What many people do not know is that I started out as a child actor at the age of two doing commercials. So while I may not remember the start of my career, I do remember the countless auditions I had to attend and learning how to stand out from the other contenders to get the gig.
At the age of 19 I was just dabbling in the industry while living in Venezuela as I wanted a different career, and was invited to an audition for Levi jeans.
Having recently arrived from the UK, I looked like I was a member of a Spandau Ballet cover band, with my baggy white trousers tucked into my high black suede boots and my highlighted hair.
I thought I looked awesome… but I had got it so very wrong. There were at least 20 others to be auditioned, and we were all eyeing each other up as competition.
To cut a long story short, I didn’t get the gig.
Had I known then what I know now, then I would have done things very differently; having said that, it was probably one of the biggest lessons I ever learned.
You see the Levi brand at the time was tough and rugged, and the way I looked was not an image match. I was the New Romatic, androgynous 1980’s rebellious teenager who thought he knew it all.
I was probably eliminated the moment I walked in to the room; in fact I am almost certain of it.
I learnt my lesson, but unfortunately I see so many people make my same mistake today!
An image is worth a thousand words. Hence if there is a mismatch with how you look and what your client wants, then you have just scuppered any chances of being a like match for them to work with you.
Even if you have practiced a great pitch, you may never get the chance to deliver it. And if you do get heard, you are likely to be elimiated too.
People respond to what they see, rather than what they hear first and foremost.
So whatever your industry, ensure you have an image match between what you do and how you look to avoid any confusion. As remember a confused mind says no!
- How to Make Yourself Marketable as a Business Owner. - October 2, 2019
- Starting A New Business – Know your market landscape - September 24, 2019
- Starting a New Business – The Prepared Business Owner - August 22, 2019
