Category Archives: Professional Business Image

Business casual, Business Dress, Casual dress, Colour, Dress for Success, Make up, Make Up Tools, Professional business attire, Professional Business Image, Wardrobe, Women

How to Look Older and More Serious at Work

2 Comments

I remember when I was in my 20’s and 30’s all I could think about was how to look older. It seemed that my friends and colleagues who looked older were taken more seriously… especially at work. If this is a challenge for you I would suggest the following:

Wear darker colours – Darker colours come across more mature and authoritative. By wearing them you might not look older but you will come across more experienced and will look like you know what you are talking about.

Wear make-up tastefully – For those of us women who look young, we tend to look even younger when we don’t wear make-up. Make-up will not only make you look older, but is the finishing touch in the wardrobe package. When worn tastefully, it draws attention to your face and will increase your look of authority.

Tame the mane – Big hair or long distracting hair will make you look less mature, less serious and less polished. To focus attention on your abilities rather than your hair, keep it neat and away from your face. This can be done by cutting or tying it back.

Don’t be a walking bill-board – Although we do want our clothing and accessories to appear up-to-date and current at work; we don’t want to be a walking bill-board for all of the latest in fashion styles and accessories. When choosing accessories for the workplace… less is better – less quantity; fewer details and smaller scale.

Business casual, Business Dress, Casual dress, Dress for Success, Men, Professional business attire, Professional Business Image, Wardrobe, Women

Is the Way You Dress for Work Up to Par?

6 Comments
According a poll done on Workplace Attire by Reuters/Ipsos, dressing appropriately for work really can make the different between failure and success on the job. Here are a few of the statistics:

  • 66% of employees say senior managers should always be more dressed up then their employees.
  • 55% think someone prescribed attire is more productive.
  • 37% think casually dressed workers will never make it to a senior management position.

The interesting thing about these findings is that I hear this all the time from my corporate clients. Employers really do care how their employees represent their company and feel it does impact their productivity and chances for advancement.  They feel that appropriate dress is important and they know their clients feel the same way.

To learn more about this poll and findings: http://www.ipsos-na.com/download/pr.aspx?id=9809

Etiquette, Men, Professional business attire, Professional Business Image, Women

Would You Hire Me as Your Attorney?

Leave a comment

1000
As an Image Consultant, occasionally when I am conducting a corporate workshop or seminar on the topic of ‘Business Attire’, I will have someone in the audience who just can’t understand why professional looking business attire might be important.

And I tell them, it is all about being appropriate and fitting the expectations of your clients. So my question to you is, “Would you hire this man as your Attorney”?

Whether you like it or not you will be judged on your personal appearance, inside or outside the law court.

Business Relation, Men, Professional Business Image, verbal communication, Women

Use Your Company’s Image as a Personal Asset

Leave a comment

Have you ever wondered why some people move up the corporate ladder quickly, while others consistently get passed over for promotion? Or why certain people do so well in sales? Yes, education, talent and people skills are major factors, but image also plays a major role.

Most companies spend a lot of money each year developing and maintaining their company image. As a representative of your company it’s up to you to reinforce this image by presenting yourself in a way that’s consistent with the company brand. Let’s face it, when we meet someone for the first time, whether we like it or not, we instantly form an impression about them. If the impression matches what they are trying to communicate, we are more likely to trust them. Once trust is established, it’s easier to build rapport and strong business relationships.

Etiquette, Men, Professional Business Image, verbal communication, Women

What is Personal Image?

3 Comments

I have found many dictionary definitions for the word ‘image’. But in regards to’personal image’ it really boils down to this: “Your personal image is how you are perceived by others”. Many different things go into your image such as: ‘non-verbal communication’which is your body language and the way you carry yourself and ‘visual communication’which is your personal appearance, your grooming, what you wear and how you wear it; and ‘verbal communication’ which are the words you use and how you use them;

Although the spoken word does carry weight as we develop rapport. Initially we are judged by what people see. Each time you meet someone new, they will evaluate you either consciously or subconsciously. They will notice your clothing, your hairstyle, and your accessories. They will notice how you are groomed and how you carry yourself.  Every aspect of how you appear is pieced together forming a picture or an interpretation of your image. This interpretation will lead to their comfort level about you and help them determine whether they will listen to you.

Given the choice, most of us would rather do business with someone we are comfortable with and fit’s our definition of a ‘Professional Business Image’.