Your Personal Image Redefined

Changing your image and appearance can change your life. How does redefining your Personal Image do for your personal life and business? Image is power. It is not enough to be visible. To last is to succeed. Image has more value than reality. To last, the image must be built only on truths. Persona is the most effective weapon in your marketing war chest. 

 

In reality, your Personal Image is more valuable than skills to any aspiring entrepreneur, salesperson, manager, or corporate officer. 

Most failures are not due to a lack of talent, substance, or value. In our years of corporate background experiences, we have learned that many failing companies and without exception, they were quality offerings. They fail because they were invisible.

In the world of marketing and branding, all ventures must present a targeted and focused persona to their prospective customers. Remember, it is far better to be a visible contender than an invisible champion.

Is Image Everything?

The culture of the early 1980s was a mixed blessing for image consultants. On one hand, business was booming. Individuals paid handsome sums for advice on looking and dressing and were willing to buy expensive wardrobes. More and more corporations hired image consultants to conduct seminars on ways to project an image of success.  However, there was a misconception aspect to the image business as well. The industry's experts who are helping clients put their best foot forward while remaining true to themselves sometimes are outnumbered by those who bought into the emphasis on OUTWARD appearance as showing and acting the part. The author of 'Dress for Success' John Molloy in his book Molloy's Live for Success (1981), placed primary importance on 'acting' in order to advance in the corporate world. He frequently used actors in conducting research on executive attitudes and in training people to look and sound more upper-middle-class (refined), a prerequisite to attaining executive status.  In the current shock of the global pandemic, as in the 1990s, during the economic downturn, where corporate restructuring and dismissal were rampant,  training and development budgets were slashed and almost the first to be eliminated.  The days of job security are numbered and employees feared losing their jobs, and caution and frugality became the watchwords. Digital and new high-tech companies are achieving phenomenal success and most are run by young start-ups entrepreneurs who don't put much emphasis on fashion and image. The Work-From-Home (WFM) laid-back styles are geared towards comfort and dress-down Fridays. 

Does this mean also is lean times for image consultants?  

Given the shifts in social and behavioral trends, attitudes, and priorities, image experts had to creatively redefine the key definition of 'Personal Image'. 

Image Consulting has been expanding beyond wardrobing and grooming advice. 

Generally, since the early 90s, image services were divided into five (5) Categories and more...:

(I) DRESS and COLOUR,

Better appearance today has been redefined primarily to be more related to wellness, personal care using natural beauty products, and a good diet, (a good example is the Keto Care Plan Diet). Dressing since the pandemic year of WFH (Work-From-Home) is oriented apparel and is more towards "athleisure" (active, stylish and comfort are the keywords for workwear at workplaces, whether is at home or corporate spaces). Many working professionals, though preparing to go back to offices, will throw corporate dress codes, and structures out of the window. The dilemma is a fine line between what is appropriate and what is not appropriate. Here, a better appearance in the personal image industry also includes service-oriented offerings like nonsurgical aesthetic procedures. Colour initiates image management in the personal image industry. Colour plays a critical role in every decision you make. It communicates subconscious messages of health, power, culture, and environment. It helps unify the image message.

"I think workplaces are going to have to recalibrate and start to negotiate (employees and workers) what is appropriate and not appropriate."

(2) SPEECH/PUBLIC APPEARANCE,

Your speaking style and your vocal quality make a great impact on both credibility and professionalism.  A low-pitched, unhurried voice says you believe in the importance of what you have to say. Smile as you talk. It will come through in your voice even as you speak on the telephone.  Stand and gesture as you speak-it will lend vigor and conviction to your voice.  Firmness and clarity are the hallmarks of a good speaking style.  Sounding assertiveness builds a greater presence.  Instead of "May I have....?"  say "I would like....."    Don't trail off at the end of your sentences. What you have to say is important from the beginning to end. 

"Space is power. We often attribute authority to large persons by virtue of their build or body frame. The petite woman can extend her personal space with effective gestures."

