Even as a work from home mom, you are still a professional. Just because your home base isn’t an office building doesn’t make you any less serious about your business venture. One way to “get into character” is to look the part. Pajamas make things too comfortable and easy to relax when you should be focusing and working hard. Let’s learn how to be more successful by just dressing the part!
Getting into Character
You are playing a part – the part of a business entrepreneur. Internet marketers, freelance writers, bloggers, online coaches and virtual assistants (to name a few) are professional people who happen to be fortunate enough to conduct their businesses by making their own hours. This brings with it a lot of responsibility that those who work in offices might not experience. For one, motivation comes from within instead of without.
Motivation, focus and discipline are all challenges for the work at home mother. With small children underfoot, the line between business and family can get blurred easily. That is not the way that your business and your dreams will grow.
So, what can you do? Get out of those pajamas and do your hair. Changing your frame of mind is simpler when you are dressed for success. Remember how you prepared when you worked in the office? Do the same at home. The one advantage is that you don’t have to get up so early and you won’t be required to spend gas getting to your destination. I have found that just putting on a basic outfit and brushing my hair is enough to get me ready for the day.
Dress for Success
When it comes to finding the right office wear for women, it’s important to consider the nature of your business. For enterprises that are conducted solely online, a business casual dress code may be appropriate since you don’t have direct face-to-face contact with clients most of the time. If a teleconference comes up, you don’t have to rush and change. This look is also appropriate for promotional videos that you create for the internet.
The game changes a bit when your business involves going out and meeting clients. This is the case with MLM, or multi-level marketing. As a representative of Mary Kay, The Pampered Chef, Avon and the like, the clothes that you wear are a part of your presentation. Who wouldn’t want to buy a product from a smartly dressed woman? One of your customers may also take advantage of the business opportunities you represent because you looked the part at your product shows. It’s so important that if you are meeting clients in person that you are freshly showered and wearing something nice. You aren’t just representing yourself, you are representing your company and your products. If you don’t shine, neither will they.
Service businesses that are conducted from home (cleaning, landscaping and etc.) may require work clothing when you are actually doing the job, but a smart outfit is advisable when meeting clients for the first time or promoting your business in the community. You feel more professional and potential customers can feel that as well. Something like a simple uniform of dress slacks and a logo’d t-shirt or polo shirt can make all the difference.
I put together a few of my favorite basic pieces that I can wear just about anyday for work and be comfortable, but ready to go run errands or jump on a conference call (even a video call). I don’t shop anywhere high end, so these are all pieces from my favorite stores that are within everyone’s budget.
Don’t Forget About Undergarments
When you’re working from home, it can be tempting to roll out of bed and start working in your PJs. But if you want to maintain a professional appearance, it’s essential to dress the part. One way to do this is by wearing the right undergarments.
Here are some undergarments to wear when working from home for a professional appearance:
Bras: Whether you’re wearing a tank top, blouse, or sweater, you’ll want to ensure your bra isn’t showing. If you’re not comfortable wearing a traditional bra, look for a bra for breast augmentation that will do the trick.
Underwear: No one wants to see your underwear when you’re on a video call. Make sure you wear a comfortable pair that won’t give you a wedgie. Choosing the right underwear and the right materials is really important for all-day comfort. Avoid synthetic materials that can often cause irritation and discomfort. Look for fabrics that are soft and breathable, like 100 percent cotton underwear for women by Q for Quinn. Since organic cotton is made of natural and non-toxic materials, it will feel like a second skin and also minimize any unwanted chafing or irritation, that many people people with sensitive skin might suffer from. This ensures you stay comfortable and fresh throughout the day. Prioritizing natural fabrics can make a significant difference in how you feel, especially during long hours of work or meetings.
If you haven’t given any thought to your business dress because you are at home and think it doesn’t matter, you are wrong. Start small – change from your pajamas to some casual wear and see what happens with your focus and productivity. When you go to meet clients, take your outfit choice up a notch and go business casual. Continue to build on to your wardrobe options and watch as your business grows!
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