 |
| Polishing my shoes in the office conference room. |
This post is mostly applicable to men in the sales job, but others are welcome to read as well.
When I prepare myself for an important meeting I prepare in all aspects. Do you? Am sure this is not the case with everyone. Many a times its not the case with me either. But then there are times when you got to give your best shot to offer the right impression.
There are few basic things that you should know. This post is not about knowing your prospect well, doing enough background research, knowing when to talk and when not to, knowing when to walk out of a meeting or even a deal or for that matter knowing what is the right time to strike a deal. No, this post is not about any of those things. If you think I should write about those aspects as well, please leave a comment and I will work on such an article soon.
For now, the is about getting your basics right before you get into that very important meeting room.
1. Make your shoes shine: This might look like a ‘been there done that’ kind-a-suggestion but trust me when I say ‘I have seen worse’. I have seen people in very high positions in the company wear a torn/ faded/ unpolished shoe and walk into a big meeting. This is a complete no. Frankly, you wear your office shoes for more than 10 hours a day, every weekday. You got to invest in good formal shoes. No excuses allowed. If you don’t, you do not take your job seriously, as simple as that.
2. Well dressed and tugged in: Again, wearing simple is advised but don’t get it too casual. I prefer light shirt, dark pant and black shoes. Its upto you to decide on colours but ensure you do not look too funky or too casual to give an impression that you are not taking this meeting too seriously. In such a case, you have lost the deal even before you open your mouth.
3. Do not Stink: Accept it, most men sweat a lot, and are not adequately armed to counter the stink. It becomes unbearable when there are many people in a closed room. It becomes fatal for your business when on top of all this there is no AC in the room. Please ensure you invest in a good perfume and deodorant. Am sure you can recover this money from the incentives that you earn each month/quarter. Go buy one NOW. [Confession: I carry a deodorant in my bag, always!]
4. Wear a vest: Sorry for taking this topic too deep and personal but am sure you will thank me for being frank. Am suggesting this majorly for 2 reasons. The under arm sweat that shows off and for those shirts which part ways in-between buttons. Men will understand what exactly am saying. Both these things look ugly and embarrassing as well. Best is to avoid getting into such situations. Wear a half sleeves vest and try not wearing a very skin tight shirt. Small time precautions are 10 times worth the effort.
5. Shave or trim properly: Well, this one’s the easiest and am sure you just said – ah, that’s not a problem. Well, it shouldn’t be. Shave properly, avoid cutting yourself. If you are trimming person, ensure you trip evenly. You don’t wanna give a jungle impression or feeling that you just walked into this meeting straight out of your bed. I also know a few friends who keeps a few razors in the office drawer, for just-in-case situations. Actually its an awesome idea. [Note to self: I should keep it too]
6. Go with a full stomach: This one is again very critical. Once I was in a morning meeting and I had not had breakfast for some reason and my tummy started making noises! No kidding. You know those sounds that come out of your tummy when you have not had food for long? Yes, that thing. This gets very embarrassing for you and everyone around you. Trust me, you don’t ever wanna be in such a situation. EVER.
I have attempted to make this a comprehensive list but am sure you would love to add to it. I encourage you to do so by commenting below this post. OR you can choose to write to me directly at adi@perfios.com
Until next post, thankyou.
Update:
7. Empty your bladder before the meeting. Its tough to concentrate when you need to pee!!
6. Go with a full stomach: This one is again very critical. Once I was in a morning meeting and I had not had breakfast for some reason and my tummy started making noises! No kidding. You know those sounds that come out of your tummy when you have not had food for long? Yes, that thing. This gets very embarrassing for you and everyone around you. Trust me, you don’t ever wanna be in such a situation. EVER.
I have attempted to make this a comprehensive list but am sure you would love to add to it. I encourage you to do so by commenting below this post. OR you can choose to write to me directly at adi@perfios.com
Until next post, thankyou.
Update:
7. Empty your bladder before the meeting. Its tough to concentrate when you need to pee!!