At Lypsso we wanted to reflect on the importance of looks in business. Men are under pressure to be the best at what they do; whether they work at a local shop, corporation or run their own business. The latter particularly interests us.
We are surrounded daily by male tech entrepreneurs. We are tired of asking them about beauty or grooming and having the same answer “Oh! that’s not for me”.
Really? Our site statistics show that 50% of our sign ups are men, but what’s great, is that studies show that it really does matter. This article is for them.
How is the entrepreneur’s life healthy?
As an entrepreneur you spend an average of 52 hours per week working and only take 9 days holiday on average in the first year of starting your business.
Due to the nature of your busy lifestyle, you are likely to be sat at a desk for long periods of time looking down at your laptop. The only exercise you get is during your commute to and from work, or by walking to the nearest coffee shop to grab a sandwich ‘on the go’ to your next important meeting.
It hardly sounds the picture of good health does it?
Add to that the countless late nights you stay up working on your pitch, business plan or presentation and there you have one dark eyed, pale and tired entrepreneur staring back at you in the mirror.
How is my entrepreneurial lifestyle impacting on my looks?
Looking after yourself may not be high on your agenda as an entrepreneur. Your busy working life doesn’t leave you with much time to take good care of yourself. But this shouldn’t be an excuse, because this lifestyle choice will have a knock on effect when it comes to your looks sooner or later.
Sleeping too little will leave you feeling groggy and not on top form for the day ahead. You may notice dark circles appearing due to you not getting enough shuteye.
SEE ALSO: Are you getting enough sleep?
Too many takeaways, skipping meals, not having a proper routine and working late can cause your skin to breakout and you are likely to gain weight too.
Can result in posture (back) and neck problems as well as frequent headaches.
When you are glued to the screen for long periods of time – Computer vision syndrome (CVS) – can cause increased problems to your eye’s health. This includes puffy eyes, dark circles and frequent migraines.
SEE ALSO: Technology is making your skin age!
Working for yourself can be stressful and can cause anxiety, which can leave you with acne (+back acne), an itchy/flaky scalp, sensitive and dehydrated skin and body odour caused from stress.
Why are looks important to run your business?
Not looking so sharp can have a downside on how others look at you, including clients, employees and potential investors. If you aren’t feeling and looking so chirpy (pale, tired and overworked) then chances are that the people you meet are going to see it too.
Looks count for a lot, especially when you meet somebody for the first time. When you first meet someone, they instantly assess everything about you within the first 30 seconds. They can sense if you’re tired, stressed, motivated, and nervous and even if you are a positive or negative person.
But most interestingly, researchers have studied the concept of beauty as a factor in a person’s success over and over again, and in multiple ways. People that look good tend to bring in more money for their companies, and are therefore seen as more valuable, likable, trustworthy and successful.
75% of men believe well dressed, clean men earn more money than the less polished. Think clean-shaven, suited and smelling fresh!
Even in the corporate life, studies show that attractive people are usually hired sooner, get promotions quicker, and are paid more.
Whether we like it or not, looks count in business.
In order to be able to sell your business plan to potential investors and clients, you have to believe in yourself and looking good is the first step to that success. If you look good, you feel good. So go into that next meeting with your head held high with these 8 commandments in hand and nail that next big deal!
The top 8 grooming commandments to look good
To present yourself in the best way possible you will look smart and fresh with a clean shave. To avoid razor bumps and irritation add a couple of drops of avocado oil to your aftershave.
Use a facial wash and moisturiser that contain refreshing ingredients to wake you up. Lemon and peppermint ingredients will awaken your skin making you feel fresh and ready for the day ahead. No caffeine needed!
Massage your scalp with Castor oil 20 minutes before you shampoo. Make this a regular practice to avoid dandruff and a flaky scalp.
Stress can trigger body odour… Fact! Applying your deodorant at night gives the product time to gradually work when you are not sweating. Other remedies include applying witch Hazel and Tea Tree oil to the affected area. They are natural antiseptics so will cause no harm to your skin.
When you shake hands you want your hands and nails to look good and clean. It makes a difference. Look out for highly nourishing hand creams and even better if they contain an SPF.
Gently press an ice cube against your eyes for around 10 minutes. Then pat your eyes dry with a towel. If it gets too cold, use a cloth to avoid direct contact. Cucumber also works well to reduce dark circles and puffy eyes. Leave on for around 15 minutes and remove. You will see an instant improvement!
This doesn’t have to be a Saville Row standard, but you should have a suit that you wear which makes you feel and look good. Call it your ‘investors suit’, which helps you to feel lucky when it comes to pitching at your next investment meeting.
Use a few drops of Lavender oil in your bath or by the side of your bed. The lavender smell will help you drift off into a natural sleep. It’s also great for de-stressing and anxiety so you will wake up feeling relaxed, ready for the day ahead.
