What message are you giving?
Is it clear to people you speak with exactly what you do and for whom? When I’m out networking, some of the business owners I meet are building more than one business. Nothing wrong with that at all – except when they try to promote all of them within one short sixty second pitch. Then I get confused and switch off. It’s important to keep the message simple and clear if you want to be remembered.
Your personal presentation
If your business requires you to get ‘down & dirty’ – perhaps as a gardener or plumber – then no-one expects you to wear a suit & tie to networking meetings. But if you want introductions to businesses as, say a book-keeper or sales trainer, looking the part will help.
Your marketing materials
With the internet there are many low-cost opportunities to promote your business and even printing costs have become more affordable. But inexpensive doesn’t mean marketing materials need to look ‘cheap’ or amateur. Again, it depends on what business you’re in, but think what impression that dog-eared business card with crossings-out might give to the person you hand it to.
Order and Organisation
Some people just seem to be tidy by nature. Everything about them is crisp and neat, from a freshly laundered shirt to that well-organised folio. Other people appear rumpled and leave a trail of chaos behind them, unable to find anything in a bulging briefcase. Which appearance gives you more confidence in their ability to do a good job?
How you present yourself and your business to the outside world is often a very good indication of how ready you are for success.
Has success been avoiding you? If so, I’d love you to leave a comment below, and please share this post if you found it helpful.
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