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Today we have another guest blogger. I hope you enjoy a few words of wisdom from Amy Woodall, President of Image Savvy.

We’ve all heard the saying “practice what you preach” but did you ever stop to think that your image is part of your preaching? Have you ever met someone whose image makes no sense with what is coming out of their mouth? I meet them daily. I can’t tell you how many IT or web developers I’ve met that look like they’ve just stepped out of 1992. Could you imagine if they were offering the same technology of that time? They’d be out of business. I’d have a hard time believing they were up to date on the latest and greatest. One of my favorite quotes says, “You’ll never believe the message if you do not believe the messenger.” (Anonymous)

We’d all like to think that our image isn’t important, that people will value us for our minds and talent. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it is VERY important. Think of how competitive the market is in every profession. Choosing your wardrobe more carefully could be the difference in you or your competition getting the client.

Let’s pretend you’re looking to invest a large amount of money. You meet with two different financial planners and both have very similar ideas, but the first planner is dressed in a well tailored suit and is seated in a fancy, well-designed office. The other looks much like the IT guy from the early 1990′s (or worse), is in an office that looks like a closet, and smells of moldy tennis shoes. Who would you trust with your money?

All in all it is about representing yourself well. Next time you’re getting dressed, think about the way you want others to perceive you, and ask yourself, “What image am I projecting?” Is your wardrobe practicing what you preach?