One aspect often overlooked when making a sale is how you look when talking to clients. This is because many sales people focus more on their products and the contents of what they say. These are important to making a sale, but your appearance also affects how clients perceive you, your company, and your brand. Here are a few things you can do to make sure you are putting your best foot forward:
Dressing for Success
One of the most important things to consider is your outfit. You want to wear a professional outfit and make you look like you mean business. You don’t have to wear a suit and tie, but make sure your clothes are neat, tidy, and appropriate to the setting. For example, if you are selling products door-to-door, you might want to dress more casually than if you are giving a presentation to a group of potential clients at a trade show.
Moreover, you don’t want to be too flashy or distracting; focus on looking polished and put-together. Ensure your outfit doesn’t distract your listeners from what you are saying. For instance, if you are wearing a loud pattern or something that is very tight-fitting, it might be a good idea to tone it down or save it for another occasion.
Being and Feeling Confident
Regarding your appearance, your hairstyle is an important factor to consider. You want to make sure you choose a professional hairstyle that will help you look and feel more confident. If you are unsure which hairstyle is right for you, it might be a good idea to consult with a hairstylist. They can help you find a style that will complement your face shape and personality and make you look your best. As a general rule, keeping your hair away from your face would be better because you might end up continuously pushing your hair away from your eyes or your cheeks as you talk, which can be distracting for your listener.
Another one of your features that potential clients will notice is your smile. They will also likely see your teeth while you give them your sales pitch. If you’re insecure about your teeth, you will probably try to hide them. For example, you might refrain from showing your teeth when you smile or end up speaking with minimal facial expressions. This would affect how you present yourself and might give off an air of insecurity. To avoid this, you can get a confidence boost by getting dental porcelain veneers which will give you a whiter, brighter, and more symmetrical smile. When you have nice teeth, you will be more likely to show them off, which will come across as more confident and personable.
Maintaining Professionalism
One of the most important things to remember when selling is to always act professionally. Even if you feel confident and put together, if you don’t act the part, it will be very noticeable and could negatively impact your work. Professionalism is key when interacting with clients; you want to make a good impression and come across as credible and trustworthy.
You must always be aware of your body language and ensure you are projecting a positive image. Additionally, be mindful of your tone of voice and ensure you are speaking clearly and concisely. Avoid using slang words or too much jargon that might confuse the client. Lastly, be respectful of the client’s time and ensure you are not talking too much or monopolizing the conversation.
Body Language Tips
It’s important to pay attention to your body language even while you’re not the one who’s speaking. Make sure you are sitting up straight, not slouching, and making eye contact with your clients. Be aware of your facial expressions and try to look optimistic and engaged in the conversation while actively listening to what they’re saying. Remember, you want to come across as someone confident and capable of helping them meet their needs.
If you are using props during your presentation, ensure you are handling them carefully and not fidget with them too much. You don’t want to come across as nervous or distracted. Keep your hands away from your face, and try not to touch your hair or play with your jewelry. And avoid crossing your arms as it might make you look defensive or unapproachable.
Practicing your professional appearance and demeanor regularly can help you build a habit over time. This will make looking and acting professional easier and more natural for you in the long run. By setting aside time each day or week to focus on your professional appearance, you can ingrain the behaviors and habits that will help you succeed in your career.