October 2002a- Each month this page will be updated with new tips and ideas and the previous content archived. As time goes by our archives will grow. These will always be accessible, and always without charge. Enjoy.

Welcome to the free tips page for October 2002

Dress for success

You've got 10 seconds to make a good first impression with a prospective client. While the clothes do not make the man (or woman) your appearance goes a long way to creating that all-important first impression.

Our clothing covers 95% of our body, and it's the first visual clue to what type of person you are: successful or not, organized or not, tidy or not.

So why waste a perfectly good opportunity to create the right first impression when it takes so little to do?

Here's how to boost your image and win over clients, old and new.

With the rise of business casual, followed by a recent blue-suit backlash, many practitioners these days are at a loss as to what to wear.

Will a suit portray you as stuffy? Will khaki slacks be too informal? What about the Regis Philbin matching-tie-and-shirt-look?

When it comes to making first impressions, formality is key. In terms of an overall look, for men, dark suits and ties with a crisp white shirt still make it, yes, power dressing is still with us and always will be. Ladies should wear a jacket, blouse and shirt, with hose and only a very low heel.

A pearl necklace with matching earrings often raises the quality of a female's first impression.

With the power of the dark suit still reigning supreme, if you're thinking about wearing a bold color, you might want rethink the outfit.

For color diehards, you can still get away with adding a splash of color by the choice of accessory. For example, men can combine a colourful tie with a dark suit and it will make you appear more approachable. Ladies could use a colurful neck scarf to the same effect.

There are three staples that create a professional image: a jacket, shoes and a briefcase (preferably leather). Put money into these items and keep them in dark tones such as black, navy or charcoal gray.

Here are three must-dos before the important meeting:

1. Invest in a full-length mirror - and always take the time to give yourself a once-over. This step should never be avoided and could save you from embarrassment. Look at yourself in the mirror and do it in good light, Look at yourself in the front, then at the back and then in profile.

Things to look for include gaping buttons, crooked hemlines and stains visible in natural light.

2. Pay attention to the details. Although it might be tempting to ignore ragged fingernails, clients will notice. And it's this type of thing that lingers in their mind long after you've left. If your sleeves are too long or your shoes are scuffed, it tells the client something about your business style.

They will think if you're not concerned about the details of your image then maybe that is reflected in the way you conduct your practice.

3. When visiting clients, research their dress code. What you want to do is make sure the way you dress is congruent to the way they dress in the company. People automatically feel comfortable with people who are dressed similarly. One exception to the rule is the super-casual dress code at some high-tech companies - jeans and T-shirts never cut it, never have and never will.

4. Arrive early. Go visit the washrooms and comb your hair so that it is tidy, and check your nose and teeth to ensure that you create a powerful positive image.

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So, that's all for now, if you need more, sign up for our free e-newsletter, LEDGER, on our newsletter sign-up page, or look at our best-selling manual LOW COST HIGH IMPACT WAYS TO WIN NEW CLIENTS.

Thanks for visiting.
Have a great month.
Until next time.

More free tips to come as we next update our site in November 2002.