Regular cleaning prevents unpleasant body odors. In addition, taking care of your personal hygiene improves your health and avoids embarrassing situations during business meetings and events.
1. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Nothing works better to remove plaque and prevent cavities. Flossing is an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums. Floss at least once a day to help prevent gum disease and cavities.
2. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and to help freshen breath. The tongue harbors the majority of the bacteria in your mouth. Brushing the tongue removes the bacteria hiding in the nooks and crannies of its surface. Removing these bacteria not only helps to prevent the bacteria from spreading to the teeth, but it also helps to prevent bad breath.
3. Carry mints or gum at all times. Sugar free gum should be chosen over sugar based gum because sugar is known to worsen breath. If you decide to eat half a Bloomin’ Onion for lunch, do not let others suffer for your dietary choices. Always check your breath after you eat and try to avoid foods with garlic, onions, tuna, and horseradish during business engagements.
4. Avoid an embarrassing situation by checking your teeth for food after eating. Either excuse yourself to the bathroom or discreetly use the front camera on your phone. Potential clients will be distracted by staring at the chicken caesar salad you ate for lunch and not your presentation.
5. Bathe regularly. Nothing ruins a first impression more than foul body odor. While this is self explanatory, it needs to be addressed that no one enjoys doing business with someone with a bad odor. You can wear some cologne to help stay fresh but don’t overdo it. Too much cologne can be just as bad as foul body odor. Start with 1-3 sprays and apply on dry skin, preferably right after a shower.
6. When attending business events outside, wear light, sweat-wicking shirts. It will help keep you cool and minimize sweat marks. There are plenty of options with a myriad of shirt style options. Imagine attending a networking event at an outdoor barbeque. You are talking to an important executive and hope to connect with him. But during your conversation, you start to sweat and pretty soon, your back is soaked in sweat and you are afraid to lift your arms. Do not let this happen to you and stay dry in scorching temperatures with a shirt that moves moisture away from your skin and evaporates it quickly.
7. Wash your hands frequently. It is your first line of defense in protecting yourself from illnesses spread by other people through personal contact or contaminated surfaces. Just by washing your hands more, you’re less likely to get sick and miss important business meetings and opportunities.
Many of the above tips seem like common sense but we get busy in life and absorbed into our businesses and often put off self care in order to grow your business. Plan ahead and remember that looking sharp is always preferred over a haggard and disheveled look.