Grooming for Success

However much you protest, it cannot be denied that people instantly judge you based on howyou look.

You could be a successful professional raking in the moolah and having recently acquired aswanky car, but if you are dressed shabbily with food stains on your clothes and with two daysgrowth of stubble on your face, then you will be judged accordingly. Were here to make surethat never happens to you! Read on and get a grip on how to make a great first impression.

Sticking to basics

A healthy body does it for you. If you take care of your body, its half the job already donewhen it comes to making a good impression. Eat regular and balanced meals and get your shareof physical exercise. Smoke and drink only occasionally if at all, hard... we know!! Cultivating

habits like this will go a long way in making you a person with a significant presence and who

is sure to

Make a lasting first impression.

Pamper your skin. To ensure that your skin is glowing and that you look fresh, do what thedoctor ordered. Make sure you drink at least two liters of water a day. It takes a getting used tobut does wonders for your complexion. Get enough sleep so that you dont have puffy eyes,and also moisturize regularly to keep your skin nourished . Before stepping out, always checkyour face to make sure you dont have any smudges of dirt on it, or any stray hair growing orcrust in your eyes. This just takes you a few seconds and it will surely add to your look.

Close shave. Shave regularly to look your best. If you sport a beard or a moustache or a Frenchbeard, then make sure it is trimmed neatly and has no stray hairs sticking out in multiple

directions. Also make sure that you shave in the same direction as the growth of the hair, andthat you soften your facial hair before shaving it. This will ensure that there arent ingrowthsand also reduce the possibilities of getting nicked while shaving.

Add Color To Your Wardrobe . Chapped lips will never get you anywhere with that girl youlike, so use lip balm regularly to keep them moisturized and smooth. Dont put too much on orit might end up looking like youre wearing lip gloss. If it embarrasses you to use it, only applyit when youre in the washroom.

Get in the shower. The basic step to staying clean and smelling good even without anycologne. This is a step you are not allowed to miss because its as simple as water, shower andtowel. So whether youve just come back from the gym, woken up, or are going for a party -shower!

Keep your hands clean. Women notice nice hands and hands play a make-or-break role inbusiness meetings because of the importance of a handshake. Cut and file your nails regularlyand also make sure that they dont have any residue of food or dirt stuck in them. Keep a nailclipper, file and other items you might need in the shower so that you can save time needed to

do this. Wash your hands frequently and especially after a meal because smelly and sweatyhands are the biggest turn off. Also use a bit of hand lotion on them to prevent your handsresembling tough hide.

Dont be shaggy. Since hair grows regularly, you have to always keep a check on when yourear, nose, chest hair needs a trim. Its best to trim hair from these parts at least once a week.Also shampoo and condition your hair every day. Of course if you have long hair, maybealternate days would be fine, but never let your hair look greasy and straggly.

Clothes & more maketh the man

Sense of style. Clothes that fit well, and which are clean, neatly ironed and smell good are veryimportant. Dont recycle clothes that have been chucked into your laundry basket because youhave run out of clean, ironed clothes. You wont fool anyone with that trick! The fit also isvery important to looking good. Its no use wearing expensive shirts and branded trousers ifyouve got the fit wrong. People will only notice that your clothes are hanging on you oralternatively, are too tight for you.

Shiny shoes. Men are judged by their shoes. If you dont know this yet, youve obviously noidea about the typical standards used to judge men. If you are wearing formal shoes, make suretheyre not scuffed and dirty. They should be polished and shiny. Casual shoes should also beclean and avoid tattered shoes at all costs!

Smell good. Dont go overboard and douse yourself with strong smelling perfume, after usingstrong smelling toiletries, but pick one cologne and stick with it. Dont use different smellingsoaps, lotions and then apply cologne because the scents could mix badly resulting in a weirdsmelling mish-mash on you. Dont ever go cheap when buying perfume. Not only might it reactbadly with your skin, but also it can never smell as good as the original. Also, never ever try todisguise body odor with cologne. Its the worst thing you could possibly do! Have a showerinstead.

Last pointers

Once youre ready and stepping out of your house, keep these last pointers in mind.

Maintain Posture. Posture is very important. Do not slouch and always walk straight becauseit projects confidence and assertiveness in a man. If you have trouble with maintaining yourposture, do some posture exercises regularly till you perfect your posture. For moreinformation, read our section on getting your posture just right.

A Firm handshake. When you first meet a person and shake his or her hand, make yourhandshake firm and look them in the eyes and smile. Not meeting a persons eye, or givingsomeone a limp handshake is the worst first impression you can create. It reflects a personalitythat's is not sure of himself, and is insecure. Neither of these makes for a good impression.

Sweaty Stuff. Sweat is inevitable, but can be beaten. Keep a check on whether you smellingand reapply cologne or deodorant. Also wear an undershirt if you tend to sweat a lot. Use footpowder on your feet to keep your shoes and feet from smelling bad.

Double Check. During your day at work or during your night out, your clothes are sure to shiftor crumple or get food stains on them. Make sure you check yourself in the mirror to see if youneed to adjust anything in your attire.

After Meals. After any meal, check your teeth for food residue and re-check your face to seeif theres any smudge or dirt. Rinse your mouth out and use mint to avoid you breath fromsmelling.

Looking good and projecting the confidence that comes from it will get you noticed by people,and is sure to create a great first impression for you. Use a mirror to check regularly if yourlook needs any adjustments and youre sure to create a lasting impression with your suave self.