“You want to be taken seriously, you got to have serious hair.”

– Tess in the film Working Girl

Remember this moment when Melanie Griffith’s character went from her “working girl” hair to a shorter, more serious do?

You can chalk it up to dramatic license, but I think there was actually an interesting tidbit on personal branding in there.

Like it or not, we are judged by how we look.

Lest you think that this is a women’s only issue, check out  this article about a recent study that found that CEO’s  (all men) look more or less credible according to their facial features.

I think it’s not only the way other’s percieve you, but also about how they way you look makes you feel about yourself.

This may sound shallow, but I feel more confident when my hair is under control.

When I have a big speaking engagement, one of the first things I do is schedule a blow-out.

Of course, I also prepare very hard to make sure I know my content and that it will be relevant and engaging for my audience.

But I feel more credible when I also look the part of  “professional speaker”.

That’s my point of view. What’s your twist?

How does the way you look impact how you feel about  personal brand (yours or other’s)?

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Julie
Julie is the Founder and CEO of BrandTwist, a brand consultancy that helps entrepreneurs and corporations build stronger, more profitable brands.

4 COMMENTS

  1. We counsel clients who are doing media interviews or making public presentations that body language and appearance is as — if not more — important than what they actuallys say. So yes, your appearance is a big part of it. Big. But how you sit, your facial expressions and other body language (crossing your arms or shaking your head “yes” during a negative question) can significantly affect how people perceive you.

    I’m going out for a manicure and blowout now…followed by a shoe shine

    • @Debra, thanks for the comment, I do remember once finding out that I was going to be on CNNFn for an interview on Naming. The first thing I did was go get a manicure. Then I got my notes together and prepared for the interview. Glad to know I’m not alone.

  2. My normal MO is t-shirt and jeans, I get away with it because of the job title (creative bloke). I recently did a talk with a major client and donned a suit. I seldom get a chance so I quite enjoyed it.

    First comment of the morning from my boss, “OK. Who are you interviewing with?”

    I gave him an enigmatic smile, always good to keep your boss on his toes 🙂

    Next comment, from the client, “Didn’t recognize you!”

    As a creative professional, I wonder if wearing a suit works against you?

    I think ad legend John Hegarty (The ‘H’ in BBH) said, “If you are a client and you meet the agency creative and they are wearing a suit, run.”

    Personally, I felt good and given the topic of the talk, helped me feel a bit more “professional.”

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