(3) PERSONAL/PUBLIC RELATIONS, and 

Learning to tune into the conversations that you have with yourself is essential when you are looking to make a change. What you believe and hence tell yourself is possible, can have a powerful impact on what you achieve. This is often referred to as self-talk. What is surprising is that not all self-talk is positive and constructive. A coach believes that there are no limits to what you can achieve. You may have become unaware of what it is you actually say to yourself or 'how you say it.' If you decide that you want to change your self-talk, then remember that changing a habit can take time so be patient. Acknowledge every step you take that is moving you in the right direction. Ask yourself 'What types of conversations do you have with yourself is a good start.

"Eye contact conveys confidence, sincerity, and acceptance. Refusing or ignoring eye contact suggests that you are timid, that you are concealing something, or that you are unwilling to become involved."

(4) MOTIVATION counseling (including CONFIDENCE and PURPOSE)

This can be classified as your inner image and it is the REPUTATION and relationship you have with yourself regarding security, self-esteem, sense of belonging, purpose, and competence. In the business world, it expresses your corporate brand's soul; its vision, mission, values, and marketing strategies, and all the business practices. Truth. respect and understanding represent what we can call core values. Why is it so important to understand what your values are in life? I believe that our values make us who we are. What we value determines what life means to us and what actions we take. To redefine your personal image, take time to clarify what your values mean to you. For example, it may be your family that matters most to you. Self-esteem, the value we place on ourselves, can affect our ability to make changes. An expert Image Coach will be able to help you raise your self-esteem and rebuild your confidence.

(5) Protocol Etiquette

Protocol and Etiquette in Personal Image define the acceptable or required behaviour in social and business situations. Manners and courtesies evolve as society changes, though the root of courtesy is kindness and consideration for others. In a list of good manners, I realize that it is the 'little things that matter the most. Little gestures make world of difference. A kind and the well-mannered person acts the same way all the time. Good manners are more important than ever during a pandemic. Manners are based on precedent, people generally know how to behave because they have been in the situation before and know what to expect of them. But during pandemics,- 'unprecedented times"- people don't know what's expected. How do you conduct yourself at close proximity in an elevator or an enclosed office space? On many occasions, simple requests to wear masks have led to emotional outbursts, cursing, and yelling. Many are adamant about not wearing masks and those who defied compliance protocol and social distancing etiquette have led to a confrontation. The stresses during the public health crisis exacerbate the decline in manners and etiquette.

"Just as you go to the doctor and dentist for regular health checkups, why not regularly examine how you come across? Do your body language, voice, and appearance (even when wearing masks), promote your image as a stylish, confident woman and man?."

Others: The Next Normal Trend in Personal Image redefined:

(i) Wellness (through Creative Living)

The pandemic has redefined the concept of our Personal Image to include not only physical appearances. People are also taking time for self-care and they are seeing their wellness as a broader continuum of care. Behaviours and attitudes toward wellness are self-evident in the demand for natural and 'clean' products.  Good Self-image is now placing more value on self-care personalization,  which reveals some of the most interesting dimensions; health,  fitness, good nutrition, mindfulness, and wellness-related services, not just products. (as further illustrated below). Thus APPEARANCE is only part of the picture in image positioning. You must also project a favourable image of who and what you are, by how you live (a.k.a. your lifestyle).  By now, you've probably heard of Marie Kondo, the organizing expert and her suggestion is to preferably get rid of whatever does not 'spark joy' in you.  According to Marie Kondo's wellness philosophy, the most 'visible kind of clutter', in your life "increases cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone. (Chronically, high levels of cortisol can make us more susceptible to depression, insomnia, and other mental disorders, amongst many other stress-related disorders). There is also "nonphysical clutter", according to Marie Kondo, (like old documents, excess emails, stationery, unused products, such as books, ... many unproductive meetings, and other tasks, and even objects of sentimental value).  We are also told to 'tidy up' our time by figuring out how many of our tasks spark joy in us, and eliminating as many joyless ones as we can. This may involve some decisions such as delegation,, or even letting go of some work goals that may increase your earnings but adding too much misery to your wellness. 

