When you first enter the workplace or are moving into a new industry, you may feel worried about the way you present yourself to your colleagues or potential employers. This is a valid concern; you are judged at a different standard in the workplace or the business world than you were at university or amongst friends. Presenting a professional image is key to the perception people will have of you and your business. Even if you’re totally new to the working world, you can get started with these simple tips.

 

1. Be prepared to network. If you’re starting your own business, you need to present yourself as the face of your enterprise. If you come across poorly, people will be less likely to invest in your ideas or spend money on your product. Running your own business also means that you need to be ‘on’ more often than someone who can go home from the office at 5 and changes straight into sweatpants – you should aim to be ready to network at anytime. Keep nicely designed business cards adelaide on you to hand out wherever you are, and maintain a polite and friendly demeanour to help attract new customers to your business.


2. Dress well. While we’d like to think that people don’t judge us on the clothes we wear, they do set a certain impression that can be difficult to shake off. When it comes to first impressions, the way you dress can be essential. Put away your baggy t-shirts and board shorts and opt for smart, tailored clothes that fit well and blend in with the overall image of a professional person. You don’t have to go overboard and show up to the office in black tie – just make sure you’re fitting in with the office dress code and the general culture of your workplace so you don’t stand out in the wrong ways.


3. Pay attention to your social skills. Not everyone is a natural social butterfly. If you struggle to speak up in a group or communicate well over the phone, these are things you should practice to make sure your social presentation is up to scratch. As a business owner this could be even more important – you may need to use your personality and social savvy to help your business progress. Professionalism means maintaining good manners at all time, regardless of how stressful the day has been.


4. Make an impact with your body language. If you walk into your first day of work slouching and staring at the floor, you’re immediately telling your colleagues and boss that you’re nervous, insecure, and anxious, even if that’s not how you truly feel. Be aware of your body language and aim to use your body to further your professional image. Stand up straight, look people in the eye when you talk, use a firm handshake when meeting new people, and smile frequently to create a friendly impression.


5. Edit your social media presence. The way you come across online has a great impact than you might expect. Check your social media profiles and make sure there’s nothing there that you wouldn’t want your boss to see. Project the same professional image online as you do in the office for a consistently respectable persona.

< Prev		Next >