Improve Your Image
By Michele Lindenfelser, C.I.C.
Confident Image Associates BC

Imagine you are being video taped every waking hour of your day. What kind of image would you project to others? How would you sit down and get up from a chair? How would you walk or stand? Would you actually chew gum in public? What would your table manners tell others about you? Would you be well groomed?

You might shrug your shoulders and think, ‘Why should I bother to look good?’

First impressions do matter. Studies show that within 30 seconds, a person meeting you for the very first time, forms approximately one dozen impressions of you. . .all based on your total appearance.

All of us have an image – whether we consciously design it or not. Our childhood experiences and the manner in which we are raised project our adult self-image.

Having the proper knowledge and tools can greatly project a confident, polished image.

Wearing incorrect colors drain your face and can make you look tired or ill. When the correct colors are worn, your face comes alive. In other words, your eyes sparkle, your skin glows and your hair shimmers.

Color is the magical ingredient to absorb your best qualities or reflects them.

Did you know that color can also dramatically affect the visual aspect of your body proportions? It may seem like such a small thing to consider, but getting it right can make all the difference.

Each of us is created proportionately unequal. Few women and men have perfect measurements.

The way you feel about yourself is directly tied to your appearance.

Once you know which styles best flatter your silhouette, you will have confidence in the fact that you will look great.

Business attire covers approximately 90% of the body, so it is important to project a powerful statement. Many successful people look successful. They know which colors and styles are attractive on them. They are well groomed, speak well and carry themselves with confidence. Is your visual presentation a true reflection of you at your best?

Companies place a high standard on manners, body language, dress and knowing what to say and do in any given situation.

Are you dressing for success? In other words, are you dressing for the position you want or the position you have? Along with the important job skills, image is the key that will open doors.

Business casual at the office had, unfortunately, turned into weekend comfort wear.

Good news. . . the suit is back!

To one up the competition, job seekers are now wearing suits and business attire to give them the edge in job interviews.

Strong durable fabrics, attractive accessories and the very important choice of colors and styles will make you memorable.

Pay attention to the details. People are more likely to notice what you did not do quite as well as what you did do well.

Remember the days when good manners meant a good upbringing? No one is born with good manners. Today’s society has become lax in this area. It is to your advantage to polish your business etiquette and social manners.

Acquiring good table manners will give you an A+ and along the way, you will acquire knowledge of wine selection and fine food presentation.

With fine dining skills, you will be a good ambassador for your company and a sought after dinner guest.

You may have a good education and be good at your job, but today being well dressed also includes knowing the correct amount of accessories to wear, wearing and/or carrying quality leather goods, business suits, shirts/blouses clean and pressed, using quality business tools, and how to signal the waiter with proper utensil placement on your plate.

Below are a few areas that all of us can improve upon:

Posture.
Practice your walk.
Practice how you sit down and get up from a chair.

Grammar.
Work on diction and proper speech.

Eye Contact.
This is an important!

Handshake.
A firm, non-lingering, palm-to-palm handshake is best.

Dining & Entertaining Skills.
Improve your table manners and entertaining skills.
If you travel abroad for business, learn the dining customs in that particular country.

Foreign Relations.
Wherever your business takes you, learn the local cultural business etiquette. Handshake or bow? Eye contact or no eye contact? Presenting your business card in Japan may be quite different than presenting it in England.

Smile.
It should be genuine.
Learn to laugh at yourself.

Business Tools.
Buy fewer items of higher quality and select clothing that is outstanding rather than what is fashion.
A quality pen, briefcase, daytimer, shoes, etc. - you get the idea.

Colors and Clothing Styles.
Build a wardrobe and organize your closet in colors and clothing styles that best flatter you.

This is the beginning of a new year, so polish the mirror and take one last look before you walk out the door. Whether you are a job seeker or seeking a higher position within the company, package yourself to conquer the world each day.

Michele Lindenfelser, C.I.C.
Confident Image Associates BC
E-mail: ConfidentimageBC@aol.com
Phone: 815-332-2057
January 05, 2005