You never know when you’ll meet the person who changes your life, be ready!

There are moments in life that change everything. But you often won't know they’re happening as they’re happening.

You'll meet someone at a conference.

A performer friend introduces you to a quiet producer.

A fellow festival attendee becomes your future business partner.

A stranger in line becomes your next employer.

A brief conversation after a show turns to your biggest opportunity yet.

The problem is this:

You don’t get to schedule those moments.

Which means you have to be ready for them at all times.

I just returned from a week-long convention where I met hundreds of people.

I couldn’t tell you right now what most of them were wearing, but I can remember every single person I met who had bad breath...

Ouch...

Yeah, it's no fun to think about, but it's a powerful reminder about first impressions.

You may never know that someone walked away from a conversation because of your breath. It's not like they'll tell you. (Yes, I sometimes do tell people, but I'm a way outlier in this.)

But most will just remember the experience and avoid you in the future.

Now, if that person could have created an amazing opportunity for you, it's likely gone now, unlikely to return.

That’s why I brush my teeth several times a day whenever I’m working around people.

Before I walk into a venue.

After lunch if I’m returning to a conference.

Before a networking event.

Before coaching a student.

Before performing.

Sometimes three or four times per day.

Some people might think that’s excessive.

I think it’s professional.

To make this easy, I keep a travel toothbrush and toothpaste everywhere.

My backpack.

My training bag.

My glove box.

My luggage.

My office.

There's even one in my mountain bike's little repair pouch.

Toothbrushes are cheap.

Missed opportunities are expensive.

The Professional Presence Checkup

Everyone grows up in different environments, with different rules and regulations, different cultures, different ideas. I once had a student who needed to trim their nails, and when I pointed it out, they immediately started to bite the nail. I stopped them, "No, no no!" then reached into a drawer and handed them some nail clippers. The student then began to trim their nail and immediately cut so deep into the quick that the nail started to bleed. "Yikes," I exclaimed, "No, like this." I grabbed another pair and showed them how to progressively trim across the nail to create a nice smooth tip. He was a great student, with a lot of knowledge, but somehow, in his journey through life, he'd never been shown how to trim his nails.

That really got me thinking, maybe we all have little gaps in our personal hygiene checklist. So I thought I would put together a regular maintenance list. (Obviously, some of these may not be pertinent to everyone, but take them or leave them as you need.)

Face

✓ Brush your teeth.

✓ Floss. (Do it, or be ready for oral surgery when you're forty or fifty)

✓ Use mouthwash if needed.

✓ Trim nose hair.

✓ Trim ear hair.

✓ Keep eyebrows neat.

✓ Keep facial hair intentional—not accidental.

✓ Moisturize dry skin.

✓ Keep lips from becoming cracked. (Carry chapstick if you're prone to chapping)

Hair

✓ Hair clean.

✓ Hair trimmed.

✓ Style appropriate for your profession.

✓ No greasy “I just rolled out of bed” look unless that’s somehow your brand.

Hands

✓ Fingernails trimmed.

✓ Nails clean. (So important, if someone is grossed out by your nails, it's over.)

✓ Remove dirt and grease.

✓ If you shake hands, make it a pleasant experience.

Feet

✓ Treat athlete’s foot.

✓ Trim toenails.

✓ Reduce excessive calluses.

✓ Wear clean socks. (Always)

✓ Don’t ignore foot odor.

Clothing

✓ Clean.

✓ Fits properly. (Get a style consultant or costuming assistant; I do these from time to time.)

✓ Wrinkle-free whenever possible.

✓ Repair loose buttons.

✓ Polish or clean shoes.

✓ Replace clothing that has simply worn out or hangs on your frame.

Smell

Shower.

Use deodorant.

Cologne or perfume is fine…

…in moderation.

The goal is for someone to notice you, not smell you from across the room.

If people can identify your location with their nose, you’ve overdone it.

Glasses

If you wear glasses…

Clean them.

It’s amazing how many otherwise polished people walk around looking through fingerprints.

Posture & Presence

This isn’t technically hygiene, but it belongs here.

Stand up straight.

Shoulders back.

Make eye contact.

Smile.

Offer a confident handshake—not a bone crusher and not a dead fish.

Speak clearly.

Look interested in the other person.

These small habits communicate confidence before you’ve said a single word.

None of This Is Vanity

This isn’t about being beautiful.

It’s about showing respect.

Respect for yourself.

Respect for the people around you.

Respect for the opportunities that haven't come yet, but will.

Every day, someone may meet you for the first—and perhaps only—time.

Don’t let poor hygiene be the thing they remember.

The Toothbrush Rule

If you’re one of my students, expect me to ask out of nowhere:

“Do you have your toothbrush?”

If your answer is no…

I'll send you to buy one.

So to avoid that, right now, go buy five. Regular or travel sized, and keep one in every place you regularly find yourself.

Future You will thank Present You.

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