Hello Reader,
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I recently found myself at a packed networking event, surrounded by professionals in crisp suits and polished shoes. As I scanned the room, my attention was immediately drawn to someone who stood out dramatically - not because he was the best dressed, but because of his presence. In athletic shorts, a fitted t-shirt, and running shoes, this gentleman commanded the centre of the room with confident body language and a warm smile that drew people toward him. Far from looking sloppy, he appeared fit, active, and intentionally put-together—like a professional athletic trainer whose appearance perfectly matched his field of expertise.

Curious, I made my way over to join his conversation circle. It turned out he owned a successful chiropractic and physiotherapy clinic. What struck me wasn't just his confidence, but how perfectly his athletic attire aligned with his professional identity. As a chiropractor, formal business wear would have created distance between him and his patients. Instead, his presentation - clean, athletic, and healthy - reinforced exactly what his practice stood for: physical wellness, active living, and approachability. His appearance communicated his expertise before he even spoke.

This encounter perfectly illustrates what I'm exploring this week: how certain people command attention when they walk into a room or speak in a virtual meeting. It's not just about what they're wearing - it's about their entire presence and how it aligns with who they authentically are.

The Power of Professional Presence

When we think of professional image, wardrobe and attire tend to be the first things that come to mind. But as my chiropractor acquaintance demonstrated, it goes far beyond your clothing choices. It encompasses how you carry yourself, communicate, and interact with others in professional settings. When developed thoughtfully, this presence becomes one of your most valuable career assets.

The impact isn't just theoretical - it's also measurable. Leaders with a strong professional presence inspire more enthusiastic followers. Professionals who cultivate their image consistently earn 20% more than their peers. And in a world where every interaction is essentially a negotiation (whether you're advocating for a new idea, requesting resources, or simply building relationships), the confidence that comes from a well-crafted image often determines who succeeds.

The Three Pillars of Professional Image

As a Licensed Business Etiquette Trainer from the Emily Post Institute, I approach image through three essential elements:

1. Appearance: This goes beyond clothing to include your posture, facial expressions, and overall presentation. It's the visual story you tell before speaking a single word.
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2. Words: Your vocabulary choices, tone of voice, and ability to adapt your communication style to different audiences reveal your social intelligence and professional polish.
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3. Actions: How you treat others, your punctuality, your follow-through on commitments - these behaviours form the foundation of your professional reputation.

In my upcoming Image module, I build upon these principles to help professionals like you develop an authentic presence that opens doors.

Your Virtual Presence Matters

In today's hybrid work environment, your digital presence has become just as crucial as your in-person image. Virtual backgrounds are now extensions of our professional identities.

That's why I recently invested in creating a professional backdrop for my office. My talented brother-in-law, Timon (a professional carpenter), designed and built a custom setting that perfectly captures the essence of my brand while embodying the professionalism that Boost Academy of Excellence represents.

Check out the pictures above. I'm thrilled with how it turned out and excited to use this space for my upcoming virtual trainings. Let me know what you think!

Just as we carefully select our attire for important meetings, our virtual environments deserve the same consideration. Your background, lighting, camera angle, and digital etiquette all contribute to how others perceive your professionalism - often making that critical first impression.

Quick Tips for Elevating Your Professional Image

• Dress for your day: Consider what's on your calendar and prepare accordingly, but always have a "level-up" outfit ready for unexpected important meetings.
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• Mind your non-verbals: Research shows that 55% of communication is body language. Stand tall, make appropriate eye contact, and be mindful of your facial expressions.
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• Listen actively: Nothing communicates respect more clearly than genuinely listening to others. Practice focusing completely on the speaker without planning your response.
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• Create consistency: Ensure your appearance, words, and actions align with the professional presence you want to project across all interactions.

Thoughts so Far?

I look forward to hearing from you on the content I've been sharing with you. So far, I've covered topics like digital communications etiquette, the power of small talk, the art of workplace hospitality, professional image, dining for business, workplace etiquette, to name a few. If you think some of these topics could be of interest to your organization, let me know by reaching out.
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Warm regards,

Trina Boos
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Founder & CEO
Boost Academy of Excellence