Professional Image: Spot Check

One of life’s most embarrassing preventable moments: “OMG! Why didn’t someone tell me I had lettuce stuck in my teeth?”

If only people had the guts to tell you the truth, we wouldn’t have to feel like dried up raisins in the sun, lose self-confidence, look a “hot mess,” or crawl under a rock from sheer humiliation.

Don’t blame others – SPOT CHECK! Before your next meeting, interview or face-to-face, check the mirror and ask yourself or someone, honestly, “Do I look presentable, appropriate, and approachable?”

10 Simple Spot Check Rules:

1. Dress for Success not Dollars
2. Clear the Debris: Eyes, Nose, Teeth (ENT)
3. Coif the Mane
4. Cosmetic Clown: Soft, Simple, Subtle Make-Up
5. Color Coordinate: Shoes & Socks, Jacket & Pants or Skirt
6. Zip the Zipper
7. Peek-A-Boo: I See Tattoo
8. Dimples + Lines=Too Light & Too Tight
9. Positive Posture: No Slump Dumps
10. Smile. Express Enthusiasm!

Success is never final. Click Success with Etiquette: Book of Etiquette to learn proven methods on how to enhance your business and social skills to win in today’s competitive global market. Success with Etiquette: Book of Etiquette is required course material for Austin Community College Hospitality Management Program.

Success with Etiquette: Book of Etiquette is a concise guide to valuable etiquette techniques and effective communication skills to boost your professional image, grow your revenue, advance your career, and build client/customer loyalty with positive first impressions.

Shawn E. Gilleylen is a business etiquette expert, professional speaker, corporate trainer, and author. She is the founder of Administrative Support Associates, a firm specializing in business etiquette training and workplace communication. Shawn helps businesses ensure best practices become standard procedures which result in enhanced customer experience, efficient operations, and higher profitability. Shawn keynotes at conferences, conducts etiquette trainings/workshops, and one-on-one coaching.