Suzana Pimenta, image consulting agency:
Do you think taking care of your image is superficial these days?

Patrick Hagen:
Whenever someone asks me why I like to look good, appear on top form, dress well or come across as pleasant, I always give the same answer. It isn’t just to please others. First and foremost, it gives me a certain confidence and helps me feel good about myself. I think it’s important to feel good and to give off positive energy.

In the various jobs I’ve had, I’ve always noticed that the care you put into your image adds real value to the business. People will see it and assume you’ll take the same care over their requests and their affairs. They’ll sense the high standards you hold yourself to and expect the same for themselves.

That applies to the business owner, but also to every link in the company’s chain. Today, as services and products become increasingly interchangeable, it’s important to get noticed and stand out through a strong, positive image.

Let’s not forget (and almost all of us work this way) that a first impression often sticks, for better… or for worse!