Image Matters

Written By: Larry Miller, Jr. | April 5, 2017 | No Comments

The Car You Drive Influences Your Image

How the Car You Drive Can Enhance Your Image

The Business Weekly had an interesting theme last week- dress for success. It made me think about how accurate it is that image does matter. I can recall starting out as a young attorney owning my law firm, and the number one obstacle I had was convincing potential clients that I could do a better job than my more experienced colleagues. Three years or so later after starting the firm, I was able to get rid of my old Toyota and purchase a brand new BMW. My profits at the firm dramatically increased immediately after buying this car.

It’s always tough to get a firm hold of the reasons for increases in business. But I was told by several people that the car I was driving helped my image. Why? Because it indicated to people that I was having success in my career. If I was having success, I must be a good lawyer, leading people to trust me to resolve major issues. Image does matter.

How the Car You Drive Can Negatively Affect Your Image

As a Business Attorney, I have spoken with many business owners who have exotic cars after saving hard, working hard, and budgeting tightly to afford the upkeep. Most of these people are quite secretive about the vehicles they own. Why? Because the average person, sadly, assumes that someone else who owns something a little beyond their means must be doing something improper to be able to afford such a nice car. You see, image is everything.

How the Way You Drive Influences Your Image

Along those same lines, I always shake my head when a driver with his business name on their vehicle drives aggressively and cuts people off. Anyone who sees that kind of driving will immediately associate such behavior with the attitudes connected with the business.

Image Can Control You Both Positively and Negatively

Dress for Success

I don’t’ understand people who fail to dress for success. It is, without question, essential to present an image of respect for yourself, so that customers and others can assume you will have respect for them. In the legal field, it boggles my mind how many times people show up for criminal hearings or significant lawsuits wearing t-shirts and jeans. Doing so presents an image to the Judge that you do not respect the Court. That can affect the way a Judge sees you, which will affect the opinion a fact-finder has of you. To present anything short of respectful and professional attire is inviting results that are less than flattering to you.

Use Proper English

Don’t cuss in professional environments.

Be Organized

Be organized on your desk. You need your boss to think you are an excellent employee, don’t present your superior with an image of disorganization and lack of respect for others. The importance of being organized should go without saying, but it doesn’t.

Use Proper Grammar

Use proper grammar in both your speech and your written communications. Proper grammar is more important than you understand. In this day of acronyms and shorthand when using electronics, the ability to know and be able to use correct grammar is becoming alarmingly scarce. You can instantly set yourself apart with a well-written and grammatically correct text, email, or letter.

Always Present a Positive, Professional Image

In any profession, you are in control of the image you give to others, and in turn how they see you. Make sure that your image is always a positive one. It’s the best advantage for success you can give yourself.

Miller Law Group’s Berks County Law Offices are in West Lawn near Reading and Wyomissing, PA.