Linda Froiland:
651.341.0908
lf*******@******ly.net
www.lindasfroiland.com
THE ADAGE that looks can kill cuts both ways. And it is still true today, despite a decade or more of dressing down in many business environments.
Whether you are meeting a new client, interviewing for a job, or meeting a fellow employee for the first time, the reality is that it takes less then three minutes for a person to decide who and what you are: first by the way you are dressed, second by your body language and third by what you say. It takes another 20 meeting times for them to change their perception of you.
If you are a business owner, it’s even more important to look good and model your grooming habits to your employees. It can boost motivation, individual and collective self esteem and if consistently done throughout the business cycle, maybe even drive or help increase sales.
Do employees match?
Your company has developed a corporate brand, but, do your employees match it? From receptionist to loading dock, and all the employees in between, that corporate brand needs to be demonstrated every day. Smart employees achieve that by how they dress, the colors they wear, how they are groomed, their manners and what their body language is conveying.
As employees become more aware of their part in representing the corporate brand, they will become more confident in their roles, and will be perceived as knowledgeable with an attention to detail. This in turn should inspire more sales and growth for the business.
Every company that has spent money on corporate branding needs also to develop a good dress and grooming policy for their employees to reflect that brand. Remember, you use your face to sell yourself, which in turn sells your company’s products.
The ideas below are relatively simple but can make a huge impact on your clients as they meet your employees. Good grooming consists of several daily regimes that everyone should factor into their day, starting as always with the boss.
Beautiful smiles
Dental care: Great smiles depend on well-maintained teeth. There are many products available for whiter, brighter teeth and healthy gums, so make a beautiful smile. Smokers need to pay special attention to this – and never smell like cigarettes on either your breath or your clothing.
Skin care: This one is a must and involves careful cleaning and hydrating of the skin on the face. Healthy looking skin adds a lot to a person’s overall appearance. For women, skin that has been cared for allows for more beautifully applied makeup.
Hair styles: Strive to be current, age appropriate, clean and styled (never show up with a wet head of hair for anything). If hair is colored, it should be appropriate to the work environment and be constantly touched up. If hair has several colors make sure all the shades blend and are natural looking. Extreme contrasts generally are not professional in the business world. Keep hair styles simple so that maintaining them is easy, and chose styles that are professional and polished-looking.
Hands: Need to be clean and hydrated with the nails trimmed and clean if not manicured. This is important for both men and women. On women, nails should not be overly long and if polished a neutral or soft color is a must. Again extreme colors or decorations are better left for special occasions.
Eyebrows: Everyone needs to have two eyebrows – not one long one. When in doubt have a professional wax your brows. You would be surprised how this opens up the eyes and the face.
Men’s facial hair: If allowed, it needs to be trimmed and colored if necessary. Mustaches are not something to chew on or twirl; they need to be trimmed to expose the upper lip. Handlebar or extreme shapes should not be tolerated. Beards should not go much beyond the chin line. People need to be aware of and remove hair in the nose, ears and along the back of the neck daily.
Women’s makeup: Crucial in the business world. It’s been documented that women who wear makeup at work make 23 percent more money then women who do not. Makeup should at a minimum consist of: mascara to open up the eyes and give them definition; foundation to even out the skin tone; a blush or color, lightly applied to the cheeks; and lipstick in a subtle color that complements the skin tone. Makeup definitely needs to be appropriate to the position and the company, along with the age of the employee. Wild colors and applications are for after-hours and are not considered professional.
Nothing outlandish
Eyewear: It may not be considered grooming but it does change the way your face is perceived. When choosing eyewear, again it should be age-appropriate and appropriate to the position held. When purchasing eyewear, not only consult the person who sells it, but also have a friend or family member you can trust help you select flattering styles. Outlandish styles are not considered professional. Remember, you want to complement your face shape and skin coloring.
Tattoos: Unless you own and operate a tattoo parlor, they are not appropriate to a professional work environment. If you are considering a tattoo, make sure your clothing can conceal it. There is makeup for covering tattoos but it does not do a great job of covering them up.
Jewelry: Keep it simple. For men it should be a wedding ring or ring, a great watch and if a tie is worn, a tie tack or bar. For women, a ring or rings (never more than one to a hand), a great watch and a simple necklace such as pearls, or gold chain. Again depending on the corporation or work environment, leave flashy jewelry at home for other events.
Miscellaneous: While these last two pieces of advice are more for your wardrobe, they should be considered while getting ready for work. Women should never go bare legged, and never wear clothing with plunging necklines. Perfume needs to be kept to a minimum. For men, never go without socks. And as with women and perfume, keep your cologne subtle. A good rule of thumb with fragrances is that their smell should leave the room with you.