How to Look and Act like a business owner
As I have made clear over the last few months, I love the idea of running own business, or being an entrepreneur. Running the day to day operations of your company is only half of the equation when it comes to owning you own business. In order to truly be successful it is important that you convey a professional and well put together image to your clients and potential customers. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when deciding upon how to look and act like a business owner:
?Be professional, yet approachable. It’s key that you put forth a somewhat sophisticated and well organized image, but still maintain a friendly and approachable manner. Remember to smile and warmly greet those you come in contact with, while not becoming overly friendly. An overdone grin can come across as ingenuine, while a stern face can make you seem cold and distant.
?Dress the part. Focus on your apparel. A nice dress suit or suit can make a big difference when it comes to conveying just the right image. It doesn’t have to be overly expensive either, just as long as it makes you look the part. Also, keep in mind that accessories such as a nice briefcase or polished shoes, have the ability to make a good impression at very little cost.
?Confidence in moderation. An important part of how to look and like a business owner is keeping up your confidence level while still remaining humble. No one likes to deal with arrogance, but they also usually don’t care to do business with someone who doesn’t have conviction in their voice when speaking on a topic for which they should be knowledgeable. It never hurts to get a masters in organizational leadership to help out any confidence issues you may have
?Good grooming habits. This should be a given, however, it bears mentioning. Remember to keep good grooming habits. It’s important that you shave regularly and comb your hair or trim your beard. Part of a business image comes through in the simple act of keeping yourself well maintained.
?Show enthusiasm but avoid pestering. If you are truly focused on how to look and act like a business owner, then you need to be able to show passion for what you do or for the products you are selling, but avoid seeming over bearing or annoying. A true business person will subtly introduce their professional motive during a conversation, rather than monopolize everyone’s time by rambling on about it or over selling it.
?Learn more about your clientele or customer base. It’s vital that you listen to what your clients say when speaking with them, and commit their likes and dislikes to memory if possible. If you’re willing to go the extra mile by doing this, you will find it easier to converse with them and to fill their specific business needs in the future. Also, it shows that you care enough to actually listen to them and take their suggestions or remarks into consideration.
When thinking about how to look and act like a business owner, it’s best to remember that the image you portray to your potential and existing clients is important to the future success of your business. You are the face of your company, so take the time and effort to make it a proper one.
I am sending this to my brother, posting it on my road to millions facebook group and tweeting it. EXCELLENT post.
Excellent post indeed. This is all things I have to consider for my future. I don’t like suits too much but I’ll need to keep one for special occasions.
I think the dress part depends on your business; otherwise I agree with all your points.
I notice many guys at my work forget the grooming portion of your post. It is amazing what a morning shave will do for you!
EWWWW. There are a lot of people at my work who do as well.
Confidence, I would like to treat it at the top. A confidence and make up for that tea stain in your dress.
This is a very well written post with great tips. These tips would also come in handy for people working in the customer service field!
Good point about the “avoid pestering” – I find that a lot of professionals (not just business owners) are a little overzealous from time to time!
Nice tips. Charisma is the number one characteristic of all CEO’s and business owners. They have a way of making you feel like you’ve been their best friend for years. If you can master that talent, everything else will fall into place.
Great tips! I think this could also apply to how to look and act like a manager, if somebody is so inclined to get into a management position. They say “dress for the job you want, not the job you have”. It’s super important to look the part!
Some excellent points made in this post. I think the one about “the image you portray to your potential and existing clients is important to the future success of your business” is very important. As has been said so many times you only get one chance to make a good first impression.