Is Personal Branding Important?
If you want to maximize
your potential (and who doesn't?), then yes, it's important that you manage
your professional image and understand how you're perceived by your boss, your
clients, your colleagues and your friends.
Your brand is the promise
of the value or experience someone will receive when they deal with you. It's
what gets you noticed and remembered and affects the way others relate to you.
It's about marketing yourself in the best possible light.
In the current world of
work we don't expect to belong to one company for life. Companies rise and
fall. We change companies to find better work, better conditions, to gain
experience, to increase our pay, or because we move to another location.
So, we can expect to
attend several job interviews over our working life. Or to be approached or
attract business based on our reputation, maybe from our online presence.
We are hired for what is
perceived of our attitude, knowledge and experience. To stand out,
prosper and live the life we want to lead we need to take responsibility for
our own destiny.
Need Help With Improving Your Appearance?
If you would like
help with creating the appearance aspect of your image I offer a range of
in person and online services to help.
As an image consultant my
focus is on developing the appearance aspect of your personal brand. I educate
people on the importance of their appearance and how it instantly conveys to
people what you do, how successful you are, and if they want to do business or
work with you.
As Diana Pemberton-Sikes
says in her ebook Business Wear Magic (sorry
guys, this one's for the girls, although a lot of the information is relevant
to men as well) "...if you present yourself in the way that your audience
wants to see you that's also appropriate for the location and the occasion,
you'll reach your goal in no time."
Your appearance helps to
establish your authority and your credibility. While it is possible to overcome
a poor appearance, why assume people work that hard? Why put hurdles in the
road to your success?
As Diana also says,
even in this age of casual dress and relaxed attitudes, paying attention
to your professional image will put you so far ahead, both in terms of money
and success in general (however you may measure it).
Color Analysis
Suit
Wearing A Man
Man
Wearing A Suit
Review the photo comparison above. Your
eyes are probably being drawn to the black suit because the black is demanding
more attention than the model wearing it. That’s great if we are trying
to sell the suit, but when it comes to maximizing your
image, the attention should naturally rest at the face, not distracted by the
clothing. In addition to overpowering you, wrong colors can deepen the
appearance of wrinkles, darken circles under the eyes, add unwanted color to
the face or strip color away.
A personal color analysis is a scientific process
of color comparison, using fabric drapes, to reveal a collection of colors that
complement one’s skin and natural color composition. Until you seek out a
personal color analysis, you likely never discover the importance of your
personal color choices. The blue suit choice is an example
of this gentleman realizing all the benefits of his personal color
analysis. Not only does this suit allow you to naturally focus on the man’s
face and eyes without distraction, he looks younger, healthier, approachable,
and professional all at the same time. This is the Your True Colors
difference.
The Art of Image Management
Image is about more than just the
clothes we wear. Over half the impression we give other people comes from our
overall visual appearance which includes body language, posture, facial
expression and yes, what we're wearing and how we're wearing it. All of these
things tell other people a lot about who we are.
It is a basic human quality to want
to be around people who are similar to us. Our closest friends are usually
people who are in similar circumstances to our own and have similar interests
and backgrounds.
We have probably all had the
experience of meeting someone for the first time and knowing almost instantly
that we don't like them. Why was that? Chances are there was something in their
body language, the way they communicated or the way they dressed. All these
things give us little clues that tell us whether we like them, trust them, want
to be friends with them or do business with them. Knowing how to use these
clues to your advantage is called image management.
Image management is the art of
creating an image that will help you achieve your goals. This means an image
that gives a great first impression and a great lasting impression. There are a
number of steps involved and a qualified image consultant will be able to help
you.
The first thing is to establish
where you are right now in terms of your shape, colouring, personality and personal
style. Try to look at yourself objectively and think about the image you are
portraying to other people. How do you think other people view you at work?
Socially?
Next you want to work out exactly
what you want and what characteristics are required to meet those goals. If you
want a promotion, think about the personal qualities and image of a successful
person in your workplace. If you want to start a new relationship, think about
the type of person you would like to attract.
Lastly, think about what changes you
could make to your style of dress, people skills or grooming in order to
achieve those goals.
Throughout this process you need to
feel confident and comfortable with the changes you are making. The idea is to
enhance your best qualities and work on any areas that are holding you back.
One area that is often overlooked
but is crucial to making a great first impression is body language. Being aware
of your own body language allows you to have more control over the impression
you are giving other people. It can also give you a valuable insight into other
people's behaviour.
We've all heard that when someone is
crossing their arms it signifies closure or distance. However, it is important
not to look at body language clues in isolation. For example, the person
crossing their arms may be cold, they may be sensitive about their stomach and
want to hide it, or they may feel threatened and subconsciously trying to
protect themselves.
Using positive body language and
other non-verbal communication cues can make you appear more friendly,
confident and successful. Here are some examples:
Eye contact - Maintaining good eye contact shows the other person that
you are interested and involved in what they are saying. Be careful not to
stare, as this will make them feel uncomfortable. You want to hold eye contact
around 60% of the time.
Posture - Poor posture can indicate poor self-esteem. To check your
posture, stand with your arms hanging naturally down by your sides. Look at
whether the palms of your hands are facing inwards (correct) or backwards
(incorrect). If your palms face backwards this means your shoulders are rolling
forward and you may appear hunched.
Smile - A warm sincere smile creates the best first impression.
Try to smile with your whole face and out through the eyes. A smile that
doesn't reach your eyes will appear insincere.
As you can see, image is about more
than just clothes. Making a great first impression involves being totally aware
of yourself, your surroundings and who you are with. By improving your image
you will increase your confidence and self-esteem, and be well on your way to
achieving your goals.
Susan Lockhart
Why Colour is So Important in
Fashion
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