In todays fast paced, professional and social environment, we want to create an instant connection with those we meet. Unfortunately, the intial engagement with those who do not know us can also leave a negative impression.

These are few tips that will help you have a positive impact.

• Your facial expressions must be relaxed and softened with a casual smile – it needs to say, “I want to meet you.”
• Eye contact is critical; so form an easy lock into their eyes with the initial greeting
• Relax your body language
• Maintain an appropriate personal space—about one arm’s length
• Use a proper handshake—firm and easy

Keep these critical elements in mind when you first meet someone. You will create a positve first impression that will last.

After you select the colors that flatter you and determine that your clothing fits like a glove, the final step is style. That is what brings everything together.

Style is an understanding of what works best for you.

It is knowing that your visual impact will always be smart and contemporary.

It is creating an instant impact when someone meets you and gets your look.

It is deciding on the hairstyle, make-up (for women) and eyewear enhancments that complete your style.

Once you understand your color, clothing fit and develop your unique sense of style, you will always create a powerful impact that will always separate you from the crowd.

It is very rare that you will be able to buy clothing right off the rack and have it fit like a glove. (The tailor/seamstress should be your best friend!)

Here are some common mistakes on fit that will make you appear heavier than you are:

• Slacks that look too wide
• Skirts that are too boxy
• Shirts that have too much material in the back and on the sides.

In addition, sleeves and hem lengths on skirts and slacks are some other areas people neglect. Besides looking sloppy, neglecting sleeves and hems will also make you look heavier.

Avoid these fashion fit faux pas and your clothing will always look like it was custom made for you.

These are three key things you can to do to elevate your presence that will set you apart from your peers without you having to spend a ton of money. We will cover them in the next three blogs.

Wearing the right color:

• Will add color to your skin (even when you are worn to a frazzle)
• Can make you look thinner
• Can make you look taller

Color can send messages:

• Dark colors create authority
• Light colors create approachability
• High contrast colors will create drama

When you use color to your advantage, it will become your best friend. It will add subtle impressions and project strength. It will add richness to your overall impact.

“Orange combines the energy of red and the happiness of yellow. It is associated with joy, sunshine, and the tropics. Orange represents enthusiasm, fascination, happiness, creativity, determination, attraction, success, encouragement, and stimulation.”

When we think of orange pumpkins, Halloween comes to mind. Orange by definition is a wonderful color. It can be worn with many colors other than black.

If you wear it with navy, brown and grey, you will not look like Halloween. You will look smart.

Here are some suggestions for wearing orange:

• Orange sweater combination with navy, camel or gray slacks
• A touch of orange in a tie for men
• A knit orange scarf wrapped around a neck
• Light orange nail polish for fun (women only)
• Darker orange sweater set with gray (women only)

Matching orange with these different color combinations will remind us of the fall season and bring a smile to those around us.

We all know someone is always upset. They are constantly yelling or angry. They hold others responsible for problems that they- the chronically inflamed—have created.

Or, the person who lets everyone know that they are the only one who knows how to do something perfectly.

We cannot change them. But we do want to be sure we do not become one of them.

Be aware of the following triggers so you will not become one of the chronically inflamed:

• Raising your voice when talking to someone about a problem
• Looking for the fault in a situation that is not related to you
• Saying- I would of done it this way and it would have been perfect

Life is challenging. Unfortunately, it is all too easy to fall into the trap of being upset all the time and blaming everyone else. Instead, if we look at solutions for problems, we will avoid being one of the folks everyone calls chronically inflamed.

“A first impression is a self–filling prophecy.”

Malcolm Gladwell, author of the bestselling books, Blink and The Tipping Point, wrote this. It is so true. How many times have I witnessed the difference between a confident and a non-confident person entering a room? You can see the difference with the poor body language and lack of facial expression being displayed by the person lacking confidence.

Confident people can lead and motivate those around them. What is it that gives these people confidence?

Is it that new piece of clothing in the right color and fit that showcases you perfectly? Can it be as simple as a new haircut and style, a new piece of jewelry or reading a book that validates your work?

Many times it is a combination of possessing both a feel good and an authentic attitude.
Keeping track of your wins and learning from your mistakes is also critical.

I also say that if you own your confidence in an inclusive manner, the world will offer you so many opportunities that you cannot imagine.

Your purse or briefcase should never look too big or overstuffed. An over-stuffed bag is bulging at the seams. In today’s world, the person carrying the essentials only, looks like a person in control as opposed to being controlled by too much “stuff.”

Essential items include a cell phone or PDA (which serves as a phone, camera and calendar). Next are your grooming items like a comb, lipstick and face powder. You will also need a wallet for cash and cards. The last item for the brief case is a portfolio and maybe a laptop.

Keep it simple. Carry only what you need. Not only will it make life easier, you will appear to be more in control.

Choosing the right jacket for a man depends on several elements. First of all, it does not matter how tall or how short you are. Go for the right fit whether you wear a jacket in short, regular or tall sizes. Consider these tips:

• Jacket length: The back of the jacket should always cover your butt.
• Jacket shoulders: The shoulder should always end at the point of where your arms meet the shoulder. It does not matter if the shoulder is a relaxed or straight style jacket.
• Jacket lapels: The lapels are a matter of fashion style but the lapels should balance your chest size meaning if you have a wide chest portion wise chose a wider lapel.

If you use these tips when selecting a jacket– you will always look like you are wearing a custom fitted item.

The biggest challenge most folks face in the business world is protecting their professional brand. The most significant mistakes begin with being careless with their image. Here are the seven most common areas of neglect:

1. Lack of impact- Appearing nondescript because of poor facial expressions (lack of a warm smile)
2. Weak body language- Slouching which shows lack of confidence
3. Inappropriate clothing choices – Business casual does not mean beach wear.
4. Old fashion style shoes- Tips too round or square
5. Ragged cuticles and nails
6. Chipped nail polish for women
7. Dated hair style

Your professional brand must always appear current and appropriate for your industry. You never know whom you will meet at any given moment.