Looking Beyond The Clothes

Presenting yourself to create the impression you desire, before you even say a word, involves several key elements that goes beyond your clothing. You may not consciously be aware of these elements, but they definitely influence how you are perceived.

NOTE: To provide help in the clothes you wear the previous post lists five tips to keep in mind when choosing your clothes to ensure you deliver the message you intend.

Have you ever experienced being in a room full of people when one person walks in and captures your attention? Then you find yourself observing this person and feeling a bit like you want what they have. However, when you are pressed to identify what has captured your attention you’re unsure how to articulate what ‘it’ is. 

The Observation

The first thing that catches your eye is how well dressed this person is. Then you observe the ease with which this person moves around the room and engages in conversation with others. You would describe this person as confident, savvy, smart, professional, engaging and trustworthy. 

WAIT! You got all that just from observation? What you really want to pin point now is the specific behaviour this person demonstrates and what it is they are doing that you want to do.

Breaking IT Down

To make the invisible visible let's consciously breakdown the cues this person is using to stand out in a crowd so you too can apply them:

¬ Wear clothes that look good and fit well. Dress for the level of success you want. Not sure if your clothes are suited to your aspirations? Ask a trusted friend or sales person at your favourite retail store who's style you admire. Ask the right people to get the feedback that supports you.

¬ Carry yourself with confidence. That means head up and shoulders back. No one gets a thumbs up when they walk into a room looking shy or nervous with their head down and their shoulders slumped.

¬ Initiate a handshake and introduce yourself instead of waiting for others. Make sure it is a firm handshake to reflect confidence.

¬ Make eye contact when introducing yourself or in conversation with others. This is important to create a connection and build trust.

¬ Be fully present. The greatest gift you can give others is to be focused and fully committed to the conversation you are engaged in. Giving your complete attention makes others feel respected. If you are preoccupied mentally others will feel it.

¬ Approach situations with a positive attitude. Use language that is uplifting and stay open to  ideas that are discussed.

¬ Manage your energy. Showing up rested and energized makes you more appealing. People want to be around others that are positive and engaged in life. It is inspiring.

To increase the impact of your brand presence and get noticed, consider being more conscious of the seven different elements listed above.  Notice how others respond to you. Please share how implementing any of the above elements has changed the response you have get from others. 

Align yourself with what matters most to you. Live your brand fully expressed with intention and purpose to play bigger!

Dorothy Lazovik is President of Authentic Leader’s Edge. She is a Personal Brand Strategist, trainer, speaker and coach. Interested in learning more and wanting to connect with Dorothy you can at www.authenticleadersedge.com.

What About Fun?

You can just have it. It is easy. It is something you can do everyday. It takes no more effort than not having fun. It gives you something to look forward to. It leads to laughter. It feels good. It makes being with other people more enjoyable. It raises your energy. It makes you feel like a kid. It becomes a habit if you let it. 

I recently went to a small island with a group of strangers to have the experience of swimming with wild dolphins. I never traveled with a group before or roomed with a stranger. It was totally out of my comfort zone though swimming with the dolphins was one of those things I always wanted to do. 

The trip of swimming with the dolphins was presented as a way to integrate more fun and play into my life. My hand shot up and I was in. I thought who doesn’t want more of that!!!

Swimming with these beautiful creatures was amazing. The experience of connection I felt with the group of strangers changed me. The fun and laughter that we indulged in was effortless.

This was accomplished first by saying yes to something that was outside of my comfort zone. Add in going with the mindset of playing and having fun. This also happened with a group of people I didn't know. These strangers now feel like family. 

What holds you back from having more fun?

What can you say YES to that gets you outside of your comfort zone and creates more fun?

What would change for you if you shifted your mindset to embracing fun daily? 

Go! Have more fun!! If not now, when? It is really so much easier than you think!!!

Would love to hear your stories on how you implement having fun in your life. Post them in the comments below and share the impact it has on how others see you.

