As a new business owner, or when changing careers or aiming towards a promotion, there’s a tendency to get wrapped up in the details of thinking, looking, and acting the “right way” to land the sale. This can often make us appear to be anxious, needy, or even desperate to our co-workers, customers, and clients.
Here are my top three ways to relax into your new role at work, whether you’re an intern or the CEO of your aspiring new business.
1. Lean Back
Like, literally lean back in your seat.
If you’re not leaning back right now while you’re reading this, shift yourself into a more comfortable back-leaning position. Did you feel the difference in your energy and attitude? When we lean back, we open ourselves up to new ideas, new energy, and lower our stress levels.
However, this doesn’t mean slouch in your seat. When done right, the proper lean back keeps you comfortable while also making you appear alert and straight in your chair. The only one who may really notice the subtle difference is you – in how you feel while chatting with others and how your posture is affecting your emotions.
To get the perfect lean back posture, keep a small amount of space behind your back and the chair, and tilt your hips forward a bit. This posture is perfect for important meetings, negotiations, new client assessments, and consultations (especially when you are both meeting for the first time to see if you’re a good fit). It’s a great posture when you need to appear relaxed, yet in control: meetings where it will serve you well to appear happy and confident in who you are and what you’re selling.
2. Dress to Impress
While confidence shines from the inside, it’s also inferred by the way we carry ourselves, sit, move, and by how meticulous we are in grooming ourselves. Ladies, I cannot stress how important it is to always look your best. You never know what opportunity lurks around the corner. While beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, there is much to say on proper grooming and styling.
To achieve a fresh new look and personality, make a very critical assessment of your current closet. Use the art of purging to make room for new items. Set a budget and then take advantage of shops that offer classy and affordable basics like such as structured jackets and statement pieces on a budget. I’m a huge fan of shopping at Zara. They have great basics that you can wear with more statement like pieces and don’t hurt your wallet too much. A classy #girlboss also understands that sometimes you have to dress down to get ahead as well sometimes – in the face of still-pervasive sexism in the workplace. However, as your income and budget grows over time by following these principles, you can invest in classier, higher-end items to round out your wardrobe.
3. Image Counts
When we take the time and make room in our budgets for nice clothes, shoes, haircuts and color, unique statement jewelry, and other items – these things DO make a big difference in how people perceive us. This is why politicians, celebrities, and other high-profile individuals employ professional stylists as a vital part of their entourage.
Image, like or not, counts for a lot. When we fail to take care of ourselves, whether through laziness or misdirected priorities, it shows. Our personal style, or lack of it, can create a negative impression in the minds of those around us, including coworkers, staff, managers, and clients.
However, the reverse is also true. Have you ever heard the expression “dress for the job you want, not the job you have”? When we dress up – whether we are aiming for store manager or CFO – the people who are going to be making the decision about whom to promote are going to be judging us on whether we have what it takes to fill that role.
Will we be able to handle the pressure? Do we look and act the part? Are we able to represent the company the way it needs to be represented? When we start dressing smart early on, we become the role we want and avoid getting stuck in the job we have. This means that we climb the corporate ladder faster and smoother.
If you dress for the job you want, take care to employ power poses, lean back, and lean in, you’ll prove to others what a powerful leader you are.
With Love | Nikki xo