New Year, New You -- Image Control!

"I'm just me, like it or leave it."  "This is who I am, and how I dress -- its a personal expression."  "I am good enough at my job that how I look shouldn't matter."
Guess who said all these things?

Yep, it was me!  And guess what else?  I was wrong.  There it is in black and white -- be sure to bookmark this blog!  :)
Perception is everything.  Not merely important.  It is the only thing that matters.  The people who matter need to think that you are: 
Capable
Smart
Wise
Credible
___________ (important adjective here)
The impression that you are any of the things that you want to be is managed by you.  You are in complete control.  Acquiring actual capabilities and smarts takes work, but once you have acquired them, make sure there are no blocks to people seeing these capabilities in you.  One potential block is the visual image you present.  Some tips:

1)  Make sure your outsides match what you are trying to project.  Make a list of 3-4 attributes you want people to think when they first meet you, and make sure your clothes and look project that.  Mine are: energetic, capable, enthusiastic, and charismatic.

2)  Wear clothes that fit well -- this includes having them be not too baggy or too tight, but in length!

3)  Don't let any of your clothes be too revealing.  You want to be attractive -- that's helpful -- but not sexy.

4)  Look around -- what are the executives at your company wearing?  Dress similarly, in your own style.

5)  If you're hopeless, seek help.  Places like Nordstrom's and Macy's offer personal shopping help.  You don't have to buy everything they offer you, but it is a way to learn what's going to look good on you.

6)  Grooming is important too.  Get regular haircuts and teeth cleanings, and keep groomed if not manicured nails.

7)  For people like me especially, the bigger your personality, the quieter your clothes should be.  This helps to balance your image.

8)  This doesn't have to be expensive.  A few staples mixed and matched go a long way.
Whenever you change jobs or are promoted, re-evaluate your look.  

9)  Expect some comments if you end up drastically changing your look.  But take these in stride, and eventually people will forget you ever looked any other way.

What are your best ideas or questions about how to manage your appearance at work?  How much does this matter for your own future success?

Bootstraps: The Beginning

I'm hoping to create a space for inspiration and guidance about moving your career forward. There are a few truths about being successful I will share up front.

1) There is no single manual or guide for succeeding in business, no one source of truth. This is a space to collaborate, dream, plan, plot, experiment and set goals but ultimately, like Sinatra, you'll have to do it your way!

2) None of this is going to move at your speed. Remember that book/ play, "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying?" A quote from that book goes something like this: "Be patient? Don't you realize I've been working here... well, two whole hours now?" I often feel like things are moving too slowly in my own career, and just when I think that, I get trapped in a whirlwind of activity and choices.

3) You can't be perfect. You're going to make mistakes, so accept that up front and make it a part of your process as you proceed on this journey.

4) You need me. And many others along your path. Despite doing it your way, and being authentic to yourself throughout the process, others are critical to the journey.

5) There is no substitute for hard work. Yes, there is working smarter, but this phrase still contains the word work. This isn't about shortcuts or cutting corners, this is about working on what matters and making your work matter so you can succeed.  That's the meaning of bootstraps!  A lot of hard work and a dash of cleverness!

What are your rules and truths?