Align yourself with what matters most to you. Live your brand fully expressed with intention and purpose to play bigger!

Dorothy Lazovik is President of Authentic Leader’s Edge. She is a Personal Brand Strategist, trainer, speaker and coach. Interested in learning more and wanting to connect with Dorothy you can at www.authenticleadersedge.com.

Do You Mean That?

The last blog post was about how words impact your energy, expose how you see the world and influence other people’s perceptions of you. 

This post is a continuum on words, focused on using the best words to clearly express what you mean. Being impeccable with your words can help you stand out and create the impression you desire. 

Say what you mean and follow through on what you say!

“I’m Sorry”

For instance I had to reschedule a Saturday morning breakfast with a friend recently because I was presented with an opportunity to attend an amazing workshop that I didn’t want to pass up. When it came time to break this news to my friend, it was harder than expected to choose the right words. 

I found myself starting the email with “I am sorry,” then “I regret.” I decided not to tiptoe around the topic and to simply state what was true: “I am writing to let you know I was presented with an amazing opportunity to attend a weekend event and will have to reschedule our breakfast.” 

It felt good to be honest and direct. The response from my friend was supportive and we rescheduled for the following week. Saying it like it was allowed me to talk about the workshop when I did meet with my friend versus feeling badly about rescheduling.

Words provide us with an opportunity to communicate our message effectively and truthfully. Who was I attempting to protect by saying ‘sorry’ or expressing ‘regret’? How many of us say I’m sorry when we actually have nothing to be sorry about? If we say what we mean there is never a reason for regret. 

“I Can’t”

“I can’t do that.” I hear people use this often without considering what the word can’t implies. Saying can’t means that you’re unable to perform a task. It can also be interpreted as your unwillingness to even attempt the task. Knowing this, what is the perception someone creates when they say “I can’t?” 

If a person has the ability to complete a particular task though for whatever reason feels strongly about not doing it, it is best to be honest. You can say “I won’t do that,” “I have no intention of ever doing that” or “I choose not to do that.” Being direct and certain will also leave less room for misinterpretation. 

Ask yourself, do you ever say can’t to just let yourself off the hook for doing something OR is it just easier than saying you don’t want to? 

Words do influence the perception you create so use the words that accurately represent what you mean. Choose your words wisely!

“Call Me” 

How about when bump into an old friend who you no longer hangout with? You chat briefly until one of you suggests that you’ll call to get together though you both know it will probably never happen. 

When people share this kind of story I always ask why they verbally “commit” to something they know they will never follow through on? The answer is consistently the same; they feel it is the easiest way to end the conversation comfortably.

False promises may feel easy in the moment though they do eventually catch up with you. Isn’t it easier to be honest and say “It was lovely bumping into you?” That way, the next time you cross paths you’ll have nothing to regret or feel bad about.

You become known not only for your word but also how you honor your word. If you say you are going to do something do it. If you have no intention of doing it, don’t commit. Follow through and consistently is a big part in establishing a trusted brand. 

“I’ll Be There” 

A friend and I were having lunch recently when our waiter, told us about a charity drive he was sponsoring. I was interested in contributing so I asked when it was and how I could help. He told me the date, location and expressed how great it would be if I came. I told him I would be there.  

When I showed up, he was shocked! He told me he didn’t really expect me to come.

Why is it so shocking when someone actually does what they say? Isn’t that what we should expect? Can people expect that from you? 

Follow through is essential to building trust and establishing what others can expect from you every time.

What do you want your word to mean? What do you want your brand to stand for? Can people count on you or not?

It would be great to have you weigh in and let us know if you are a person others can count on or how using your words more honestly has affected your brand and/or relationships?

Align yourself with what matters most to you. Live your brand fully expressed with intention and purpose to play bigger!

Dorothy Lazovik is President of Authentic Leader’s Edge. She is a Personal Brand Strategist, trainer, speaker and coach. Interested in learning more and wanting to connect with Dorothy you can at www.authenticleadersedge.com.