Think that your style and image don’t impact your career trajectory? If so, you are misinformed, my friend— they 100% do. In fact, your image has the power to make or break every opportunity that comes your way. Moreover – it can have a positive OR negative effect on what doors open for you in the first place! Let’s talk about the hard truth: your image and your success.
Six months out of college, I’d heard about an opportunity to go on an international sourcing trip around the world with my fashion company’s creative and production team. I wanted it so badly, but I thought there was no way I’d get chosen. Despite being more than qualified, I was so green! But thankfully, there was a senior executive who said, “Who is that young woman that dresses so well? Send her! She will represent us well. Robin will get the job done!” And BAM – this opportunity changed the entire trajectory of my career. And it was all because I looked the part! It opened a door for me that wouldn’t have been available if I hadn’t put any effort into my professional appearance. (This is why I believe so passionately in the Polished mission, my friend. Because it worked for me!)
3 Questions to Help You Tackle The Hard Truth: Your Image and Your Success
If you’re serious about your career and your future, and you want to make an impact – listen up! Ask yourself these questions before getting dressed in the morning. And they may seem like no brainers… but they’re surprisingly easy to forget:
- Where am I going? Are you working from home? Taking an off-site lunch meeting? Running a huge presentation at the office? Build a look that’s appropriate for your environment!
- Who am I going to see? Find out who the gatekeepers of your next opportunity are… and make sure they see you how you want them to see you.
- What kind of first impression do I want to make? Think back to the first impressions you had of the women who are where you want to be. What were they wearing? How did they hold themselves? Channel them as you plan your look for the day!
As a Polished woman, you’re likely already working hard to show that you’re qualified for and open to new growth opportunities. But if you’re not getting picked for them, you’re likely missing your nonverbal cues. Your appearance has the power to communicate all of that before you say a single word. Let’s keep it real, my friend – we don’t live in a world where we get chosen for most things on merit alone. (And that’s especially true for women!) And we just aren’t doing ourselves any favors by wishing it was different. BUT. You can shift your perspective and be thankful that you have one aspect you can control. So grab onto the damn reins, girl!
If you’re ready to level up how you show up, then join me for The Spring 2024 Level Up Workshop – LIVE! Come learn the tools to cultivate a clear, confident, and professional image that aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and personal taste. Click HERE to register today – hurry, because spots are limited! I can’t wait to see you April 27th in Washington DC!
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