Field Guide to The Polished Professional
(Updated December 2006)
Every REALTOR® should look and feel like the professional they are. Pick up some pointers here on how to add some polish to your image, and give yourself an edge over the competition. (C. Dodge, Information Specialist)
Pointers for Becoming a Polished Professional
Keep your wardrobe up to date with age-appropriate and stylish clothes in your correct size. Choose colors that flatter your skin tone and hair color.
Enlist the help of a salesperson or personal shopper at your favorite department store. Or, if your budget allows, hire an image consultant.
Shoes should always be polished and the heels in good shape; no sneakers or flip-flops while on the job.
Makeup and perfume should enhance, not mask. Get a professional makeover at your local cosmetic counter to find out what best suits you.
Get regular haircuts and keep facial hair well-groomed.
Make sure that your nails are clean and manicured.
Jewelry and accessories should be modest, not flashy or distracting.
Keep your smile nice and white - don't let it betray your age or your habits.
Always use proper grammar. Use of slang, profanity or improper grammar shows your breeding and education, or lack thereof.
No gum chewing or smoking when you're with a client - it's just rude.
Mind your manners - open doors, extend small courtesies, and say "please" and "thank you".
Get some exercise. You'll stand taller, and exude confidence.
Express your personality in how you dress, but do it subtly. There's no need to be a carbon copy of everyone else, but leave the exotic animal prints and the loud plaids at home.
Why Appearance Matters
The power of first impressions, (The American Salesman, Apr. 2006). Q
Clothes make the agent, (Realty Times, Aug., 2004).
When is "office casual" too casual?, (Realty Times, June, 2003).
Is your image undermining your success?, (REALTOR® Magazine, May 2003).
Are you losing the client in the first meeting?, (Realty Times, May 2002).
Personal Magnetism
A step-by-step guide to charisma, (BBC News, May 2005).
Radiating Influence, (REALTOR® Magazine, Apr. 2005).
Lessons in leadership, (Leadership Excellence, Dec. 2005). Q
The character of charisma, (University of Wisconsin, Board of Regents, July 2004).
Executive charisma: can it be learned?, (CFO Magazine, Nov. 2003).
Are you unforgettable? Become a memorable agent, (Realty Times, Oct. 1998).
How to Look Your Best
Dressing Tips for Women
How to buy a woman's business suit, (eHow.com, 2006).
How to build a spring wardrobe - Women, (eHow.com, 2005).
How to build a woman's fall wardrobe, (eHow.com, 2005).
How to accessorize your work wardrobe - Women, (eHow.com, 2005).
How to choose a high-quality garment, (eHow.com, 2005).
Dressing Tips for Men
6 things to consider when shopping for men's suits, (About, Inc., 2006).
6 common questions about men's suits answered, (About, Inc., 2006).
How to build a spring wardrobe - Men, (eHow.com, 2005).
How to build a man's fall wardrobe, (eHow.com, 2005).
Mind Your Manners
Sales meeting toolkit: using e-mail effectively, (REALTOR® Magazine, 2006).
Taming the cell phone beast, (Realty Times, Jan. 2002).
Make introductions with more confidence, (Realty Times, Nov. 2001).
Meeting and greeting for success, (Realty Times, Nov. 2001).
E-Etiquette: How to keep your prospects from hitting the delete button, (Realty Times, Apr. 1998).
Courtesy quiz, (REALTOR® Magazine, Feb. 1996).
Useful Websites
AICI, (Association of Image Consultants International). - This web site will help you find an image consultant, and gives advice on how to determine which one will best suit your needs.
Dressing well.com, (Organization by design, Inc.). - Wardrobe management and image consulting for corporations and individuals. Site includes dressing tips.
Fashion for real women, (Diana Pemberton-Sikes). - An image consultant offers practical advice for women on dressing well. Sign up for her free weekly newsletter.
BBC Lifestyle, (What Not to Wear). - British television show that focuses on image makeovers for women. Use the handy drop down menus to help you determine your body shape and rules for clothes shopping.
The Executive Protocol Group, (The Executive Protocol Group). - Website offering seminars that teach business etiquette.
eBooks & Other Resources
Books, Videos, Research Reports & More
The resources below are available for loan through Information Central. Up to three books, tapes, CDs and/or DVDs can be borrowed for 30 days from the Library for a nominal fee of $10. Call Information Central at 800.874.6500 for assistance.
Dress your best: The complete guide to finding the style that's right for your body (New York, NY: Three Rivers Press, 2005). GT 524 K28
The professional image: The total program for marketing yourself visually (New York, NY: Pedigree Books, 1984). BF 637 B55
Charisma: Seven keys to developing the magnetism that leads to success, (New York, NY: Warner Business Books, 1998). HF 5438 C21
Irresistible attraction: Secrets of personal magnetism, (Eagan, MN: Network 3000 Publishing, 2000). HF 5438 C21
How to win friends and influence people (New York, NY: Pocket Books, 1981). HF 5438 C21
Personal power (Boulder, CO: CareerTrack Publications, Inc., 1985). BF 637 L11
The first five minutes (New York, NY: Prentice Hall Press, 1987). BF 637 K58
Letitia Baldrige's new complete guide to executive manners (New York, NY: Rawson Associates, 1993). BJ 1850 B19
Business Protocol: How to survive & succeed in business (New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1991). BJ 1850 Ya1
Executive etiquette in the new workplace (New York, NY: St. Martin's Press, 1994). BJ 1850 St4
Field Guides & More
These Field Guides and other resources in the Virtual Library may also be of interest:
Field Guide to Business Etiquette When Working with Other Cultures
Field Guide to Customer Service
Field Guide to REALTORS® and the Global Marketplace
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