It enters the room before you do, dictates people's first impression of you and talks about you behind your back. It can fast track your career or completely derail your best efforts. Image is a powerful player in career success.
Unfortunately, for many people, their personal image is the equivalent of an insubordinate employee — brash, loud and generally clueless. The good news is you can take control of your image at work and in the world beyond the office.
Objectively evaluating your image is much easier with an image consultant to guide you toward gathering key introspective insights.
"Your image is multi-dimensional and involves several elements appearance, body language and communication skills. The rules for career success have dramatically changed. Effectively differentiating yourself is essential."
Hathorn encourages her clients to hone in on their personal brand by understanding their own attributes and strengths, and distilling the unique value they contribute at work. From there, she works with clients to create a visual image to accurately communicate their brand. "Your overall image is composed of how you look and also defined by how you act and treat other people," observes Hathorn. "Consistency goes a long way in solidifying your personal brand." Simply put, your mama's reminders about actions speaking louder than words were correct. Nothing wrecks a polished look faster than texting during meetings or a Facebook page littered with revealing photos from those hazy college years.
Along with your actions, a wardrobe can make or break the image you want to project. Over 55 percent of the first impression someone has of you is based on appearance. With simple tricks, it's easy to ensure your clothes work without becoming an image liability.
"Clothes should make a statement, but your outfit can't overshadow your talents," advises Jaci Shiendling, owner of Beauty Within."Staying true to a style that accentuates your body type and incorporates classic tailored pieces sets you apart." When dressing for work, less is more.
Mychael Hamlin, partner in Salon 124, echoes this sentiment, "By going lighter on your makeup and choosing a fluid hairstyle that incorporates motion, you actually end up looking more pulled together with less effort."
Men and women alike can personalize a classic wardrobe with accessories that provide an economical way to project a modern image. A new shoe, a fresh blouse or a new dress shirt and tie can entirely change an outfit without challenging your budget. When your image is authentic and represents the drive you have to succeed, it is amazing where your image can take you...to your new job, your next promotion and best of all, to a level of greater confidence in yourself.
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