In business, perception takes precedence over facts. This is why you have to build a persona that cannot be doubted, looked down upon or outright overlooked. In your business environment, you want to create a powerful persona be it towards your staff, your customers, or colleagues and these tips will help to build a personal brand.
Speak boldly with confidence
Your confidence has to be top notch and even when you aren’t feeling overly confident you must not let it reflect in your voice. Speak boldly with conviction and confidence always; even when you are merely cracking a joke. Let your voice convey confidence and a sense of seriousness. Make your listeners compelled to believe what you say and speak with charisma.
Positive body language
Be conscious of your posture when you walk or seat. Make sure to be in control of your body and not let your body control you. People tend to slouch when they are feeling tired or when they are generally having a bad day. Let your body language always be positive. Exude confidence, enthusiasm and always stay alert.
Dress smart
By now, it is common sense that the way you dress is the way you will be addressed. That said, you have to always dress smart. If there is a dress code which you’ve established for your staff, you should lead by example and follow the code. Wear smart clothes that command respect and draw the right kind of attention. There are clothes that just attract all the wrong attention and give the wrong impression; avoid them.
Punctuality
Punctuality is a matter of discipline especially for business owners who feel like they have no one they need to answer to. Being punctual to work and business meetings will not only build your persona but increase work drive in your staff. Let’s face it, who wants to come late when their boss is on time? Everyone wants to get to work before their boss.
Personal hygiene
Hygiene is something people tend to notice even when they aren’t really close to you. There are a lot of things that give bad hygiene away and it seriously costs people their respect and reputation; people talk and talk like that spread like wild fire. You have to consciously work on your personal hygiene and ensure that both you and your environment are clean. I once met a very clean lady but when she offered me a ride in her car I had to endure the ride because the car interior was a dirty mess. That experience did something to the level of respect I had for her as a business woman and it wasn’t anything nice. Make sure your hygiene is on point if you want to build a personal brand.
Some people are born with that ‘business man’ presence. If you aren’t, there’s no cause for alarm. Follow these steps and gradually build a personal brand for yourself.