Professional business image - what counts?

Never before have we seen so much pressure to create an impeccable image. In today's world, it has become almost an obligation to be well perceived by those around you. This is the only way to achieve competitive advantage and success. Today, personal branding is of great importance - especially on the labour market. How to build a cohesive business image?

What will you learn from the article?

Did you know that your behaviour can communicate more than a thousand words? Personal branding is not just a fashionable buzzword, but a key part of building a professional business image. So how do you create a consistent image of yourself in the professional world? Does dress matter in a business context, or is it more about being yourself? In this article, we take a look at how to effectively create your own brand and why you should believe in yourself. Learn the secrets that will help you stand out in the crowd and build an authentic business image.

What is personal branding?

Did you know even employers with 97% early on recruitment process check information about its candidates? And you are aware that more than 30% people are not employed in the company, only because of their profiles on social media? “When they see you, that's how they write you” - this seemingly simple statement in fact has great value. The image has a large impact on how the environment perceives us. It may facilitate or hinder our functioning on the labor market. But what actually makes up the image?

There is no single, universal definition of image. However, from all the expert terms, the main idea of the concept can be drawn. Business image is the perception of the company's managers, all employees who represent the company externally, job applicants, freelancers and public figures.

The business image consists of such elements as:

• appearance,
• behavior and manners in specific situations, adherence to the rules of business etiquette,
• interpersonal skills,
• qualifications, professional skills and experience,
• achievements and successes,
• lifestyle, including the quality of relationships with others, ways of spending free time, interests.

Personal branding is a tool for building a good reputation in the professional environment and an excellent support for developing business potential. Business image is part of the first impression. Constructed in the right way, it can inspire confidence, indicate high competence and emphasise credibility.

How to build a business image?

Building a personal brand is not one of the easiest tasks. It is a process that requires extensive knowledge, commitment and self-discipline. 

First, define what you want to represent yourself. Show your strengths and those you need to work on. Use your strengths to strengthen your brand. Do you like writing Create a blog with substantive, valuable content. On the blog, you can present yourself as an expert in a given industry. This will certainly make it easier for you to get your dream job.

You can use the SWOT analysis to study your strengths and weaknesses.

Believe in yourself and be yourself

No matter what you post on your LinkedIn or Facebook profile, it won't be credible if you don't believe in yourself. Building business image is also about creating self-esteem. Knowing your worth will make it easy to communicate your expertise to a wide audience and be professional and authentic in what you do. 

There are tons of profiles on LinkedIn with almost identical photos and descriptions. So why should a potential employer choose you when everyone looks like clones? Remember that individualism is what counts in building a business image. Avoid universal solutions and routine patterns. Be the best version of yourself.

Business image and dress code

Costume has a huge impact on business image. Appearance contains a kind of clue to other people - it informs one's approach to life, indicates one's social standing and defines professionalism.

The clothing should be appropriate to the circumstances and the position held. The business dress code is simple cuts, moderation, excellent quality clothes and subdued colors. The complement is a delicate make-up for women and a smooth, shaved face and a neat hairstyle for men.

Women should choose classic-cut pants, jackets, modest skirts or dresses. At the same time, they should give up exposed shoulders, deep necklines, translucent fabrics or very tight cuts. 

In the business wardrobe of an elegant man, first of all, a universal suit in black or navy blue color and an elegant, white shirt made of good quality fabric should not be missing. The business dress code also allows casual jackets and straight-cut trousers. 

Your behavior expresses more than a thousand words

Professional business image is a key element of success in the business world. It is the foundation on which trust, authority and positive relationships with customers, partners and colleagues are built. In an era where competition is increasing, the right business image can determine success or failure. Professionalism means not only knowledge and skills, but also the way a person or company is perceived by those around them. How we look, how we communicate, what values we stand for and how we approach our responsibilities affect the perception of our personal or corporate brand.

Building professional image requires attention to detail and consistency. One key element is appropriate dress, which is often the first impression and indicates the level of commitment and respect towards others. In the context of business image Clarity and consistency in communication - both oral and written - is also important. A professional is a person who is able to communicate in a way that is clear, direct but also polite and respectful. Business image is also about being able to handle difficult situations, taking responsibility for one's actions and being transparent in relationships.

An important aspect professional image is also work ethic and loyalty. People are more likely to work with people who act according to values and ethical standards, which builds lasting relationships based on mutual trust. In addition, business image It also reflects the way a brand or person approaches its customers - caring for their needs and delivering a quality service or product are key to building reputation.

In today's world, online presence is also important - professional image This includes how we present ourselves on social media and professional platforms such as LinkedIn. Sharing valuable content on a regular basis, participating in industry discussions and building professional networks are all steps that help to enhance your image. Business image is therefore a complex combination of appearance, communication, ethics and approach to work, which together create a consistent image of professionalism and competence.

The role of non-verbal communication in business image

Non-verbal communication is of great importance in creating a business imagebecause it supports the verbal message and enhances its authenticity. Gestures, facial expressions or the way we maintain eye contact can positively influence the business image, building trust and confidence in professional relationships. Conscious management of body language helps to effectively build professional image, emphasising competence and commitment. In this process, it can be helpful to work with experts from branding agencywho support you in building a consistent personal and corporate image.

Importance of continuing professional development for a professional image

Continuous up-skilling is key to creating a good corporate image and individual professional image. Regular participation in training and competence development demonstrates openness to change and a commitment to self-improvement. In this way, both employees and entire organisations build professional imageattracting partners and customers.