Dressed to Close

First impressions are a huge aspect of whether or not you get the sale. Your prospect's first impression of you colors every reaction he'll have to you after that initial meeting. The way you dress is a big part of that. Today image consultant Robin Walker shares some tips to help you cultivate an impression that will help you close the sale.

Dress with Purpose
Understand your prospect's image of how a successful person in your field would dress, and then dress the part. After all, would you buy "piece of mind" from someone who looks like they lost theirs? Would you choose a realtor who looks like they haven't had a sale in years? Probably not.

Start Wearing a Uniform
Learn what looks good on you, then set a standard. Consistency is key. Up and down dressing sends an unpredictable message and if you have a long sales cycle you can't afford to be caught off guard.

Wear Clothes That Fit
Clothing that's too large or too small will make you look out of touch with who you really are. Sales professionals need a tailored fit to look polished and successful.

Choose the Right Colors
Color is one of the most important aspects of looking great. Your best-looking outfit will complement your skin color. The wrong color will make you look old, tired and dull. The right colors get you sold.

Practice Impeccable Grooming
A touchy subject for most people, your hair and grooming can make or break your look. Find a trusted stylist and get to know them before they cut and color. And just so you know - nothing will ruin your look faster than a hairstyle that dates from another era or a comb over.

Purchase Clothing That Works Together
To make dressing easy and be in control of your image, you should plan your wardrobe so that most of your clothing works together. By purchasing mostly coordinates, you can easily mix and match to extend your clothing options.

Invest in Well-Coordinated Accessories
Nothing ruins a look faster than mixed-matched accessories. Run-down shoes, an evening bag with a casual outfit - all those things send the wrong message.

Dress like a winner. Success attracts success. Be good at what you do and look like it - be dressed to close.

Robin Walker is an image consultant and marketing maven who outfits her clients with the information - and wardrobe - they need to excel in personal and professional lives. To learn how you can create your own Image Advantage, visit http://askRobinWalker.com