I was racing into a client meeting last week, and caught a vision of myself in the elevator mirror looking… frazzled. My hair was perfect, my outfit on point, but my energy was all wrong.
It occurred to me that we spend so much time making sure we look the part, but forget about how we actually show up in those moments. Let me tell you what I’ve learned about being intentional in professional settings.
Ask Yourself: Why Am I Here?
Before I walk into any room now, I pause and think: Why am I going to this meeting? Not just “to pitch the client” or “to give feedback.” Really – what do I want to happen here? Am I trying to build trust with someone new? Solve a problem that’s been bugging me? Sometimes I realize I’m just showing up to be seen, which is fine! But knowing that changes how I present myself entirely.
Fifteen Minutes Makes All the Difference
I aim to arrive fifteen minutes early everywhere. Not to sit in my car checking Instagram, but to actually transition from whatever chaos I left behind. I use that time to check my teeth, smooth my hair, and mentally shift gears. Just giving myself a few minutes to hit a mini reset button before I walk in.
Put the Phone Away
This one still gets me sometimes. We all know it’s rude to check phones during meetings, but wow, is it tempting when that notification pops up. I’ve started leaving mine in my purse – out of sight, out of mind. When my full attention is on the person I’m with, they can feel it. And honestly? That text about what’s for dinner can wait.
Eyes Up, People
I remember my first big presentation years ago. I was so focused on my notes that I barely looked up. Awful! Eye contact feels weird at first if you’re not used to it, but it’s everything when it comes to connecting with people. I don’t mean staring contests – just genuine looking at the person while they’re talking. And when I speak? I make sure to scan the room, not just focus on one person. It’s basic human connection stuff, but easy to forget when you’re nervous.
Listen Like You Mean It
This is probably one of the biggest professional weaknesses – to be already formulating a response while the other person is still talking. Working on this has been eye-opening (no pun intended). When I actually focus on understanding, not just waiting for my turn to talk, conversations go so much better. People feel heard. And I don’t end up repeating something they literally just said because I was planning my clever comeback.
Look, getting your outfit right is important – it’s what I do for a living! But walking into a room with intention? That’s what makes people remember you long after they’ve forgotten what shoes you were wearing.
Professional Image Consultation