Marshal your resources As with any other kind of communication, we have resources in
three major areas that can help us.
Visual
resources include how
we look and behave; our vocal resources are our voice and the
parts of our body that support voice production; and verbal
resources are the words we use.
If you marshal these resources
before
the event, you’ll be
better placed to use them during the event.
Visual resources If you want to be perceived as professional, then you will need to
look professional and behave professionally.
• Think about your wardrobe . Build a clothes collection that represents your own values elegantly and simply. Buy a few, good-quality outfits that you can mix and match, rather than a lot of inferior-quality clothes. Darker colours generally work better than lighter shades: they hide stains and flatter the figure more effectively; and they tend to give an air of authority. If in doubt, dress up for the occasion; it’s easy to adjust being ( c) 2011 Kogan Page L imited, All Rights Reserved.
175 Networking: The New Conversation overdressed, but there’s not much we can do on the spot to make up for being underdressed. • Use accessories wisely . Learn how the extras can pull your image together. Jewellery, ties, scarves, bags, cases – they may project your brand more powerfully than your clothes. Coordination is key. A mix ‘n’ match approach may suggest the image of a scatterbrain. • Pay attention to grooming . The state of your shoes, nails and hair matter. You’re meeting people close up. It’s