"Wellness through creative living is also about tidying one's social and real-world networks."

(ii) Self-care beauty (including men's grooming products)

Given the realities of working from home, physical distancing, and mask-wearing, it has become less important to wear make-up and fragrance. Skincare, hair-care, and bath-and-body products are benefitting from home self-care and pampering trends.

"The overall effect of good grooming is to feel comfortable with yourself and to make a relaxed pleasant impression on others."

(iii) Health: Knowing Your Body

What was once simply known as Personal Grooming for men women are now being redefined as the physical manifestations of health and well-being. They are the operating principles that influence every aspect of your Personal Image based on the image mantra 'Feel Good Looking Good'. Not even models have perfect proportions- they just look perfect. One of the key expertise of Image Consultants is they can skillfully help clients create the illusion of perfect proportions.  You can do it, too.  Know your body. Experiment and watch how your silhouette is transformed as you camouflage the waist, suggest it, define it and accent it. 

"Image Consultants help clients draw the eye to the best aspects of their figure and camouflage figure problems."

(iv) Fitness: The Shape You are In

With major upheaval since the pandemic, and lock-downs after lockdowns, many are facing the challenges of maintaining pre-covid19 fitness levels. A big part of our journey to embodying fitness and health is maintaining our physical body (or physical fitness). Set up a fitness program that will increase your energy and joy of living so that you can radiate CONFIDENCE and move with grace and looking assured with yourself. 

"Of course, you will look (and feel) your best if you keep your shape. Different Body types have different strategies for staying slim and fit."

(v) Good Nutrition and Healthy Eating

Have always been part of the personal image (Feeling Good), and now we want our food to help accomplish our wellness goals. Do you drink too many calories? To scale back your beverages, switch to low-fat or fat-free milk. Choose water instead of juices and soda. Perk up plain water with a splash of juice and a twist of lemon or lime. Trade alcoholic drinks for sparkling water.

"Keto Cycle provides with personalized keto weight loss plan."

(vi) Mindfulness

Practising mindfulness can greatly help in managing stress, anger, anxiety, and nurturing it has a positive impact on certain areas of mental health. It is a booster for clients who have self-confidence and self-esteem issues. Through my image consulting journey with clients over the last decade or more, I have the privilege of knowing some wonderful people who are truly an inspiration in the way they live, work, and play in their daily lives.

"Life is not a dress rehearsal it's the real thing."

(vii) Finance

Taking control of personal finance will not only prepare you for your life goals and imagine being able to do what you've always dreamed of. Imagine being in control of each milestone in your future plan. It gives you hope and you can win with money and regain control of your life. Adding financial literacy refers to a variety of important financial skills and concepts.

"Assign a memorable phrase to your financial goals... it is famously known as 'The Latte Factor."

 

 

How is Your IMAGE working- for or against you? 

Image is a perception. Our Personal image plays a key role in all aspects of life. Whether personal or business relationships, the image we portray will determine the quality of those relationships to a very large extent.

Image Consultants are creative people. If you have been in business for a while, perhaps you feel somewhat bored or restless, it may be time to reassess what you are doing and where you are going. 

Or if you are a corporate CEO or business owner/entrepreneur/Professionals, you may wish to redefine and polish your company's corporate image, review Business Casual- what's appropriate, Business Etiquette and Protocol, First and Lasting Impression, Body Language Communicate and How to make an Effective Presentation. Confidence and Courage to embrace the way you look are undeniably some of the most important things to remember when you want to look good.

Need an Image Consultant for 2021 to redefine your Personal Image or restyle your look?  We help our clients project a winning image in all aspects, from developing and projecting the desired image to including social etiquette and self-presentation. 

Leave a comment below and share with us your broad experiences where you feel your Personal Image is affecting your life and career if any.   

Image credit: Unsplash