Power Etiquette

Chapter 2

Your Business Wardrobe

Before you speak a word, your clothes have already spoken volumes. The first impression is made in only a few seconds and may follow you indefinitely. You present your professional polish, competence, and knowledge in a few brief seconds, then fill in the gaps with words. The professional presence you bring to the business world has tremendous, although unspoken, impact on the business transaction.

Be attentive of your total being. Your presence is being observed when you enter the office, go for an interview, enter the boardroom, participate in a videoconference, make a presentation, are working a room, or are socializing with colleagues. Assumptions about your business ability are made on the spot, sometimes ...