Your image speaks volumes about who you are and conveys signals about your intelligence, competence, confidence, level of success, and a host of other characteristics that may or may not be true. The power of image in influencing first impressions and hiring, firing and promotions is unquestionable. As the saying goes, image is everything, and in these uncertain economic times you want to be assured your image is working for you with maximum impact. What is challenging, however, is when decisions are made about you based on your image they will rarely tell you. And if someone makes unfavorable assumptions about you, you may not get another opportunity to turn those perceptions around.
So if your sights are set on the corner office or the equivalent then you’ll want to know how to perfect a polished professional presence using these 5 tips from Élan Image Management.
1. You’ve heard this before but it is worth repeating. Always dress for a higher position than you currently occupy. Dressing for the position you are aspiring to will also boost your confidence in your ability to achieve it.
2. Invest in quality pieces. Your clothing can be one of your more important career “investments”. Look for timeless well made designs and mix these up with more stylish accents depending on your personal style. The way you treat yourself is how the rest of the world will treat you. If you dress like a winner, and act like a winner, the world will treat you like a winner.
3. Good manners matter. In this cut-throat dog eat dog world we live in people who are gracious, polite, kind, and considerate stand out. Sometimes it is the simple gestures that sets you apart from the competition. Be thoughtful, generous and unselfish. Support your colleagues. Actions do speak louder than words.
4. Pay attention to the accent pieces that make you stand out and where you can express more of your own unique élan. For men, your tie is your signature, followed by your watch, belt, shoes. Invest in these accents and select them wisely. For women, your signature can be your shoes, handbag, jewelry and also scarves and how they’re worn. Also the style and cut of your business dress speaks loudly about the type of professional you are.
5. Fit is a clear divider separating the well dressed from the wanna be well dressed. Only wear what fits you perfectly. Have your clothing altered by professionals as needed or pay attention to the designers and brands that work well for your figure and proportions. If your $1500 Calvin Klein suit puckers, pulls or is too tight or loose you’re better off wearing a cheaper alternative that fits you impeccably.
Copyright, Elan 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: Credit card currency-exchange fees
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