A few months ago, I attended a dinner with a group of entrepreneurs, business owners and influencers in Nashville. As I listened to others describe their businesses, one in particular struck me.
Lisa Smith and Eric Saranto are the expert duo behind ERLÍSE Hair and Wardrobe Consulting, who specialize in empowering high-achieving entrepreneurs and professionals to elevate confidence in their personal style and professional presence.
Listening to Eric and Lisa speak with such passion about their process and the value of personal styling started the wheels spinning in my head. They gave a number of examples where people misrepresent themselves, often unintentionally, based on their clothing choices and style.
More importantly, they spoke about how proper styling with well-fitted, high-quality clothing can elevate your professional image, which is particularly important in a discerning industry where first impressions, authority, and professionalism matter. Elevating your style can give you a polished, confident look that sets you apart.
Facilitating search projects, I have heard anecdotal comments regarding posture, how candidates carry themselves, attire selection, facial grooming and other appearance factors. Nearly all point to a desire for a “fit and finish” look.
Self-admittedly, I reflect on numerous instances in the boardroom, presentations, education conferences or my own interviews where I whiffed on this opportunity to demonstrate “fit and finish” or a polished approach in exchange for comfort, easy to maintain wardrobe, and off the rack convenience.
Some individuals may feel they don’t know enough about fashion (hand raised) to participate in any fashion discussion and may avoid it because of their insecurities or perceived lack of style knowledge or costs.
Whatever self-limiting thoughts you have, they have crept in mine. Too complex or intimidating, not knowing what steps to take, too elaborate, luxurious or high-maintenance for my lifestyle or bank account.
For years, I’ve invested in professional development, networking and continued education, often overlooking the power of physical presence, non-verbal cues and appearance.
Social media, influencer channels, online platforms have demonstrated convenience and affordability for the average person. More people are seeking to differentiate themselves with a unique, tailored look.
In our 2024 Golf Course Superintendent Employment Trends Study, marketing oneself was deemed the #1 trait to get to the next level.
I’d venture to say the investment in your appearance will elevate your image, confidence, credibility and marketability instantly. The same quality, craftsmanship and finished presentation displayed on the golf course should reflect in your presentation of oneself.
After speaking with Eric and Lisa, here are seven tips that can help elevate your style:
- Match your belt with your shoes
- Get a great haircut and have your hair color touched up.
- Be well groomed – clean, shaven, nails, hair styled
- Wear the “best” outfit you own that fits you well or buy at least one new tailored outfit
- Make sure your clothes are ironed or wrinkles steamed out
- Wear “clean” shoes that show no wear signs, take the time to clean with a gentle cleanser and brush for shoes
- Buy a new pair of shoes with your outfit
If you’re in need of further insight and best practices, set up a FREE Talent Strategy Call with our team.
About The Author
Tyler Bloom is the founder of Tyler Bloom Consulting. A former golf course superintendent and turf professional, Tyler’s love of all things golf began at the age of six when he stepped onto the course for the first time.
Tyler has an Executive Certifacte in Talent Acquisition fro Cornell University and a degree in Turfgrass Science from Penn State University. With 20 years of experience in the golf and turfgrass industry, Tyler has worked directly with reputable club leaders at some of the most prestigious clubs to place over 300 professionals in executive and management level positions throughout the United States.
Are you ready to build a top-performing team that drives results? Our proven framework, methodologies, and implementation is based on our personal track record of developing world-class teams. In addition to talent acquisition, we provide leadership development and ongoing consultative services for the golf course and club industry. Our team has personally coached and mentored dozens of future golf course superintendents across the United States.