CREATE AN EXCITING IMAGE

We know that first impressions count. If you don’t look sophisticated and up-to-date when you meet people, they are likely to make judgements on your appearance before they start listening to you. You cannot lose this opportunity to look successful. With a few ideas one can look fascinating, fun and sophisticated. Here are some great tips from Tracy Fontana from Quintessential Italy, who organizes cultural and shopping tours to Italy and has lived in Milan for seven years:

• Stick to the classics. Choose classic colors and shapes. We think of Italians as trend-setters, but the great majority of them wear classic blazers in navy or green tones, even in hot weather. Your flaws stay hidden and you look elegant. Wear jackets with slacks or straight skirts and simple well-made shoes.
  
  
• Buy the best quality you can afford: Italians may purchase only a couple new pieces of clothing each season, but they choose high quality tailoring and classic lines. They spend much less on trendy items, and when the look is out they throw them away without guilt.
  
  
• Make looking good a priority: Italians feel you shouldn’t step out of your door if you don’t look your best - it would be a social offense! You don’t have to spend a lot of time, but choose a nice shirt and jeans over baggy sweats.
  
  
• Dressing up isn’t just for special occasions: Rather than going from the extremes of super-casual to extravagantly dressed, Italians try to find an elegant balance that works for nearly any occasion.

GOOD POSTURE AND POISE

Take a few moments to think about your posture. Do you like the way you walk? Are there changes you would like to make? If so, note the following posture tips:

• Walk tall. Never slouch. (If you slouch you’ll look old, tired and grouchy.)
  
  
• Try to look relaxed, not rushed.
  
  
• Keep your back straight and your shoulders up.
  
  
• Look ahead, not at the ground.
  

By reminding yourself continuously, you’ll soon be standing or walking elegantly.

SMILE

Do you like to work with a person who smiles or snarls? Are you fun or miserable? New to the US , I enter meetings and don’t know a soul. I stand around, a stranger in the room. Eventually, someone comes over with a big smile and introduces her/himself. What a relief. Someone is friendly. I’ll always remember this person. Are you the friendly person? If not, you need to know the benefits of smiling, such as improved communications, reduced hostility and more productive days.

Prepare to create an exciting image, walk tall, and have a smile at the ready. This applies to all aspects of business and social life. Practice these principles and you’ll enjoy your life a whole lot more, and professional success will follow.