1. The Long Dinner
2. Reconnect and Connect
3. Get Branded
4. Wear It Right
5. Don’t Talk, Communicate!

If you forget everything, remember that in all five steps you are communicating.  The Long Dinner is setting the stage for proper communication; networking is communicating; branding is communicating… you get the idea.

Someone once said, you are ALWAYS marketing yourself.  I submit that we are always communicating something.  The boots you wear, the color of tie, even the perfume says something.

Do you carry an iPod or a Blackberry?  Do you drive a Camaro or a Hybrid?  Do you speak with an accent or a drawl?

Communication never stops.

Marketing on the other hand is wearing the loose-fitting jeans, boat shoes, t-shirt, un-tucked of course, and unkempt hair.

Marketing is wearing cuff links with slacks and dress shoes.

Marketing is selling; communicating is not.  (More on this later)

Know what to say; how to say it; and who you’re saying it to.  Be a professional communicator.  This is step 5.

As a Public Affairs Officer for the Marines, Danny is an innovative and forward-thinking executive, with a passion for leveraging effective communications to fuel employee-engagement, build community goodwill, and drive profits.

One of the most exciting times during basic training, or boot camp is uniform issue day.  I’m not talking about the camouflage utilities, though when the new “diggies” came out, I couldn’t wait to get one on.  I’m talking about the Marine’s signature suit, the Dress Blues. This is our signature uniform displayed proudly on advertisements everywhere, billboards, and our previous round of Marine Corps recruiting commercials called America’s Marines.  The follow-on commercial is almost as good.

This is who we are. The dark blue contrasted with the bright red piping to depict our taking of the red British uniforms and turning them inside out to use as our uniform during the Revolutionary War.  The thick red stripes down the trousers to depict the blood loss at the Battle of Chapultapec.  And of course, our brand: the eagle, globe and anchor.

Our brand: the eagle, globe and anchor

Here’s where I’m going with this…  We are drilled with uniform specifications day in and out.  We must not only know our own tolerances for hair length, trouser breaks, welt size, and belt length, but we must also be fully aware and knowledgeable of the opposite sex’ measurements.  In other words, male Marines were expected to know the regulations on the wear of a female Marine’s hair; the length of her skirt, and the maximum height of her pumps.

Furthermore, the cost of these uniform items were often a burden.  Every time we received an award in the form of a medal or ribbon, we had to “re-stack”, often leading to anywhere from a $20 investment to more than $200 for a full set of medals.  This was routine every September to October in preparation for our annual Marine Birthday Ball.

We often complained, yet when it came to our uniforms, Marines were rarely out of regs.  Marines always looked sharp.  This was our brand, and it was who we were.  Marines.

So what makes people think it’s any different in the corporate world?

Your suits are your uniform.  The length of your tie, the way your coat fits, and the shine on your shoes matter.  But it’s not easy.

This is where Sofio comes in.  His more than 35 years in the business of fashion is your key to success.  And though his fees normally run in the thousand dollar and above range, the military has a special place in his heart and so do his prices for us.  Give him a call.  Here’s his website.  And, no I’m not on his roles, just a satisfied customer.

Spending a morning with Sofio will enlighten you as to the corporate uniform, or at a minimum the interview uniform so you can stand out above the others and get that job you’ve been dreaming of.  What have you to lose?

Step four is this:

You are what you wear.  Take the time and effort to show your employer or interviewer that you care and that you are a professional.

As a Public Affairs Officer for the Marines, Danny is an innovative and forward-thinking executive, with a passion for leveraging effective communications to fuel employee-engagement, build community goodwill, and drive profits.