A signature brand can be a color that is recognized as belonging to an item or person. Take McDonalds, for example. McDonalds’ signature colors are red and yellow. Apple’s signature is the apple with a bite missing. For Anna Wintour of Vogue, it is her hair cut. Eyewear has now become an easy way to make a statement and be a brand. For Simon Sinek, it is his colorless eye frames. Consider choosing a color or jewelry pieces that can be worn constantly.

In virtual meetings and on FaceTime, grooming is more important than ever, as the camera enhances flaws. Using a bit of lipstick and blush goes a long way. To enhance engagement virtually, individuals must be able to see the best in you. Do a quick check up before the meeting begins to see that everything is in place. I remember seeing my hair on the back of my head sticking up and it caused me to be distracted throughout the meeting.

Using social media tools can help individuals feel engaged with the outside world. Posting items can open the door to your world and that of others – helping to make and to keep connections. Posting personal pictures of pets, flowers, and food items are fun ways for individuals to enjoy a connection with another person, even if only virtually. Many people also find that asking for help or posting questions for reactions is useful.

Roger Love, the number one singing and speech coach for celebrities, recommends speaking in full sentences to help prevent the “ums” and “aws”. Pauses are a great tool to use to prevent filler words and ramblings. Engaging the audience will also help bring focus to the conversation and help pace speech. Racing to talk causes filler words. It is best to think before you speak, use a pause, or just say “give me a moment to gather my thoughts”. Strong statements build confidence with the audience. Avoid beginning sentences with the words “I think.” Instead, use the end results as a beginning. For example, instead of saying “I think we should use . . . “ say “We should use . . . “ Keeping these communication tips in mind will help build confidence for you and for the audience.

The individuals who consistently are well liked and respected are the ones who always greet those around them with a smile. Recently, I attended a family function with a combination of two different families. Members of the families did not know each other. One of the couples arrived and did not say hello because they were in the midst of a disagreement with a member of the other family. What does that say about the first impression they made on people they did not know—or even on people who knew them well? It took the group nearly two days to warm up to each other. If the couple had walked in, said hello, and stopped for a few minutes to chat, everyone may have warmed up more quickly and been more comfortable.

Whether attending a business social event or just a personal social event, there are some key rules to follow in order to be a gracious guest:

Promptly let the host know whether you are attending the event or not (RSVP).

Let the host know if you are going to be late.

Make the host aware ahead of time if there are certain food allergies or food requirements (ex. vegan or vegetarian) of which they should be aware. (Depending on the situation and event, the host may or may not be able to accommodate food requests.)

Send a thank you gift or note within a week after attending the event.

Arriving on time or early to a commitment you’ve made is a key element of being a true professional. Recently, an organization I was working with told me that one of their major complaints was about people who were always late—whether to work, meetings, or interviews. Some people think that being late indicates they have high demands on their time (which may be true). However, it shows a lack of respect for the individuals they keep waiting and the time those individuals are wasting while waiting. Being late discounts a person’s professionalism and any capital, they may have previously earned.

It’s always been who knows you not who you know. The who knows you is your capital in business as well as socially. Building deep relationships through regular contact is best. However, because of busy schedules, getting together for a cup of coffee is not always doable. Being involved in activities where natural connections are made through committee memberships or event participation works best.

A recent photo of Megan Markle wearing a dark nail polish at a formal event spurred the question- why not a neutral color? I believe she wanted to make a statement focusing on the nails rather than the dress.

However, for an accent, my preference tends toward a less dramatic color, maybe a gray a neutral one (OPI sells very popular nail polish in these color tones, for instance). This brings up the dramatic nail color changes from multicolor to dark to sparkles to even different nail colors on each finger of the same hand! If you live in a fashion environment, wearing dramatic nail colors are the norm, it works. Perfectly groomed, neutral color nails, always make an elegant statement in any setting.

The moment one walks in the door, before any words are spoken, folks will have decided unconsciously to remember or not remember you. Working with executives, they want to know: Do you represent the professional, personal, and the organizational brand well? Can you be a face of the organization?

To burnish your brand, Here are some items to keep in mind:
• Projecting confidence is number one. This includes the walk, posture, facial expression (smile), and a sense of where you are going.
• Clothing choices will connect you the audience through a choice of familiarity or for a shock effect.
• Elegance is a critical component.

Also, assume the audience will know nothing about you.