Entrepreneurship is a challenging and rewarding field. It can be challenging to get your business off the ground, but the rewards are great when you do. Many things contribute to the success of an entrepreneur. Still, one of the most important is how you present yourself to others. Your appearance matters, and if you want to be successful, you need to make sure that you put your best foot forward.
Researched-Backed Fact
According to a study by researchers from Harvard Business School, your appearance can affect how successful you are in getting funding for your small business. The study used both controlled experiments and three pitching competitions among entrepreneurs. They found that investors preferred the pitches of attractive men.
Your appearance can also affect how successful you get clients to agree to work with you. This was reported by a study published in the Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes Journal and ScienceDirect. The researchers were from London Business School, University College London, the University of Maryland in the U.S., and INSEAD in Singapore. They found that decision-makers choose attractive male candidates to cooperate with because they perceive these men to be more capable.
Look the Part
Every entrepreneur must seize every advantage that will contribute to business success. Given the bias of potential investors, business partners, and clients toward an attractive appearance, every entrepreneur must strive to look the part.
There are always ways to improve your looks. Check your skin. It must look healthy, well cared for, and well-groomed. If you have any skin issues, seek the appropriate professionals for help. If you have acne, see a dermatologist. If you have skin allergies, see an allergologist.
Check your teeth. They affect your smile, and a smile is a powerful part of your look. It must be confident, engaging, sincere, and attractive. If you have dental issues, it may be causing you to try to hide your teeth, making your smile look timid. If you smile widely and show crooked or discolored teeth, this could affect how decision-makers perceive you.
Get professional dental help if you need it. You can be fitted with invisible braces to realign your teeth. Any discoloration is easily addressed by whitening. Damaged teeth can be made to look perfect with dental veneers.
Check your hair. Unkempt hair or a bad haircut can make you look like an amateur. Get a polished professional haircut and maintain it.
Dress the Part
How you dress for success is as important as how you look. The way you dress sends a message about who you are and what your business is about. When you’re meeting with clients or investors, be sure to dress well to reflect your business.
Your clothing should be clean, pressed, and appropriate for the occasion. Avoid wearing anything that’s too casual or too formal. You want to strike a balance that shows you’re professional and approachable.
Be sure to invest in quality clothing that fits well. If you don’t know how to shop for clothes or find it challenging to find outfits that look good on you, consider hiring a personal shopper or stylist. This is an investment that will pay off by helping you to make the best impression possible.
Remember that your appearance is important not just for meeting potential clients and investors but also for networking events and social gatherings. You never know when you’ll meet someone who could be a valuable business contact, so it’s always best to be prepared.
Present Yourself Well
Your posture is also a part of your appearance. Stand up straight and avoid slouching. This will make you look more confident and approachable.
Make eye contact when you’re speaking to someone. This shows that you’re interested in what they have to say and confident in yourself.
Your body language should be open and inviting. Avoid crossing your arms or legs, making you look closed off or uninterested.
When you’re shaking someone’s hand, be sure to do it with a firm grip. A weak handshake can make you seem timid or unsure of yourself.
Practice your posture and body language before a mirror until it feels natural. Remember to pay attention to how you’re presenting yourself whenever you’re in public.
The Takeaway
As an entrepreneur, it’s essential to be aware of decision-makers’ biases. Given the tendency to prefer attractive people, it’s vital to make sure that you put your best foot forward in terms of your appearance.
This doesn’t mean that you have to be perfect, but it does mean that you should take care of your skin, hair, and teeth. It also means dressing in a way that reflects well on your business.
Your posture and body language are also essential factors in how people perceive you. Be sure to stand up straight and make eye contact when you’re speaking to someone. Practice until these behaviors feel natural.
By paying attention to your appearance, you can increase the chances of success in your business endeavors.
