Happy New Year!
What goals did you set for 2019? As I was sitting down thinking about my goals for this year, I really thought about following through on actions that get me excited and feel right, to me. I definitely added financial goals to my plan, however, I also added some specific Marketing strategies that align with my mindset AND will introduce me to clients that value my services and inspire me to keep growing.
Have you ever thought of cleaning your closet as an inspirational goal? Did you just cringe or declare under-your-breath a resounding “NO!” Keep reading, my goal is to inspire you to take action!
It is no secret that study after study from Business Insiderto Forbes Magazinehave touted the personal, professional and profitable benefits of “dressing for success.” Perception is reality. Now I am not urging you to wear a suit to the grocery store! I am urging you to dress appropriately for each industry. The legal community requires more formal attire including jackets, crisp button-down shirts and conservative length skirts. I am entrenched in the Technology industry. This has a considerably more casual dress-code, where khakis and a nice polo shirt are the acceptable norm.
If one of your goals is to grow revenues by X% in your business, take time to think about what you wear while networking, delivering sales presentations and client meetings. You want your appearance to be positive, not a distraction away from your message. You may try to not make value judgements on others based on their appearance, however your prospect may not be so forgiving. I’ve worked with client after client who shared stories of being passed over or misunderstood because of their professional presence, clothing being a key component of it!
Make 2019 be the year you dress intentionally in pieces that inspire you to achieve success!
As an action item under your annual goal, start with an uncluttered closet filled with clothing that fits you “today,” exudes your personality and sends a confident message! When you know you look confident on the outside, it does something magical to your mindset on the inside!
AFTER you read the strategies in this article, take a trip to your closet and look at its contents. Congratulations! You have begun the process of a closet clean-out. Now, don’t get overwhelmed, keep your momentum going. Start with these 3 strategies:
- Pull the past and move forward– Pull out all of those items that you have not worn for the past 6 months to 1 year or even 20 years! This includes those items with tags still on them! I know it was a great sale, but it’s now collecting dust in your closet. Put them in a special pile for donation. Let go of the past and move forward.
- Fit or Forget it– It’s important to dress for today, not 10 lbs. ago or for the 10 lbs. you are planning to lose! Ill-fitting clothing is a distraction and can divert the prospects attention away from your message and ultimately closing the deal. Take those items and add them to your already started donation pile!
- Clean and Coordinate– Whew, I know that was a lot work. Finish your closet by cleaning out the rest of the clutter, old shoe boxes, broken hangers, etc. Put those in the trash. Finally, coordinate your closet by genre. Put your skirts together, pants together, suits together, shirts together. If you want, you can even color code your genres. This will give your more clarity in your wardrobe when deciding what to wear for the day.
Your wardrobe has a direct correlation to creating that winning perception that demonstrates you pay attention to details and are a leader. This perception will bring you one step closer to achieving your goals!
May 2019 be filled with a fabulous wardrobe that “inspires” you to achieve your goals!
