What do you want people to think when they first meet you?

You have seven seconds to create a lasting first impression. In that time what you wear, how you stand, what you say and how you say it, will all be judged. If you have been working diligently on your elevator pitch to sell “you”, remember you need to consider the whole package.

We want to believe that we do not judge someone just on their looks, although initially we have little else to work from therefore the decision is very visual. Control the narrative by always being the brand you want others to see.

Defining your look can be done by identifying your style category. A style category could be; elegant, classic, eclectic, modern, minimalist, feminine and the list goes on. This can easily be done by reviewing various images of different styles and then rating them. You will start to see a trend of what you like and it could be a mash up of a few styles depending on your lifestyle.

Think quality over quantity. Fast fashion is here to stay although a tee that costs $10 and is made of an inferior fabric will not go the distance and will be out of shape in the first few washes. Instead save and spend your hard earned cash on wardrobe staples that will be in your wardrobe in years to come. Where you can have some fun is with fleeting fashion trends where you might buy one item to complement your core basics. The best way to do this is to focus on your accessories; bags, scarves and jewellery are the perfect lift to an outfit without breaking the bank.

Fashion is an investment in you and your beauty and skincare regime should also be of a high standard. Simple maintenance like not wearing chipped nail polish, or hair that needs to be coloured should be a part of your regular beauty routine. Your overall style is made up of all elements we discussed earlier. This is not to say you need to wear a face full of make up and have a facial every week. Although great skin is evident by taking care of you from the inside.

Knowing what your style is and then consistently dressing to that style is one measure of knowing your overall brand. You may decide to have one key feature that people will start to know is your identifier. Taylor Swift was never seen without her pout being in a bold red lip colour. Victoria Beckham was all about the high heel, even when attending more casual events. Sienna Miller owned the chic bohemian style. Find your style and own it.

Authenticity is the one word that many great leaders identify as a necessity in defining your brand. When building your brand it is important to only align with businesses you truly support and would use. It is so easy to see through the sponsored posts now that litter social media. Consistency is the other key word that connects a strong brand with their integrity. Be you, although be the same you all of the time. It can be confusing when you meet someone, then on the next occasion they seem to be someone quite different - whether that is how they dress, how they interact or the way in which they treat people.

You are your brand all the time. This is especially true when it comes to social media. If you are promoting a business be sure to have separate social pages for your personal life. Everything you post will have meaning and if a cute dog image does not relate or connect back to your business or brand, post that personally. You want to build credibility with your followers and stay true to who you are.

What we all want to strive for is a powerful, attractive and visible brand. One that is authentic and true to you. Each day when you get dressed look in the mirror and decide if how you are styled and presented is what you want to sell.