So what does that mean for you?

As a small business owner, ladder climbing corporate powerhouse, and/or philanthropist it means the difference between getting what you want or not. Whether it’s a new client, a promotion or a donation.

Communication Breakdown:

• 55% Physiological: How you carry and present yourself.
• 38% Tonality: How you say what you have to say.
• 7% Verbal: What you actually say.

So, what can you do to make sure you stand out in the right way?

1) Know your Audience

While you are ALWAYS dressing for yourself, you do have to be aware of your audience. I would never ask you to sacrifice your personality, so you have to incorporate it into your look in a way that is appropriate for the occasion. Whether you’re in a business meeting, at a networking event, with your friends or on a date determines your outfit … NOT your look.

You wouldn’t wear a business suit on a date and you wouldn’t wear a low cut top to an important business meeting.

2) Add a POP of Color

You may have heard it before, but if not, take note: Color has meaning. It affects your mood as well as the mood of those around you. For more details on the meaning of color, check out this past U*styled post.

Even if you like a more neutral color palette, that actually makes for a great base for a stunning pop of color. Add color in your wardrobe through a necklace, earrings, your purse, a shell under your blazer or even with your nail polish. Just make it interesting and a color that makes you happy!

3) Add a Statement

Again, something to draw attention. Since we’re dressing for the real way, not the runway, it’s best to have one piece that stands out. This can be a gorgeous sweater, a favorite skirt, a great pair of shoes, a statement accessory (bag, necklace, earrings, etc) or jacket.

This shows your confidence and it also allows you to draw people in and even start a conversation based on a compliment (what a positive way to start a relationship!!).

4) Represent your Brand

Whether you like it or not, your image is absolutely a part of your brand. If you don’t believe me, consider some of your friends. What do you think of when you think of them? Classic, chic, friendly, bubbly, intense, eloquent, etc. All of those are a description of their personal brand.

What do you want people to think when they think of you? Does your image and presentation really represent that?

If not, consider what you can do to tweak that. Is it your conversation, your energy or your wardrobe? Just taking the first step with awareness will begin the transformation of your personal brand.

Some things to consider as representations of your brand: Colors (and meanings, see above!), the fit of your clothes, the polish of your wardrobe, eloquence and word choice, energy, relationships and success.

5) Carry Yourself with Confidence

It turns out your mom had a point when she told you to stand up straight time after time. Not only is it good for engaging your abs and slimming your figure (multitasking!), but it also presents yourself as confident and self-assured. Included in this basic etiquette of presentation is eye contact and a firm, feminine handshake.

When you enter a room, keep your head and eyes up. The only time I look down is when I’m running with the sun in my eyes and I don’t want to trip (my knees appreciate this!). Otherwise, it’s stand tall, make eye contact and smile.

Invite people into a conversation with an open body stance. Sometimes I’m guilty of standing with my arms crossed because it’s more comfortable for me, so I make a conscious effort to hold my hands in front of me instead.

Are you ready to get yourself heard? Attract more clients? Find the love of your life? Make more money? Enjoy more success in your life? The time is TODAY, not tomorrow!!

To YOUR Styled Life!