A Professional Image

A Professional Image Presenting a professional image is critical to your success and should be a serious consideration at all times while managing your executive career. A lack of professionalism could easily create a negative impression and eliminate you from considerationfora potential opportunity. How easy is it to tarnish an image or a reputation?One negativeis likely to have thethe sameimpactas 1,000 positives!Polite behaviour is expected, rude behaviour will likely never be forgotten. A clean and neat appearance may not be given another thought but a stained and wrinkled suit will be burned into your memory.One inconsiderateor rude comment will have the potential toeliminatethe memory of everythoughtful and caring comment that you havepreviously shared overmonths or even years. Recently, a thread of emails among a professional networking organizationfor those seeking employment resulted in a number of emotional and unprofessional responses from some members.There is no doubt that some regretted their outbursts but trying to take something back once it has been postedonline is as futile an endeavour as trying to change that of a first impression. Even those individuals with a long history of professionalismgot caught up in the moment and although there were some heartfeltapologies offered, nothing could reverse the initial impression from onenegative comment.Ending this thread of conversation, which was quickly tarnishing the professional images of many who became involvedwasin every-ones best interest and all involved did, until 10 days later. One memberdecided to dig up the dirtselecting certain emails,singling out those individuals and then sent anemail containingunsolicited, irrelevant advice to the entire organization!Why this individual decided to asso ciate themselves with theoriginal thread of inappropriate and unprofessional emails is quite puzzling.If there is anyconsolation forthose who were singled out,it may very likely be thatthislast person toadd theirnameto this thread ofunprofessional conductmayovershadowthe previous names. What were they thinking? Key componentsinfluencing your professional image face to face areyour appearance, confidence and assertiveness.Despite this, most seniorexecutiveswilltentatively approachtheregistration tableofa networking event with a less than confident demeanour and wait to be spoken to.This is a professional networking meeting! Say hello, introduce yourself!If you are not sure you are in the right place,ASK!Dont wait to see if someone familiar remembers your name, introduce yourself. This is your opportunity to stand out as aconfident, assured professional!Even if you have met someonebefore,dont expect them toremember your name.You risk leaving a negative impression as most people areuncomfortable if they are unable to remembera name sodontgive them the chance to even think about it, introduce yourself. Say your name and then say it again. You are there to network. Do you want to be remembered? Do you want to leave a positive and professional impression? Are you presenting a professional image, online and off? Everything you say and do willbe judged by someone so think carefully. Your comments andyour actions couldinfluence that onepersonwho is in a position to provide you with your next opportunity.