If you are one of those people who stretch the working day to the limit and regularly go to professional events to make quality contacts, in other words professional networking, these tips are for you.
You already know where to find your target audience or where to promote yourself, so the time has come to get out of the office and meet potential clients, collaborators, talent…
You have to be a chameleon and adapt to the type of event you are going to, so find out beforehand so you don’t turn up in a suit and tie at a meeting where everyone is dressed casually.
Take the greatest care of your appearance from head to toe, just as if you were going to an important job interview: you have to make the most of yourself.
Buy yourself a good suit
First impressions are what count
Before leaving home or the office for a meeting, take a look at yourself from top to bottom in any mirror.
• Hair: Always clean; find a style that suits you and fits the shape of your face, and if you have dandruff, tackle it. If you wear it long, keep it well groomed.
• Eyebrows: If you have a caveman’s monobrow or very bushy eyebrows, there is nothing wrong with getting them tidied up.
• Beard, goatee or moustache: Simply well trimmed, and only if they suit you.
• Teeth: Look after your smile. Stained teeth? And of course look after your breath; if it is awful, it can close more than one door to you. Keep chewing gum, mints or a toothbrush with you.
• Tie: It will say a lot about you and your personality, so match it well with the shirt and suit you are wearing. Plain colours are best; steer clear of odd little patterns or cartoon characters. Ask your partner or friends for advice. And if a tie isn’t necessary, so much the better.
• Shirt: Keep your shirts well ironed, plain or checked but nothing loud. There are colours you can’t do without, such as white, blue or pink; 2 of each is enough, and don’t skimp on the price, as a good shirt will last you longer. Also have a couple of double-cuff shirts for the odd gala or black-tie dinner.
• Cufflinks: They still add a touch of elegance. Basically pretty, original and simple.
• Suit: As with shirts, don’t skimp on cost. Take your suits to the dry cleaner’s regularly as soon as they start to look shiny. You can’t do without a good navy blue suit and a grey suit. You should have 2 or 3, if you can, for each season, autumn/winter and spring/summer. If your finances aren’t too healthy, buy them at the end of the season or at an outlet.
• Trousers: well ironed, with a sharp crease, falling just above the heel of your shoe and fitted to your waist, so you don’t look like you’re off fishing in the river.
• Belt: Always matched to the colour of your trousers or shoes, so have a black one, a brown one and a navy blue one. Discreet: no weird buckles with skulls and the like.
• Watch: It is the perfect accessory and will also say a lot about you. You can match the colour of the strap with your belt or the colour of your shirt. Invest in a couple of good, elegant, branded watches, and leave the promotional or sports ones for the weekend.
• Shoes: Clean and shiny, well polished; keep an eye on wear on the uppers and the soles. Make sure you have a good pair of black shoes in case you have to go to a black-tie event.
• Socks: Over-the-calf executive socks are a good option; you should have black, navy blue and brown. The same colour as your trousers or shoes. As with ties, leave the cartoon ones for the kids.
• Fragrances: A deodorant that won’t let you down, with a neutral scent, and a pleasant fragrance that doesn’t overwhelm the person in front of you, used sparingly.
• Briefcase: If you carry a document holder or a briefcase in leather or another material for your laptop, make sure it is in perfect condition.
I hope you’ll feel like a fish in water and make the best impression at the events you go to. The next post is for the female networkers 😉
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