| Whenever I'm working in a corporate environment | | | | less funky, casual, and quirky. |
| and attending a networking event or meeting with | | | | 3. Laptop Computer & Case: When you take your |
| my potential "leadership tribe," it amazes me that the | | | | computer out to meet with a client or prospect, your |
| business tools of executive leaders look worn, | | | | technological wizardry sends messages. No one |
| outdated or overly casual. These are strategic | | | | wants to hire someone who is working with |
| business meetings where everyone present hopes to | | | | outdated technology. Today it's all about being on the |
| make vital connections, build rapport, and be | | | | cutting-edge. If your laptop is four years old, chances |
| perceived as a consummate professional. That means | | | | are it's time to retire it for a faster, more updated |
| that the brand and image essentials need to | | | | version. If you travel a lot with your laptop in a case |
| communicate strong, silent, convincing messages. | | | | or messenger bag, be sure to replace that travel |
| But more often than not I see professionals whose | | | | case as soon as it begins to appear tired and worn. |
| accessories and other business tools are incongruent | | | | 4. Writing Instruments: Have you ever been in an |
| with the presence they are trying to project. A | | | | attorney's office where you are meeting to sign that |
| corporate leader will pull out a shabby business card | | | | important contract when they pulled out a cheap Bic |
| case or a bulging and overstuffed wallet that looks | | | | pen they bought on sale in the 50-pack at Costco? |
| like a leather-bound Big Mac. Over the shoulder will be | | | | When professionals are in an important meeting |
| a faded nylon laptop bag that shows miles of wear | | | | where they are signing contracts or taking notes it is |
| and tear and probably didn't look that impressive | | | | important that their writing tools exude |
| even when it was new. | | | | professionalism and polish. If you want to attract a |
| These "little essentials" are powerful and persuasive | | | | higher clientele, look for writing instruments by |
| tools that constantly communicate your personal | | | | Montblanc, Cross, Cartier, or Waterman that convey |
| brand to everyone you meet - for better or for | | | | elegant, sophisticated style. |
| worse. So it's critical that you keep them | | | | 5. My tip: I always carry a great signature pen in my |
| sharp-looking and innovative - yet still genuinely | | | | handbag and in my leather portfolio to ensure that a |
| reflective of your authentic personal style. As they | | | | beautiful pen is going to be close at hand. |
| say "the devil is in the details," so be sure your | | | | 6. Business Cards & Case: Most people carry business |
| essentials don't convey a devilish message but are | | | | cards that are too busy or contain outdated |
| instead polished and professional. They should reflect | | | | information. Your business card does tell others about |
| high quality craftsmanship that speaks loudly to | | | | your credentials, but until you can afford to have a |
| others and announces that you are the expert and | | | | graphic designer create the perfect business card for |
| role model for your industry. | | | | your brand and business, stick to the basics. You |
| Here I reveal six brand essential tools that every | | | | need your name, current contact information, and |
| leader needs to keep in their branding toolbox to give | | | | your title or other description of what you do on |
| them that successful, executive presence: | | | | your card. Don't clutter it up with photos, pictures, |
| | | | and clipart that can tarnish or pigeonhole your brand. |
| 1. Tote Bags & Handbags: A luxurious tote bag or | | | | As for the case, a small leather business card holder |
| handbag is a great way to add a little intrigue and | | | | is perfect for every professional. |
| texture to your on-the-go look. Opt for a modern | | | | 7. Leather Portfolios: Today leather portfolios are |
| tote bag made from exotic skin, suede, small animal | | | | great when you need to take a few notes while |
| print, or buttery leather. A handbag takes a lot of | | | | meeting with a prospect. They come in small, |
| wear and tear carrying around all our personal | | | | medium, and large so you can carry them inside your |
| essentials. Many women tend to carry the same bag | | | | handbag, suit pocket, or briefcase. You want to be |
| everyday but this will cause the handbag to wear out | | | | sure you have a top-grain leather style that is |
| faster, so switch them around for variety and | | | | polished and elegant. It's always better to have |
| practical longevity. Be sure to change your handbags | | | | something to take a few notes with versus running |
| with the seasons, too, to look innovative. You can | | | | the risk of forgetting a few details that the client |
| really never go wrong with a high-quality leather | | | | mentioned. Look for great craftsmanship in vendors |
| handbag that has fashion-forward details for a stylish, | | | | including Levenger, Coach, Brookstone, and others. |
| modern appearance. | | | | All of these tools can be in black or brown but if you |
| 2. Gadget Accessories: If you are like me and have | | | | want to have a little fashion, feel free to utilize |
| an iPad then you definitely want to protect it with a | | | | colored leathers in tones that reflect your company |
| beautiful leather case. Now that this has become the | | | | website or resonate with your inner signature style. I |
| new must-have gadget for taking notes, reading | | | | always advise my clients to buy the best quality they |
| email while on the move, or enjoying a digitally | | | | can afford so the items will endure the wear and |
| downloaded novel on the plane it's critical that you | | | | tear of everyday use. When you carry business tools |
| protect it. The Apple store has some great cases, | | | | that look cutting-edge, it gives ones the perception |
| but you will also see luxury vendors like Coach, Louis | | | | that you are the leading-edge authority in your |
| Vuitton, and others offering signature covers. One of | | | | industry. Select your tools in classic-modern styles |
| those can be a classic, timeless piece to protect your | | | | than are timeless and adaptable to wear with any |
| new investment. Cell phone cases also come in a | | | | business look. They can definitely be expressive in |
| variety of leathers, prints, and in various designer | | | | communicating your strong brand to keep you |
| logos. But be sure that the cover expresses your | | | | looking contemporary, stylish, and memorably elegant. |
| signature branded style and is more businesslike and | | | | |