One of the weapons in your business arsenal should be perception, more importantly; there should be the manual on how to use perception.

This isn't about what you see, that's best explored and addressed in another article, which I have already written as part of a project that I'm currently involved in. This is about being perceived by everyone around you.

We're going to remove the typical social settings, family settings, and new watering hole encounters. It's all about business; doing business, starting a business, selling a business, and being a business person.

I've never seen a photo of Donald Trump in jeans. I've seen plenty of photos of Ralph Lauren (Lifshitz) wearing jeans, but that's part of what he does and it would be tough for Donald Trump to wear real estate.

Trump wears power and success everyday. It's all about how his brand "Trump" is perceived by the world.

When I was young, real young, I met my first self-made millionaire and I still remember the handshake; firm, but not tight. To this day, I regard people with a rough handshake as lacking social sophistication.

You don't have to shake hands, but if you do, be firm and aware of the size of the other person's hand; think firm, but not tight, but be a follower to the other person's handshake. That first handshake can make or kill a new business relationship and having attractive hands can only help.

Your mother won't tell you, but I will. Get a manicure or spend the time yourself trimming your nails and cuticles. Who wants to touch an ugly hand?

This article isn't about personal hygiene, because if you don't understand the importance of it by the age of becoming a teenager, you probably will falter in this area for years.

This goes for the cleanliness of your teeth, breath, ear hairs, nose hairs, and scalp hair. Enough on hygiene already; look in the mirror and be honest with yourself. Pass or fail? If you fail, get it handled.

Perception is hygiene related, but not the point that we have to zero in on.

If you wear a suit, know how to wear one. It has to fit. Successful people have tailors; why? Because they know that a well-fitting suit can make or break a deal.

I.B.M. conducted a study years ago and found that for business; a suit should be dark blue. Not sky blue, not brown, not grey; dark blue.

When you are a mega-mogul you can wear your silk robe and pajamas, like one guy we all know of. In the meantime, you're the one who is making the presentation.

You will be perceived as professional if you dress like a professional, act like a professional, and talk like a professional.

Who would you be more likely to help on the street; a urine stained bum or a man in a well-fitted suit who left his wallet in the office?

This is the great thing about clothing; it's a suit of armor. What you wear prepares you to be perceived by the business world as ready to do business.

Potential lenders (bankers and investors) will take you more seriously if you project a serious manner. Their perception of you can be the difference between getting the money and getting passed by. Give them the reason to say, "Yes."

Shoes shined, not sport shoes either; dress shoes. I could go on and on about a clean car, neatly pressed clothes, styled hair, clean teeth, and a crisp white shirt, but that's still not the point.

Projecting how you want to be perceived is the heart of this article and here are a few tips to give you an edge in the business world, especially if you are seeking funding, securing a lease, or buying on terms.

So, you look your best, but you must also look like you dress well all the time. People, who wear a suit all the time, move and act natural in one. They don't look like their mother dressed them and were told not to get their "good" clothes dirty.

Think of a new licensed driver behind the wheel of a car. That's the way you will look if you are not accustomed to wearing a properly fitting suit. Now think, experienced driver; relaxed, confident, and making your way through traffic with ease.

You will fidget if you are not accustomed to dressing in business attire. You won't notice it, but you will be perceived as being out of your element.

Your element should be business, but if you don't fit, you won't get the money, lease deal, or contract. Confidence shows and a lack of it will be easily perceived.

We've all seen an employee who is on the job for the first day. They have that blank look on their face, they may not be dressed like the other employees, or they have a manner about them that just doesn't fit. You've seen it. You have perceived it and others can perceive your insecurity, uneasiness, and inexperience.

Put yourself in the role of a business person now; don't wait until thirty minutes before you meet an investor or banker. Now!

Dressing the part will give you the added confidence that you will need. You'll have the hygiene and handshake down to a natural demeanor. (Practice your handshake.)

The other person's perception of you will be positive by following those simple guidelines and that leads us to the main point of this article. This is what you must master. This is what can make or bury a business venture that you want to attempt.

What is it? The answer is; opening your mouth.

It is not only what you say, but how you say it.

Say;

"Yes" instead of "yup or yeah."

"Thank you" instead of "thanks."

"You're welcome" instead of "no problem."

"I know I can do this" instead of "I think I can do it."

"I will do it" instead of "I'll give it a try."

"My plan is solid and will work" instead of "this plan is pretty good."

"I know what has to be done" instead of "I think I can pull this off."

"My abilities and experience, along with my reputation are one-hundred percent committed to this project, idea, or business" instead of "I've got nothing to lose, so I'll give it a go."

Simple English language and well thought-out answers to the possible questions that you will be asked can pay off big.

It will be the difference in getting the money, landing the deal, or achieving what you set out to do.

It's all about what they (the business world) think about you, not what you think of the business world. If you don't like the business world, get out and stay out.

If you want to enter the business world and stay there, learn the rules and one of the often over-looked rules is perception.

A few more quick tips; practice good posture (push-ups fix that real fast), speak at a comfortable pace (not too slow and not to fast), eye contact is important and reflects sincerity and honesty (We've all heard the expression, "Look at me when I'm talking to you."), and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Make a list if you have to, but ask open-ended questions so that you can get a better feel as to what the other person is all about. (An open-ended question can not be answered with a "Yes" or a "No" response.)

The speed of your speech will control the pace of the meeting. Even if the person you are talking to is talking a mile a minute, you can slow the other person down by talking slightly slower than they are and keep slowing down until they are speaking at the pace you feel comfortable with.

Try it with someone who talks fast, it works. Children have a tendency to talk fast, because they are excited to tell you something, but if you slow down your responses, they'll slow down their responses.

Perception is also based on preparedness. If you're not prepared, delay the meeting if you can. Being unprepared will cut you down faster than a beaver with a chainsaw.

How do you want to be perceived: Business person with a solid plan who is taking a professional approach, or just someone with a half-baked idea who wants to "try" something?

Your success is not based upon your perception of the world, but by the perception others have of you. Practice being perceived as a doer, mover, and shaker.

Lazz Laszlo is a former Investment Executive and Radio & Television Financial Reporter with many entrepreneurial endeavors to his credit. He spends his time as an emcee, public speaker, enjoying life and writing eBooks about creative thinking, business, travel, retirement, strategy, and pleasure. To learn more, please visit Lazz's website; http://www.925-wage-slave-alternatives.com