me to remind me that it costs about 2 cents to shine a pair of shoes!)
3. Focus on others. I just got off the phone with someone who was calling me to ask for help with her image and then she spent 90% of the time bragging about herself. When we head to an event, I usually tell my family to try to get others to talk about themselves. People, generally, love to talk about themselves, and if you let them, they will go away thinking that you are a brilliant conversationalist. According to author Roxanne Khamsi, “A Texas corporation ‘aiming to improve productivity,’ told its employees to look in the mirror and say 'I am beautiful' 100 times before coming to work. In contrast, a Japanese supermarket instructed its employees to begin their day by telling each other 'you are beautiful' " (qtd. in Tina Vasquez, Common Traits of the Self-Centered Person, Lifescript: Healthy Living For Women). So which employee would you rather run into first thing in the morning?
4. Look them in the eyes. Few aspects of body language have been studied more than eye contact. E-writer Michael Lee, sums up the research: “You must make eye contact around 70% of the time if you want to convey your sincerity and respect. Avoiding eye contact unconsciously gives the impression of dishonesty, shyness, anxiety, or humiliation” (Eye Body Language - How to Use Eye Body Language to Build Trust and Be Liked, Ezine Articles). I guess if you want to give one of those impressions, you could avoid this tip.
5. Develop your handshake. Study up on this one because your handshake speaks volumes about you. The dead fish, the on top position, the sandwich. Each one conveys a message that you probably do not want to send to someone you hope to influence. According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), prospective employers were more influenced by the caliber of a candidate’s handshake than by either tattoos or body piercing. And a recent University of Iowa study found that “good handshakers are seen as being more extroverted and, eventually, more hirable. Women with strong handshakes have an advantage over men because their grips are more memorable” (Donald Trump, The Importance of a Good Handshake, Evan Carmichael).
Check your next newsletter for 10 (Free) Ways to Improve Your Image, Part II
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