Refinement Society

  Your Personality isn't the first thing people see unless you project it through your style. A pencil skirt is one of the must-have fashion pieces in every woman's wardrobe in the business world. The outfit is perfect to wear from office to business cocktails; a fashionable yet influential item.    Mastering your personal image is essential in a world where first impressions matter more than ever. As an image consultant, I've had the privilege of guiding countless individuals towards presenting themselves with confidence, authenticity, and style. I'll share some tips and insights on how to elevate your image and make a lasting impression.  Understanding Your Personal Style : Before diving into wardrobe overhauls and fashion trends, it's crucial to understand your personal style. Take time to reflect on your lifestyle, preferences, and personality. Are you more classic and timeless, or do you prefer edgy and avant-garde looks? Knowing your style identity will serve

Focusing on one thing and do it really, really well can get you very far Starting a business is a transformative journey that offers countless opportunities for growth, challenges and personal fulfillment. When you make the decision to become your own boss, you're not just creating a business; you're crafting a lifestyle, taking control of your destiny and embracing the entrepreneurial spirit. The Spark of Entrepreneurship Every entrepreneurial journey begins with a spark - an idea, a passion, or a solution to a problem. It's the realisation that you have something valuable to offer, and you're ready to take the leap. Whether you're launching a tech start-up, an ElderCare home, a Creative agency, a Culinary restaurant, a leadership coaching school, or an Art gallery, the foundation lies in the belief that you can make a difference. Crafting Your Vision and Mission Define the purpose of your business by crafting a clear vision and mission. Your vision is the future y

The turning point in the lives of those who succeed usually comes at the moment of some crisis, through which they are introduced to their "other selves." In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to get caught up in the constant motion of the present and the anticipation of the future. However, the concept of "flashback moving forward" invites us to pause, reflect, and glean insights from our past experiences to better navigate the uncharted territories that lie ahead. As we are only 26 days away from the new year, let's explore the profound wisdom that can be gained by looking back, using the lessons of yesterday as a compass for a more purposeful and informed tomorrow. The Power of Reflection : Reflection is a powerful tool that often gets overlooked in our fast-paced lives. It involves consciously looking back on our experiences, and acknowledging both the triumphs and the tribulations. This introspective journey allows us to identify patter

I love how clothes can suggest a whole story - by Brandon Taylor, a novelist Clothes have always been a form of self-expression. They are a canvas on which we paint our personalities, beliefs, and moods. But are your clothes truly reflective of who you are today?  "You don't really hear about the clothes unless someone is dressed with a little bit of STYLE in them" - Refinement Society-  Let's explore how our clothing choices mirror not only our current selves. Personal Style evolution over the years   Personal style is not static; it evolves over time. What you wore in your earlier days or teens might not resonate with your present self. As we grow, learn, travel, and experience life, our values, interests, and outlook change. It's only natural that our clothing preferences follow suit. Consider when you were a college student who once embraced a bohemian style. As you transition into the professional world, your wardrobe may shift towards more polished and busin

Leaders can and must lead, but employees from all ranks of a company - from the back office and the front - must participate in the shift to CUSTOMER INTIMACY. A team spirit, and a sense of shared GOALS, must light up a company's efforts at intimacy. Teams of people working together create more excitement, more energy, more ideas, and more enthusiasm than individuals ever can. Try to imagine your own company. Think about your current position in the marketplace and your prospects for the future. What are your aspirations, your hopes, and your dreams?  Customer Intimacy offers tailored solutions to its customers. Together, the salesperson and customer sit together to commit to a shared goal.  Photo courtesy: Unsplash Lessons from the BEST Selling Companies and Brands, who specifically focus on one of the key "Value Disciplines", which is "Customer Intimacy". How to get there? The future is largely uncertain and unexplored; and the capacity to act, rather than to

In the business world, it is often difficult to know when our actions are ethical and when they are not. How Far is too far when faced with the ethics questionnaire? The more you compete with others for business, the more difficult it will be to decide what's ethical and what's not. Competition drives the economic system, legal system, and political system. Competition drives our society, and that means we are all pitching, all the time. Image Courtesy: Unsplash by Kelly Sikkema How far should a sales pitch actually go? As an Image cum Strategist Coach, I've found myself faced with scores of ethical dilemmas.  Here are some basic ethical principles that can help guide our decisions or help us determine whether a particular action is ethical or not. Full disclosure is the best policy. Anything that can be done openly and publicly without embarrassment is inherently ethical. But the converse is not true- things that must remain secret aren't necessarily unethical. Competi

Why do people like looking in the mirror? Why do people like looking in a mirror? We mostly mirror unconsciously. One of the fastest ways to create a good first impression and improve rapport is to use the mirror image. People will think you're reading their minds.  Why use the mirror image? Why do people like looking in the mirror? Ever seen a yawn become contagious? If you smile at someone, don't they smile back? Doesn't it make you feel happier?  Sometimes, we don't have to say anything or too much, or crack our heads to use any chat lines. In the initial stage, it's a sincere SMILE that makes a difference. Once you've ' broken the ice ', words become the focus. Remember a good smile is an asset in building relationships as it helps to connect. Leaders and successful business people can make very effective use of this intangible skill in improving leadership and interpersonal relationship building.  Image Credit: By Alexandr Ivanov of Pixabay You smil