As a small business owner, do you sometimes think you need a new look for your company? Well, the old adage "Dress for the job you want, not the one you have," rings true for businesses too. When making a presentation to a perspective client, helping a customer or grabbing coffee on the way to work, employees represent their companies every day. Surprisingly, clothes can help build and strengthen the positive perception of a company. However, determining the "right look" for employees can be a challenge. Lands' End Business Outfitters is offering a great opportunity in the form of apparel makeovers for three selected companies this summer. "Makeovers demonstrate the power of a positive image," said John Maher, vice president, Lands' End Business Outfitters. "We conducted makeovers for the first time last year and companies -- from dog sled racing teams to airlines -- shared amazing stories about what they do and how they've grown. What we learned from the thousands of entries is that employee apparel programs are often the last piece of the puzzle because business leaders don't know where to start." Companies of all sizes and all industries with the need to outfit their employees have until April 28, 2008 to visit http://makeover.landsend.com and share why they need a new look for their employees. Three companies will be chosen to receive makeovers -- the top makeover award is valued at up to $15,000. Lands' End will reveal the new looks of the three companies selected in August 2008. According to Maher, when considering a new apparel program, companies should consider these three key objectives to determine the right look: 1. Brand essence -- what sets the company apart from other companies? Whether the company is a trusted financial institution that has been in business for many years or a new neighborhood burger joint, apparel can project a formal, conservative image, a casual, playful image or anything in between. 2. Outfitting goal -- what are the functional needs of the apparel? If employees will be wearing them daily, fabrics that wear well and don't pill or fade are essential. If employees will be wearing them while traveling, fabrics that are wrinkle resistant will keep employees looking professional. 3. Uniform wearers -- who will be wearing the selected apparel? If employees in multiple roles will be wearing different apparel pieces, it's important to select a collection that will compliment the whole team. For example, selecting a single color can create a unified look for a group of employees whether they are wearing polos or pinpoint oxfords.
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