How to Use Style to Your Advantage

Style- you know it when you see it.  You'll recognize it in how someone dresses or in the feel of a person's living room.  You may see it in the way a person carries himself or in the way a person speaks.  

The key is to use it to your own advantage.  Easier said than done but it matters nonetheless.

I was interviewing some candidates a while back and was struck by how few had style.  Of the 10 people we interviewed, only two really stood out.  Both had their own websites and both were sharp dressers.

Note that I'm not saying "correct style" because that's probably an oxymoron.  Style relates to art so it's very subjective.  Think of your favorite restaurant and the decor- you may love it while your best friend may think it's too busy or uninviting.  

Style is like that- it's very subjective.

Still, you should identify your own style and then make it work for you.  Here are three simple ways that you can use style to your own advantage at work:

  1. Create your own logo.  I've used Fiverr.com for years for various logos and decided on this (to the right) for my new logo.  The official approval came from my wife who said, "very nice!" after it was complete.  It's clean and professional looking.  If she's happy, I'm happy!
  2. Invest in your wardrobe.  We're not talking about punking down $500-$1,000 on new duds.  Rather, consider simplifying and adding a signature look to what you wear.  I worked with a  guy recently who wore Chuck Taylor sneakers everywhere.  Maybe not my style but I remember him for his.  I've recently purchased a ton of skinny ties, hoping that this contributes to a simple, clean look.  
  3. Make your social outlets consistently "you".  By using your personal logo, you can add style to not only your resume but to your Facebook header, Twitter header and Instagram posts.  This will add some consistency and style to who you are and what you have to say online.  You may also want to add your own signature hashtag.  

Style matters and it will help you to stand out from the crowd.  How will you step up your style in the coming weeks?  

Time to Reinvent Yourself at Work?

Chances are, you won't know when it's time to hit "restart" when it comes to work.  Most of the time, we plug along and then, when it's too late, we realize that it might be time for a fresh start.

New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin learned this recently as he was forced to resign.  It was time to go.  

Science tells us that we often don't see ourselves- physically, socially, etc. as others see us.  I had a hard reality check a few years ago when- gasp, a family photo showed me that I was balding.  "Why didn't you tell me?" I asked my wife as she chuckled.  The whole family then proceeded to tell me that it's been happening for years.  They collectively taught me that I wasn't seeing myself as others did.  Humbling and funny all at the same time!

The truth is, there are times when we need to reboot and start over. After all, it's better to see reality as it is.  Sometimes that means change.

Axe, the body-spray brand, is doing just this with its branding campaign.  Out with the raunchy ads and in with a more "modern masculinity".  It was time to change.

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So how do you know if it's time to reinvent yourself and change it up at work?  You could-

a) ask someone you respect if you're getting stale or ...

b) listen to any stirrings in your heart that it might be time to go or even ...

c) do a "switching analysis" to see if you applied for a different job, what it would gain for you and what you would lose.

This is a healthy process.  I met recently with someone who felt stuck.  She shared with me that her passion was to do something different.  I had never thought of her doing anything but her current role (i.e. I had placed her expertise in a box) but after talking about it, my respect for her swelled as I witnessed someone who still wanted to grow and contribute ... but in a different assignment.  That's self-discernment that any boss would appreciate.

Is it time to reinvent yourself at work?