Are you aware of the presence you convey as you interact with others? If not, you must implement these 10 image/presence/branding considerations in the coming year. If you do, I promise you will look and feel differently by the end of the year. The items are not rank ordered on purpose. Each person will need to refine and work on different aspects. But I hope the list is general enough to nudge you to contemplate about your own unique signature look and brand, and how you present yourself in the year to come.
1. What image do you project to others? How do you want to be perceived? Have you thought about these questions lately? If not, the end of the year is the perfect time to re-evaluate the messages you are conveying to others. Remember, YOU have almost complete control about how you are perceived. You can train people to think about you the way you want them to think.
2. Are you poised? Are you aware of your posture when seated and standing? Good posture not only makes you look more commanding and in charge but also enhances the way you look-you actually look younger and slimmer. Yes! Stand straight and tall regardless of your height. People will notice, trust me.
3. Do you consider yourself a brand? Whether you are a professional on the fast track, a senior executive with a high profile position, an entrepreneur, business owner or a sales professional, once you are representing a company or interacting with customers or clients in any way, you better believe you’re a brand. What does that mean? It means you need to manage your image and make sure it is aligned with your business’s brand. It means that your image is communicating important messages about your product and/or service just as your marketing collateral is. Your image is a critical marketing tool and when you examine your appearance from that vantage point, it’ll make you be more mindful of your brand presence.
4. Are you gracious? Polite? Kind? Sometimes it is the simple gestures (what we used to call ‘manners’ in the old days) that sets you apart. Do good deeds. Be considerate. Send handwritten thank you notes. Do something thoughtful. Hold the door open for someone. Good manners matter. It makes you likeable but more importantly makes you feel so good about yourself.
5. What is your signature look? Do you even have one? What distinguishes you from the next person? What do people immediately notice about you? These are questions that help you define a look that is uniquely yours. Why is this important? Because it gives you more confidence, it conveys independence and self possession, you look like ‘you’, you’re more authentic, you’re optimizing your assets and you look different from anyone else. All those benefits give you power-the power to use your image to your advantage. When you discover your signature be consistent with it in all your interactions.
6. Do you create a lasting, memorable and positive first impression? First impressions count and they’re indelible. This is a judgmental culture and frankly people do judge a book by its cover. Don’t underestimate how much power you have over perception. Go all out – dress impeccably and in alignment with your personal style and goals, ‘work’ your signature look, develop panache and élan. Take your presentation of yourself as seriously as you do your work and master the nuances of your image, personal style and communication that spell confidence and success.
7. Are you using color in your wardrobe strategically? Want to look confident and to stand out? Wear red or violet? Want to blend in? Wear green. Want people to trust you? Blue is the hue. Each color is associated with specific attributes and when you wear that color, those attributes pass onto you. But of more significance is wearing the colors that are in harmony with your skin hair and eyes-the colors that make you pop. Unsure of what those colors are? Schedule a color assessment consult with me.
8. How effectively do you communicate? Do people listen when you speak? Do you have the right tone and inflection in your voice? Do you enunciate your words? Statistics show that the way you speak and communicate are more important than what you actually say. Pay attention to you speaking voice, your gestures and non verbal cues. Be an active listener. Be engaged in the conversations you have with others.
9. Are you personable, friendly, and interesting? Do you smile easily? Are you approachable? These attributes are important because they make people want to know and connect with you. We live in a society where being known and sought after is a strategic advantage. Ask yourself, do people seek me out? If not, it’s time to change the way you engage others.
10. Is your presence purposeful? My tagline ‘presence with a purpose’ TM is not just a cute phrase-it’s meant to convey something quite profound. ‘Presence’ -that ability to project a sense of ease, poise, or self-assurance is an energy and an attitude. It can be magnetic. When it is purposeful, you have created the equivalent of a slam dunk. Know your intention-the effect you want to convey to others. Then dress and act accordingly.
Copyright: Natalie Jobity, Élan Image Management
Natalie Jobity, President of Elan Image Management, http://elanimagemanagement.com/ is a certified image consultant. With over 15 years of experience in marketing, she has often counseled corporate clients on understanding the drivers of their company brand reputation and corporate image and she leverage this experience as an image consultant.
She believes we each have the power to cultivate, refine and project the image of our choosing, once we are armed with the proper tools. Her promise to clients is to empower them to express their own unique personal style and flair regardless of their starting point on their own unique image journey.
Natalie specializes in:
*helping clients discover their personal style
*coaching and mentoring on effective presence and ‘personal branding’
*accompanying clients on personal shopping expeditions to revamp and rebuild wardrobes
*using color and accessories for impact and expression
*conducting wardrobe audits
* Styling for photoshoots
She conducts workshops and seminars on creating ‘purposeful presence’
Author: Natalie Jobity
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Canada duty
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