Well today was the day President Obama signed into law the $787 billion stimulus plan. In honor of taking a bold step forward, today is as good as any to consider reasonable ways for an image recovery plan. Surely it can be done on a budget, if not on a dime.
Grooming is vital to looking, well, vital! However, grooming products are probably the first items men will stop buying if forced to make a choice. Or, there is a temptation to trade down to lower quality products. Imagine using less effective toothpaste, or developing dandruff because you skimped on conditioner. Or you tried an ineffective variety of deodorant instead of your trusted antiperspirant that cost a couple of bucks more and lasts a few weeks longer. The point is, don’t be penny wise and dollar foolish on grooming products. Not only do these kinds of choices not help you keep much more in your wallet in the very short term, but these kinds of choices may cost you the ability to make positive, lasting impressions that say you are a success today. So brush, floss, shampoo, condition, clean those ears, shave with good tools and products, treat your skin well, and keep your eye brows from looking like Andy Rooney’s.
When’s the last time you critiqued how your clothes are fitting? It might be a great time to set an appointment to meet with a tailor. Alterations are not only far less costly than running out and buying new duds, but whether your weight is down (hopefully) or up (woefully) you’ll actually feel better in better fitting clothes. There is a definite connection to fit and feel. If you don’t believe me, just take a pair of trousers to the tailor and have it adjusted to fit you properly. Once they are adjusted, spend a day wearing them and measure your level of comfort. You’ll feel a value beyond the cost of alterations.
The same is true of your shoes. If you’re not thinking of stocking up on new shoes for spring, this is certainly a prime opportunity to give your current inventory some TLC. Take your shoes to a reputable shoe repair business. There may not be many of these businesses in your community, but I’m willing to bet their business is booming these days. They will dress your shoes for you. If your shoes need new heels, they will repair them at a nominal cost. Don’t walk around with broken laces. Spring for some new ones. Use cedar shoe trees to remove moisture from your footwear and extend their life.
Don’t let the news commentators talk you out of moving forward with your life. If it’s been a while since you’ve updated your wardrobe, now is the time to do it, especially if you’re job hunting. Baby Boomer men are particularly vulnerable to this issue because they need to be seen as being viable in a competitive job market. But if he shows up in an outdated outfit to an interview, he’s going to convey a message that says “outdated”. If you’re a Baby Boomer – don’t let yourself do that. You may be as qualified as anyone, but you’re not just being hired for your qualifications. If you’re a young man looking for work, you can’t just get by on your youth and your technology skill set. Lots of people going for the same job have the same qualifications. If you show up not looking respectful and polished, you’re costing yourself an opportunity that goes beyond not just owning an appropriate set of clothes. You may have just cost yourself that coveted job slot.
Designing your image is the secret science to your success.
Joseph Rosenfeld helps professional men and corporate workgroups create effective visual brands. Visit JosephRosenfeld.com for details.