The success of entrepreneurs lie on a number of factors. They have to have the skills needed to make big decisions fast that will affect the trajectory of their business. They have to be able to not just lead but get along with their staff. There’s also a lot of sacrifices that entrepreneurs are forced to make for their business to thrive.
Appearances aren’t always mentioned when the characteristics of entrepreneurs are discussed. After all, Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Facebook, has always been confident to appear to investors and the public in the same gray shirt. However, for most entrepreneurs, looks matter quite a bit.
Entrepreneurs don’t have to be Ryan Gosling or Henry Cavill, but you need to keep in these in mind.
Clothing Choices
A person’s clothes say a lot about his or her personality. When it comes to entrepreneurship, especially when pitching investors or clients, you need to dress appropriately according to your industry and target audiences.
For example, if you’re an internet entrepreneur who wants funding from venture capitalists, you should wear business casual attire such as slacks and a collared shirt at the very least during the first meeting with them. It wouldn’t hurt to wear a suit either.
If you’re pitching your product or service in events, then opt for business formal outfits like blazers and slacks. Don’t go overboard with the accessories though, because it could make it seem like you’re trying too hard.
You don’t have to be afraid of wearing bright colors or loud prints if they match your company’s branding, but it would still be best to go for neutrals if you aren’t sure about color choices just yet. It would also help if you coordinate colors between your shirt, tie or pants and jacket so that there are no clashes or clashing patterns.
If you’re unsure of your fashion choices, check business magazines or hire a personal shopper/stylist to help you create a business-appropriate wardrobe and provide you tips for dressing like a trustworthy and competent entrepreneur.
Make Sure You’re Properly Groomed
Appearance is not just clothing. Grooming counts too, especially if you have a beard or long hair. In fact, some entrepreneurs don’t even bother with haircuts and simply tie their long locks in a ponytail while others rock the latest trendy hairstyles to project a certain image of themselves.
Most investors prefer clean-cut entrepreneurs because it means that they take care of themselves physically and which reflects on their business ethic. You can’t expect to be taken seriously by them if you look like you just rolled out of bed an hour before your meeting with them, which happens more than often than people think.
Entrepreneurs should also make sure to visit their dentist regularly or an orthodontist to fix more serious problems with their smile. Although a perfect skin is not a requirement, seeing a dermatologist will help make you look more presentable when appearing to important meetings or speaking to the public.
What constitutes “proper grooming” varies from person to person, but it’s important to take care of the basics such as clipping your nails, applying deodorant, brushing your teeth, and wearing clean clothes.
Physical Fitness is an Advantage
Entrepreneurs who are physically fit are seen as more capable of running a business. Exercising regularly is a reflection of a person’s ability to be responsible and follow a strict schedule.
It’s also a good measure of health. An entrepreneur who is unhealthy may not be able to handle the pressures of having a business, which is quite demanding to a person’s physical and mental well-being.
It’s why appearance is one of the most important factor that investors care about besides your pitch. While it matters how much you’re worth or what companies you’ve worked for previously, entrepreneurs who get in shape are always more appealing than those who are out of shape.
Exude Confidence
More than appearance, however, entrepreneurs should exude confidence whenever they have to meet with potential investors and customers. You can gain it by getting into shape, wearing flattering and stylish clothing, practicing your pitch in front of the mirror, and doing whatever necessary to make sure you’re confident about yourself. It will also help to surround yourself with supportive people who believe in your vision of the company.
It may be hard at first, but you’ll eventually get used to projecting an aura of confidence which also reflects on the quality of your business.
You have to remember that the way you look is a powerful marketing tool. It can either attract or repel people from your business, and it’s best if you use it to your advantage.