Appearance
Once you're outside your office or kitchen, clients and potential clients will be judging you by your appearance. They'll be asking themselves,
“Does he look like a chef?” and “Can I trust him to run a party for 200 of my closest business associates?”
Make sure you wear a clean uniform, look professional, and are well kempt any time you meet a client, work an event, or network.
If you're cooking or serving food, make sure your hair is neat. If you have long hair, it should be tied back. Another option is to wear a chef's hat.
Make sure you've showered. It's easy for the smell of the commercial kitchen and food preparation to stick with you, and it's a real turnoff.
Make sure your nails are clean and well manicured. You'll be the one touching your client's food, and there's nothing worse than a chef with dirty or bitten fingernails.
Make sure your clothes are cleaned and freshly pressed, that you're not wearing your kitchen clogs, and that you look professional.
Remember that when you meet with prospective clients, they will be judging you and your style to see if you can be trusted with creating and executing their wonderful event. You must look the part. When you meet with bridal clients, corporate clients, and clients hosting a party in their home, look your best. Women should put on some makeup and men should make sure they are well groomed.
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Great-looking clothes don't have to cost a fortune. Buy a couple of pairs of smart-fitting slacks, a couple of shirts or blouses, and a flattering sports jacket. Mix and match pieces to create different outfits. Men can wear different ties, while women can wear different scarves to create a variety of outfits.
If you've never paid much attention to your appearance, consult a professional at a local department store or beauty shop. Some retail stores and makeup counters encourage you to make an appointment with one of their associates. This way, you can be assured of a oneon-one consultation. You have to keep in mind that you're marketing yourself, so if your “packaging” isn't right, you won't be able to sell your services. Make sure your clothes complement your figure, you're wearing colors that accent your skin tone, and your eyeglasses, makeup, hair color, and haircut bring out your features and make you look your best. It's worth investing in a new outfit or two that you can wear to meet clients and for making presentations. Clients are going to expect you to be artistic, creative, and capable of executing a stylish event. If you look dated and out of touch, clients will be hardpressed to hire you.
