TIPS FOR INVENTORS FROM ROBERT VERDI

1. You never get a second chance to make a first impression, so make your first impression count.

2. Every detail of a first impression is important, everything from eye contact to a firm handshake to a friendly greeting. Always remember to smile -- nothing is more compelling than a friendly smile.

3. Control your style. Find your own look and dress for your role. If it's appropriate to dress up, then dress up; if it's appropriate to dress down, then dress down. Pay particular attention to this rule when it comes to interviews.

4. How you dress and present yourself tells the world what you think of yourself. Iron your shirts, polish your shoes, brush your teeth, keep mints with you to fight bad breath, and keep your hands manicured (both men and women). Being well groomed is the first step towards being well dressed.

5. If you're going to be on TV or speaking in public, make sure that your style fits your industry. Whether it's a scientist wearing a lab coat, an investor wearing a suit, or a fashion expert sporting something stylish and with bright colors, all are contributing validity to their expert opinion. You can convey a lot to the audience without saying anything.

6. Some basic fashion rules that everyone should know are as follows:

• When you're wearing a large hanging earring, don't wear a necklace.

• If you want to show off your legs, cover up on top and vice versa.

• For men, make sure your belt and shoes match, and buy shirts that are sized by collar and sleeve length - S, M, L, and XL are not sizes for professional clothing.

• Stock up on great basics such as basic trousers or skirts in black, navy, chocolate brown, taupe, grey, and ivory, and well-tailored jackets in tweed, navy, and camel hair in a four season fabric. No gold buttons!

• Own a variety of underpinnings to mix and match your jackets and trousers or skirts. Such must-have items include a great selection of shoes that are also basic colors - black, brown, and saddle.

• Begin with basics and mix and match your clothing - don't always wear the same jacket with the same shirt and tie. After you master the basics, you can move further to develop your style: for women, with accessories like scarves and handbags, and for guys, with ties and socks.