Sales Skills Development Blog

What is your Professional Perception as a Sales Professional?

  

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What we think of ourselves will certainly influence how others see us.  Think about a successful professional person you know, a doctor, judge, nurse, business executive, clergy member, accountant, etc.  Most of these professional people will have a very healthy ego.  Not that they think they're better than other people, although, some do project this feeling and we all know the negative affect that can have.

True professionals transmit their confidence to others by their appearance, demeanor, words and actions.  They expect other people to recognize and respect their strengths and abilities.  They are usually good role models and good people to study.

We can often be our own worst enemy by being too tough on ourselves.  Don't underestimate your abilities.  By paying attention to a few simple basics, your ego will be strong and you'll feel better.

1. Good Health - Your appearance is enhanced because good health creates a pleasing image.  It brightens and animates your presence.  It's also good for you.  Some regular exercise and watching your diet will help you live longer while it enhances your professional image.  Sounds like a reasonable thing to do for yourself anyway.
   
   
2. Dress the Part - Studies have proven that when people dress in business suits, they are treated with more courtesy, respect and attention than those who conduct business in casual clothes.  They project professionalism and efficiency.  You can argue this is not true, but we are talking about image and perception.  Distracting clothes send the wrong messages.  This doesn't mean you have to lose your individuality or look drab.
   
   
3. Good Grooming and Hygiene - This is not just for kids  It's the basic things that mean a lot in projecting a proper image.  You can leave your home in the morning looking great and smelling clearn.  But if halfway through the day you've lost that neat look and clean scent, you project a much different image.  Check yourself out through the day.  It's just as important to look neat and clean for the late afternoon meeting as it was for the first of the morning.
   
   
4. Sight and Sounds - First you're seen, then you're heard.  What you sound like and what you think you sound like have a tremendous impact on the image you project and the impression you make on others, especially the first impression.  The sound and tone of your voice, your diction and annunciation, your use of vocabulary and language can be great pluses or unnecessary impediments.  Unnecessary because offensive or distracting vocal communication habits can be easily corrected once the problem is recognized and a decision is made to do something about it.  Ask the people you respect to let you know if they think you're using slang, profanity or incorrect grammar or if they think you talk too loud or soft.  We all have blind spots and need the input of others to help us improve.

Appearance and Conduct

• Present yourself in a neat, clean, well-groomed busineslike manner.
  
  
• Your appearance and personal conduct should bring a favorable reaction from the customer.
  
  
• Make sure your clothes fit well, collars or sleeves aren't frayed, colors are well coordinated, shoes polished, fingernails clean.
  
  
• It is best to dress on the conservative side and select clothing that resists wrinkling.  Stripes will make you look taller and more slender, while plaids will have the opposite effect.
  
  
• Men should only wear functional jewelry, use cologne sparingly and hair should always be clean, neat and combed.
  
  
• Women should avoid large jewelry, strong perfumes, excessive makeup and exotic hairstyles.
  
  
• When in the presence of a prospect do not do anything to cause criticism of yourself or your company.
  
  
• Your vehicle should be clean inside and out and your brief case neat and organized.

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