Business Image Is Everything - Get The Most From Your Staff

Image is everything in business. Every aspect of a business from its people, to its premises, to its advertising and even quality of refreshments given to visitors.

Every business and every individual has an image. The image is how they are percieved by others. Human beings also have a self-image. An mental image of how they think others regard them.

There are thousands of aspects of image which include marketing your products, goals and for the longer term strategies. However it is so important and often overlooked that the image that you portray must match the overall positioning of the company.

Many business gurus sight people as being the most important asset that any company can have. After all they represent your company.

So with this in mind lets see how your most important asset builds your company image.

Dress code is part of the overall image of a company. Many large blue chips are now no longer insisting on tie wearing for gentlemen. Many companies will allow certain members of staff, typically programmers and IT developers to wear anything they like.

Most companies with a field sales team will insist that men and woman wear smart business suits and some will go as far as to stipulate the colours worn. There is the choice to make as to wether or not the business makes finacial contribution towards the clothing.

Employees in a customer facing position can further increase their professional image by ensuring that they look the part. For exmaple presenting business cards which are prestine in condition. This can be helped by providing employees with business card cases, or suggesting that they invest in their own card case.

It is paramount that the image portayed is consistent with the overall business image and ought to be consistent with your marketing and business plans.

Image is everything and your employees play a huge role in this arena. make sure that your staff are geared up to play this important role in how your image comes accross to your clients.

Ensure that staff are monitored for professional values. Motivate and back your message up by ensuring that they have good kit to begin with.

Company pens can be distributed to staff which will ensure branding is permiated throughout the company, internally and externally.

For field sales ensure for a professional image that leather folders are provided rather than plastic low end ones.

Business card cases will give a professional image but are also practical as they will see that the branded business cards are received by suppliers and clients in prestine condition.

Furthermore spot checks can be made on cleanliness of company vehicles and preparation made for appointments. This can be built into your official one to one review meetings, or just done ad hoc when the employer sees fit.

If your interviewing technique has been carried out effectively then your employee image should match your company image and your staff will welcome the checks as they can be used as a key performance indicator KPI).

When selecting interviewing techniques more forward-thinking companies are using Competency Based Interviewing as it strips away personal feelings and concentrates solely on the ability of the candidiate.