Keeping Up Appearances

8 Ways To Keep Up Your Personal Brand.

Whether it is an interview, a client meeting, a networking event or a social function, keeping up an appearance is important. Combine nerves, excitement, overzealousness or whatever it might be, with alcohol or a caffeine fix and it can be difficult to maintain.

Everyone’s style might be different, everyone’s personal or professional brand will be different, however, what is important is to leave a lasting impression for the right reasons.

A few quick tips for those in the profession, whether at a CA or CPA event, meeting a recruiter, a cloud-based seminar or a tax networking group, here are eight ways to maintain the brand:

1) Business Cards:

Even in today’s technology filled world nothing works quite like handing out a business card (it can still include your social media information). It’s quicker than pulling out your phone and adding a contact or sending a LinkedIn connection request, especially if there’s no service, and leaves a lasting impression. Make sure you’ve got a few stocked in your wallet or jacket when heading to your next function.

2) Timing is key:

Timing is everything when asking for a pay rise. Your company might have a set structure when awarding pay increases – know your policies prior to the meeting so that you go in armed with the facts.

3) Take notes:

We’ve already established that collecting business cards is great, but if you have no way of remembering why you want to connect further with that person then they won’t get you very far. Be sure to have some way to take notes (phone, notepad etc) and jot down a few thoughts about why and how you want to connect with someone at a later date.

4) Take time to make a real connection:

When you’ve become attuned to a new acquaintance, take the time to find out how you might be able to help each other out. Working the room and speaking with everyone you set eyes upon isn’t the way to go about leaving a good impression. Quality time, not quantity.

5) Seem engaged:

Keep eye contact with who you’re speaking to. Nod your head and tilt your body towards them when you’re speaking. These small cues go a long way towards making them feel like you care, which helps you to build rapport and trust: the foundation on which you can later do business.

6) Your stance:

Make an effort to stand in a manner that is open and welcoming, rather than blocking people out of your conversation. Are you leaning on something, as if bored or tired? Are you unable to shake hands because you’re juggling a plateful of food? Make sure before you enter a room to check your shoulders are pulled back and your arms are slightly away from your body – a posture of openness, confidence and self esteem.

7) Be well groomed:

The Oxford Dictionary definition of well-groomed is, ‘Clean, tidy, and smart’. Appearing smart and well groomed helps you to come across as well organised, attentive and that you really want to be there.

8) Follow up:

You’ve got their business card / email / LinkedIn information, now’s the time to use it! Within a couple of days send a quick note letting them know what a pleasure it was to meet them. If you’ve promised to do or provide something for them make sure you’ve stuck to your word and produced the goods.

Lawson Delaney is a leading executive search and professional recruitment firm based in Melbourne. We specialise in recruiting CEOs and leadership teams, and accountants of all seniorities for Accounting firms. Contact us on 03 9946 7300 or support@lawsondelaney.com.au to learn more about how we can assist you with a vacancy or new role today.