Do you wake up each day feeling energized and ready to take on the day, or do you press snooze several times? Only now you are running late, so you skip breakfast, skip going to the gym, and you are running around the house trying to get out the door, and yet, you are going to be late once again. Why do we do it to ourselves?  Why do we expect the world to treat us with respect, when we can’t do the simple thing like show up on time,be courteous, or just simply smile when we greet others?

It is true that you seldom get a second chance to make an excellent first impression. A wise person will dress and look the part for the job they want, not the job they already have. Respect, confidence, and self-belief start with the choice in how you care for yourself from the inside out. Looking good leads to feeling good, and when you look good and feel good,you become unstoppable.

Ways to make you look & feel good:

1. Take 30-60 minutes a day to exercise

2. Maintain a healthy diet

3. Take time to read daily

4. Keep wardrobe updated

5. Self Reflect

Things you will gain by looking & feeling good

1. Confidence

2. Energy

3. Focus

4. Good Health

5. Drive to succeed

Tips for making a good first impression:

1. Eye Contact

2. Smile

3. Firm Handshake

4. Speak Clearly and Directly to Person

5. Be on time

6. Be aware of your body language

At the beginning of my keynote speaking career, I did not consistently put my best foot forward at times.  I would wear baggy clothes when I would speak places, I would wear these huge earrings in my ear to try and proclaim I was successful, when I was truly struggling down to my core.  I would constantly be inconsistent with how I dressed, which led to my keynote speaking message being unclear,distorted, and inconsistent.

Today, unless the client asked me to dress down, I always wear a suit.  I always am crystal clear in my overall message from the way I dress, to the confidence I have when I’m on stage, to the way I always deliver what the client is looking for with my message.  This did not come easily, it took years of practice,hard work, and most of all learning how to listen to others.  So I challenge you to dress for success at all times, and when you do that you are putting yourself in the best position to succeed in your vision!

Dress in the way that is comfortable to you and in a manner that makes you feel confident, professional, and classy. Make sure you style of dress is fitting to the job you are doing, you don't want to be overly dressed or under-dressed. The way one dresses and cares for themselves can be a reflection of how they think of themselves.

First Impressions and Image, is your introduction and signature to you and your Brand. Look and feel so good that when you walk into a room, your presence in that room is your introduction.

Marques Ogden, Keynote Speaker