Succeed with Style: Are You Telling the Story You Intend?

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Monday, February 06, 2012

Margaret Batting, Image Consultant and Personal Brand Strategist

Let’s face it whether we like it or not our image matters. It used to be that we had at least 30 seconds to make a favorable first impression. Now, studies have shown we have about two seconds to make a profound and lasting one. I have even tested this finding in several of my presentations to see if it was really true. And guess what I found? It is true.

While looking at photos participants formed a first impression in two seconds! That is almost like the blink on an eye. Let me ask you this question. Do you people watch at the mall or airport? Of course you do. We all do! And what happens when you do this? You make up a little story in your mind about these people based solely on their appearance. Well, if you are doing that what do you think is happening to you? The same thing! We all judge. It is human nature and we will do it to the day we die. That’s the bad news.

The good news is we have a choice. If you dressed yourself today then you have a choice. We can choose to dress and act in a way that is consistent with our personal and professional goals or we can continue wearing clothes that say we don’t care. You’re in control. If you choose to create an image that tells the real story about you then follow my tips below and let me now your results. If you post a story on my business Facebook page at Eleve Image Consulting I’ll give you a free 15-minute phone consult. I’d love to hear from you.

1. Your fist step is to figure out how you are being perceived. Ask a colleague or new acquaintance you recently met what their first impression was when they initially met you. That way you can figure out exactly how you are perceived and then you will know what to modify or change if anything.

2. Next, if you do need to make some changes determine the words you want people to think about you when they meet you for the first time. What are the first three words you would want them to use to describe you?

3. Once you determine your key words evaluate your current wardrobe. Do your clothes tell the story you intend? If not, make some modifications. Maybe you need to add more color to appear approachable or a stylish suit to look current and credible. Maybe you just need to tailor your clothes to look more polished.

4. If you need to add color make sure the color palette complements your complexion, hair and eye color. Believe it or not, colors can make you look younger and more vibrant or they can make you look sick, tired and old. Guys- get rid of the muddy grey, beige and green shirts. They drain the life out of you!

5. Finally, pay attention to the details. Are your clothes pressed and neat? Is your hair styled when you leave the house or do you leave with a wet head? Are your nails well kept? Focusing on the details not only says you care about yourself but implies that you focus on other details in your life.

Remember you only have a few seconds to make an impact. The choice is yours. 

Margaret Batting is the president and owner of Elevé Image Communications in Rhode Island. Margaret shows business professionals and entrepreneurs how to align their image with their career. In addition, Margaret travels the country for CareerBuilder providing workshops for professionals in career transition. She serves on the Board of Directors for Dress for Success RI. Prior to launching Elevé, Margaret was an advertising and process improvement executive at Staples, Inc. She received her certifications from the Association of Image Consultants International, the London Image Institute and the Institute of Image Communications in NY. She holds a BA in Mass Communication from Boston University. Margaret is the Corporate Style Expert for GoLocalProv.com. Visit www.eleveimagecommunications.com for more information.

 

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