Your Image is in the Details

I recently met a woman business owner at a networking meeting who was around 60 years old.  She had a short, stylish haircut, bold, modern earrings and necklace, an up-to-date gray tunic sweater, black leggings and black boots. She was carrying an orange leather tote bag and wearing well-done make-up. Her nails were short and polished a dark color. I realized the importance of her entire, overall image, and how she truly looked like a business owner with whom I would want to do business. 

I couldn't say the same thing about every woman in the room.  I saw over-grown hair styles, ill-fitting clothing, too-long nails and other details that made some of the women look less impressive.  They probably had knowledge and competence equal to the first woman, but it wasn't obvious by how they presented themselves.   

The differences in these women is in both their clothing and the little things. Every detail counts, especially in a business setting. Even if you don' t notice the small things, when they are combined to present an overall image, they send a clear message--good or bad.

Women who don't update their style in even the smallest ways appear to be behind the times and might cause others to question their abilities or relevance in the job market.

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Patty Pacelli is an editor, author, entrepreneur, wife and mother of two adult children, Briana and Trevor. She is the co-creator of the Six-Word Lessons Series along with her husband Lonnie.  She is the author of Six-Word Lessons to Look Your Best and Six-Word Lessons for Autism Friendly Workplaces.

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