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Spring is in the air! You can almost taste it. The weather is breaking and it is time to get out and do more networking; More face to face networking, that is. Most people would rather do public speaking than walk into a social setting with a room full of strangers. Developing a networking strategy, however, will relieve some of that anxiety and improve your professional image in networking settings.

In case you are wondering what having a professional image has to do with networking, consider the purpose of networking. When you are networking with your co-workers, a professional image gives you credibility within your company and helps you stand out to management. If you are networking within your industry, a professional image will make you more memorable to the people that you meet. When networkingwith potential new clients, your professional image tells them that you will work with them in a professional manner.

Having a professional image is not just about appearance. There are a few nuances that can make or break your professional image. Within 3 seconds of meeting you, people make judgments about you based on how you look, speak and carry yourself. When you network for professional reasons, your professional image should show through in those three areas.

Starting with appearance, when you develop your networking strategy, be sure to include going to the event with a polished professional image. This may require a little research as professional image differs depending on the event. A suit may give you a professional image at a business dinner, but will look inappropriate at a company picnic. Remember, a “polished professional image” isn’t polished or professional if it is not appropriate for the occasion.

Once you have decided which outfit will give you a professional image for the type of event, the next step is to shore up the details that affect your professional image. Remember, you are judged not just on appearance, but on how you carry yourself. Something as simple as a handshake can throw a wrench in your efforts to create a professional image. A strong palm to palm handshake projects confidence. A fingertips grabbing handshake projects timidity. A timid image is polar opposite to a professional image. If your handshake is timid, practice it with a friend.

The number of speaking faux-pas that can negatively effect on your professional image could fill volumes! The top three that come to mind are grammar, use of slang and volume. Few people speak perfect English all of the time. Even if you know all of the rules, sometimes your speech gets ahead of your thoughts. But, consistently using the verb “to be” incorrectly will bring your professional image efforts to a screeching halt. All it takes is one “you is” and the power suit, impressive resume and otherwise, professional image are all nullified. If this is an area where you need improvement, be sure to work on it.

Slang is a fun way to communicate with friends. However, it has a negative effect on your professional image when you use it with strangers and business colleagues. Business networking events are designed to expose you to people who can promote your career. While you should not be stiff and unapproachable, being too familiar by using slang in your speech will undermine the professional image that you want to project.

Networking events are loud by nature. It is a room full of people, all talking at once. Sometimes, you have to speak louder than normal to be heard by the group that you are networking with. The blow to your professional image comes when you are the voice that can be heard by everyone. If you want to maintain a professional image, make sure the room doesn’t go silent because you are shouting above everyone else.

Business networking events are more than opportunities to socialize. They are opportunities to promote your career or business. When you have a polished professional image, you stand out from the crowd. When your professional image is less than polished, you fade into the background. Polished Professional Image has created an online workshop to help you hone your networking skills. For a preview, by click here.

If having a professional image is important to you and you think that your professional image has been compromised, Polished Professional Image can help. Schedule your consultation today. Call Polished Professional Image at 312/823-6214 or click here to complete and submit our questionnaire.

The mission of Polished Professional Image is to help you align your professional image with your career goals. This includes giving you the tools that you need to boost your confidence. To make sure that your professional image is never compromised, contact Polished Professional Image today.

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