Keeping Your Professional Image Professional

Then there was the lawyer who wouldn’t get out of bed when appearing before a judge.

No, this isn’t a joke! The Miami Herald reports Circuit Judge Dennis Bailey is telling lawyers to dress appropriately for hearings, even when they’re working remotely.

Like he should even have to say that?

"One male lawyer appeared shirtless and one female attorney appeared still in bed, still under the covers. And putting on a beach cover-up won't cover up you're poolside in a bathing suit," he said. "So, please, if you don't mind, let's treat court hearings as court hearings, whether Zooming or not."

That seems like a reasonable request, but it poses a bigger question: Is working from home an invitation to relax? After all, kids or dogs sometimes hijack ZOOM meetings, and people wash dishes during conference calls without muting their phone. 

I didn’t even shave for two weeks, until several snarky comments reminded me I have an image to protect. You can bet THAT won’t happen again!

So, just as you wouldn’t show up for a client meeting in your jammies, neither should you appear that way online.

My friend Dave Lemox adds “I saw a LinkedIn photo from a financial advisor sitting at his desk wearing a nice white dress shirt, tie, and shorts. It was funny, but posting it publicly defeated the purpose of looking professional on Zoom.”

Point taken. We’re all working harder now than ever to remain relevant in the eyes of clients and associates, hustling a bit more to be remembered when someone has business referrals. Is a nice shirt too much to ask of you?

Out of respect for your business network, you need to present yourself as a professional, regardless of what you sell. If you get lazy, showing up in jeans and a T-shirt, people will remember that about you…and not necessarily to your benefit.

"I want attorneys dressed, showing some respect for their recognition that this is a court hearing," says Judge Bailey, adding "You're going to earn the same amount of respect that you've shown."

And yes, Bailey wears his robes during hearings…though there was no mention what he wears under those robes.

Bottom line: If you're going onto Zoom, at least look appropriate from the waist up.

With that said, I wish you a week of profitable marketing.

------
Get more professional marketing at www.askmrmarketing.com.