Mom was right: Neatness counts in career success

The articulate, well prepared executive presents a financial report to stockholders; with the lining of her skirt showing 1 1/2 inches past the hem.

The President of a large corporation discusses innovation and trend setting ideas to top management sporting large rim glasses popular twenty years ago.

The marketing guru presents the new advertising campaign to the leadership team flashing a smile with dingy, yellow teeth.

Your professional presence is critical in today's competitive marketplace. It includes physical appearance, body language, energy, vocal quality and the words you use. Meticulous attention to detail is the key. Others notice the detail and consciously or unconsciously make judgments about you, the quality of your work, and the value you bring.