Women in business must know how to sell themselves as well as their product and/or service. One only has to take a look around to see that women in the entertainment world have caught on to this very quickly. Lady Gaga intentionally creates a look that causes attention. Laugh if you like, but this lady is laughing all the way to the bank. Her music may not stay on top forever, but her look will last longer in costume and fashion stores across the world. She is new to the game, however, that may have been started by women who kept their brand alive while their fame faded.

Elizabeth Taylor will also be known for her beauty, her talent and most often for wearing white diamonds. Today, her brand sells White Diamonds perfume at a price every woman can afford in stores such as Walmart, Sears and Macy's. Having one's name synonymous with the world's most precious gem is branding at its finest.

But how do you, a woman in business, compete with the divas of today and yesteryear? The answer is you learn from them on how to sell yourself.

First, ask yourself, "Is my look consistent with what I sell (product or service)?" If you are in fashion (retail, design, coordinator, stylist, image consultant or other), your look needs to scream that you know what you are doing and you must look well put together at all times. Regardless of whether or not you are working, people will expect you to look the part. Remember, that even on your days off, you will run into a potential client or referral to one. Encourage people to see what you do when they see you. The women I know in these industries realize that their brand is their look and that it is part of the package on and off the job.You may even want to stand out in some way. I am well-known for my blue topaz necklace that I wear regularly.

Another example, less obvious, is women in health care (doctors, consultants, nutritionist, insurance or other), your look needs to demonstrate focus on good health. Your brand is showing best practices for good health. What you eat will be watched carefully and you must walk the talk and practice what you preach. Even when with friends, health care providers have a responsibility to display healthy habits. Fair or not, your brand is your ability to live healthy and be a role model for others to follow.

Selling yourself also means be able to interact comfortably with others. Start off slowly, if this is difficult for you, by promising yourself you will attend networking events at least once a month. Then, attend with the intention of meeting at least one new person and find her/him by introducing yourself to the person in the room that looks the least like you. Introduce yourself by your name and your business and then ask the other person what he/she does. Then LISTEN to the answer. Selling yourself means listening to others. You'll meet a new friend and that is the beginning of being successful at selling yourself.

For more networking tips email me at vicki@vickidonlan.com