What story are you telling the world with your wardrobe?
And what message does that wardrobe give your potential clients?
If you run a business, whether it’s solo, small, or large you likely know that branding is so much more than a logo and a few brand colors. A good personal brand has clarity, authenticity, and good positioning… positioning your brand into the mind of the potential customer.
Well how about your style? What does your wardrobe say about you? Is your style congruent with your brand message?
I remember when I had my Etsy shop and I mostly worked from home. I handcrafted clutch purses for brides and their bridesmaids. Not only did I make these clutches in my home, my kids were little at the time so MOST days I simply dressed in comfortable tees and sweats.
Not the cute Insta-worthy image of sweats you see from influencers today…. my style was baggy, mismatched, unflattering sweats.
My shop was so busy that I was running out to the post office at least 4 days a week. Eventually, I started seeing regulars at the post office and I would get into conversations (hello long lines) about what was in all those boxes. I thought to myself, Jaime these people are possible referrals, potential customers. Picture me all frantic, messy hair, and bad sweats… what kind of message was that sending to the people I met?
Now, not every person I encountered throughout the day was going to be my customer but I still handed out my business card a lot. They were frequently asking me about my purses. What message could I possibly be sending them about my clutch business if I was looking like a ridiculous mess every day?
The message must’ve been something like “disheveled, overwhelmed, etc.”
What story are you telling the people you meet? Hot mess express? I hope not.
How about confident, relevant, and authentic. Wouldn’t that be better?
Style plays a role in your brand positioning. Even if you don’t currently consider yourself as “having a brand” good style helps you show up in confidence for the things that matter to you.
Personal style gives you an opportunity to be present for your business or your next move. What message does your style tell the world and how can we make that story compelling?
I asked a few branding experts and they all agree that personal branding is about authenticity and connection…
It’s the connection and alignment between you, your ideal clients, the visuals, your message…all of it.