RETURN TO WRITING STRATEGIES

Your Professional Image: How to Look Your Best
By Terri Mrosko

You've polished your manuscript, extensively marketed your product, and succeeded in selling your book to an interested publisher. Soon it will be time to make the promotional rounds to introduce your book to the buying public.

You've set up booksignings at several local book stores, secured a brief spot on the morning news show, and agreed to give promotional talks at one or two luncheons in the coming weeks.

You've thought of everything--professionally-designed book jacket, colorful bio sheets to pass out with your book, and a brand new engraved pen that writes so fluidly, it will be a breeze to autograph yet another one of your books from a never-ending pile.

You are ready--now, how do you look?

Writing can be such a solitary endeavor that we may overlook the basics when presented with an opportunity to appear in public. Be it booksignings, talks, presentations, meeting with clients or editors, or simply networking with others in the field, looking your best may mean the difference in making the sale, signing the client, or getting the assignment.

To be taken seriously as a professional writer, you need to present a professional appearance. A professional image conveys success, respect, and confidence. It takes only two to ninety seconds for someone to form a bridge or a barrier to another person, which means first impressions are absolute make-or-break contacts.

Researchers tell us that less than 10 percent of the impression we leave is based on the information we provide. The rest is based on appearance or image. How do you ensure the first impression you make is the most professional and polished it can be?

Certified image consultant Pat Bayerl of Bayerl & Associates states that 55 percent of judgments are made based on what is seen visually, as opposed to 38 percent based on voice and message. That means what you wear or how you are seen is the most important factor in making the right connection.

Dress for Success

If you want to be perceived as a professional, you have to dress the part. Bayerl says the traditional "dress for success" concepts still apply today and remain virtually unchanged from years past.

The image consultant said she learned early in her career that dressing for success doesn't take money; it takes knowledge. Get to know your personal color scheme-what works specifically for you-to add credibility and impact.

"Color is the foundation," says Bayerl, who knows never to wear black with her light-complexioned, fair features. Aggressive or strong women, and all men, might heed the same advice to stay away from black. It can negatively impact your image. The key is, however, to know what works best for you.

The best color for both men and women is navy. It is the most relatable color and the one color that most exemplifies "professionalism." Navy represents a position of authority, and the person wearing it will be able to get even the most detailed of information across to his or her audience.

Bayerl recommends the ultimate power suit for men: blue jacket, white shirt and a red tie. For women, she is partial to the navy suit dress or the new "duster" jackets over a dress or three-piece slacks outfit.

A New Attitude

Slowly over the past ten years, the professionally sharp-dressed image has given way to a less conservative, more self-expressive approach. Casual-dress attire has become commonplace in business and at social events. However, in recent years, there is a new push toward the more tailored look.

Dressing up can give you a completely new outlook. It can uplift your attitude and add confidence and poise. When speaking in front of others or interacting with the public, you need all the confidence-building help you can get. Remember the adage "Dress to where you're going, not where you are now."

Don't make the mistake of appearing "too casual" when promoting yourself. A relaxed attitude will not translate well to your audience. The way you dress is in large part the way you communicate and often more important than the speech itself.

Jackets and suits say "successful." To enhance your tailored look, stick with the dark suit, traditional shirt or blouse and black lace-up shoes or pumps. You will not go wrong with this simple and polished look.

Pay attention to your mannerisms as well. Body language is a form of communication and your audience will react to the way you move. It is especially important not to adjust your clothes or hair while speaking because it diminishes your personal power.

More Tips

Bayerl offers these additional "dress for success" tips:

For women:
- Out of style portrays a lack of success. Don't confuse classic with "out of style."
- Monochromatic from head to toe equates to higher stature and more respect.
- Statistically speaking, women who wear makeup make more money.
- Shoes should be the same color or darker as your outfit.
- Hose should be the same color base as your garment.
- Your handbag should be the same color or lighter than your shoes.

For men:
- Men should never wear black.
- Wear the same color socks as your pants. Socks should be knee-length.
- Your watch band has to match any other jewelry (such as rings)
- Crisp is the watchword for men. Ties are a must.

Maintaining a professional image is the most important thing you can do for yourself as a writer and businessperson. The way you look when you promote your work and yourself will speak louder than the words you choose and make a long-lasting impression on future endeavors. The professionalism you show in your appearance will spill over onto all your work and serve as the ultimate reflection of your success as a writer.