How is your VISUAL inventory?

"Appearance is something absolute, but reality is not that way -- everything is interdependent, not absolute."                                                                             ~Dalai Lama

Linked In is a magnificent portal for enlightening business articles, self-improvement, business etiquette, leadership that allows one to attract and connect with a vast number of thought provocateurs, inspirational professionals. Many would argue that it is largely used by recruiters, job seekers and sales professionals. That may be, however, I like to think it fuels perceptions and first impressions for anyone brave enough to put up a profile and get involved by reading, commenting or sharing valuable content.

Whether you are a job seeker, sales professional or executive promoting your organization or "YOU, Inc." it is wise to manage the perception, especially when it transcends into an interview for a job or meeting with an important client or potential customer.

Do you take stock or inventory of your image? There are loads of articles on Linked In and elsewhere that offer wise advice on professional appearance, attire and conduct. Still, I recommend you examine how that all stacks up. I suggest that you match your professional inventory with your visual inventory:

• Is your photo recent? Similar to dating, when people meet you, they don't want to be alarmed that your photo is decades old and the real person is much older. That can be considered misleading.
• Are you smiling in your photo at least? It is wise to present warmth and an inviting personality
• Do you take care in your appearance in person? A professional photo is wonderful on Linked In, however, if you don't take the same care and attention to that first visual, the other party may be disappointed if you don't match up. Dirty fingernails or super long funky nails may be a turn off.
• Are your shoes shined? I've read years ago that gentlemen should have shined shoes because that is where people gravitate towards looking at. It is not limited to fellows only. Take a minute and go into the washroom and wash your hands and use the damp towlette to wipe your shoes done at least.
• A firm handshake exudes confidence while I would say that a nice smile displays confidence underscored by a warm personality. Check those teeth in the mirror to ensure no leftovers are stuck in between.
• Pleasant body odor. Girls don't plaster on the perfume to cover unpleasant smells and guys unload the cologne. If you have to smoke to squash the nerves, that can turn off a lot of people. Personal hygiene is critical in first impressions and should never be overlooked.
• Are you a surprise? Your tone in communications, your resume, your qualifications may be impressive. However, if the greeter has somehow anticipated a bubbly blonde enthusiast and you show up dark and foreboding, that meeting or interview may be really short.
• Do you fit the look or culture of your audience? Abundant reminders are out there to do your homework .... check out the photos of those influential on their web site and try to mirror their image in a way that is not over the top or too obvious.
• Did you connect with the person you are meeting with? It never is a waste to at least look up the person you're scheduled to meet on Linked In. If you extend an invitation, it should at least encourage the recipient to check your profile out as well as demonstrate that you are going beyond investigating the company, it shows you are interested to learn more about the person you are meeting.
• Ladies: cleavage or shirt skirts don't belong in the board room, interview or reception. Guys: casual or business casual is a fine line you may lose balance on. Don't under estimate the importance of the service, the customer, the position's meaning to your audience. If you show respect for the importance of your audience by how your dress, your message will be absorbed effectively.

There is an ugly side to first impressions. Chewing gum in any business environment is a pet peeve of mine because most don't chew discretely. Unfortunately, race, color, gender, age can knock you out before you even get to say hello, use that firm handshake, exude that confidence, personality plus. If your audience is going to be that tacky or miserably unwelcoming, at least if you have a profile up on Linked In with you smiling proudly and looking professional. Remember that invite so they will at least have the option to check you out? If they have any bias, you can be relieved if you aren't invited in for an interview or do business with them.

You can avoid any unpleasantness by following a few of these basic tips. I'm certain their are oodles more out there. Take the time to do your own visual inventory. Everything else is gravy because you did get a foot in the door already. Give your visual inventory the same care and attention that you did for that resume, white paper, sales pitch, whatever.

"I think that being happy makes the biggest impact on your physical appearance."

~Drew Barrymore

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jeannette Marshall's background includes the launch of a national magazine in Canada, leading regional sales and marketing for telecommunications startup, business development and operations in digital printing, project management in IT infrastructure while pioneering many web enabled sales tools, print ordering, document and project management processes.

Sales expertise has been accumulated from over 20 years. Claim to fame: CONSISTENT top performance including multiple Presidents' Clubs, regional and national awards in North America. She has worked for Fortune 11 and 500 companies to afford her the experience on business, customer service, leadership and sales.

Since creating her pseudonym Brand @optioneerJM in 2010, Jeannette has refined her skills on social media by writing, intellectual and visual curation on social media. She is trusted as demonstrated by Top 1% KRED and 77 Klout Score influence distinctions.

Jeannette looks forward to your comments and sharing, thanking you in advance -- it provides encouragement and motivation to continue writing to help others succeed by going beyond average to remarkable!  

Feel free to ask Jeannette a question or request her advice ....  You never know, she may just write an entire blog on the topic!