Successful networking involves making the right first impression, looking professional and representing your company, image, and industry with the highest regard. A professional look involves not just being well dressed but also displaying a professional demeanor. But do professionals who network closely evaluate their image and networking style? Do they wear clothes and attire that is appropriate to events? Do they present an image that is business or social friendly? Is there image consistent with their professional and business behavior? Have professionals considered their way of dress as a hindrance in their networking progress?
There are definitely many things to consider before selecting an outfit to wear to the next networking event. Much of the communication in the first 60 seconds is non verbal and as stated earlier before, having a good first impression is essential in networking success.
Listed below are tips and suggestions for professionals to consider the next time that they choose an ensemble for their networking events and functions.
Pockets
Pros: Pockets are great for carrying business card holders, receipts, papers, keys and electronics during networking events. Professionals are less like to loose or misplace articles. Pockets keep business individuals organized.
Cons: Although pockets are handy and practical, they can also be a networking hindrance. Carrying to many items in your pockets can create noises and distractions. Also, if overstuffed, professionals may loose items which fall out of their pockets. Also, talking or engaging in conversation with your hands in your pockets is an etiquette faux-pas and can be viewed as unprofessional.
Solution: It is ok to wear articles of clothing with pockets, but limit how you use the pockets. Do not over stuff the pockets and ruin the shape of your clothes. Do not fiddle with your pockets when talking with other business professionals.
Shoes
Pros: Wearing clean, neat, stylish and professional shoes is great for creating a professional image. Shoes are the perfect accessory for completing an outfit and should always be polished and well kept. Professionals are encouraged to invest in their footwear and buy quality shoes that they can wear often like a suit or jacket.
Cons: Shoes can be uncomfortable, during networking events, especially if you are standing up for a long period of time. Many people opt for comfort and will wear shoes that may feel good on their feet but do not look professional or properly match their ensemble.
Solution: For women, choose shoes with a moderate size heel and even purchase the shoe in a half size larger and include insoles for comfort and support. For men, choose shoes that are professional looking and match your suit or ensemble properly to create a consistent professional look.
Wallets / Handbags
Pros: We all need to carry wallets or handbags for our money, credit cards, identification and other useful ideas. These are great accessories and can also carry additional information at networking events, conferences, meetings or gatherings. It is also a great way to keep up with business cards, fliers, pamphlets, tickets for parking/transportation etc.
Cons: Wallets and Handbags can be a networking hindrance in several situations. Offer stuffing and not keeping an organized wallet or handbag can be viewed and messy and distracting.
Solution: After each or one or two networking events, empty or re-organize your wallet and handbags. Throw out waste, garbage or irrelevant items and only keep what you find to be relevant and useful. Place useful information in a box, envelop or storage container with similar items from your networking events.
By: Chi Chi Okezie
© 2010 Understanding Home Networking
