| There is no better time than a new year to inspire | | | | inside-out - one that supports you in achieving your |
| professionals to shine the spotlight on their personal | | | | career aspirations and carries you full speed ahead to |
| and professional goals. As we begin this year's | | | | your desired destination. |
| journey it's a wonderful time to really delve into | | | | The Devil is in the Details |
| what's working in your life - while also acknowledging | | | | A hard fact I recently learned by reading comments |
| what's not. During this uncertain and treacherous time | | | | from CEO's of Fortune 500 Firms is that one of the |
| for the employment picture, I encourage you to see | | | | top reasons they don't promote their people has |
| yourself in terms of a fresh perspective and consider | | | | nothing to do with job performance - but instead |
| exciting ways to reinvent yourself for 2010. Step up | | | | with poor personal appearance. When I read that I |
| your visual image, celebrate your career | | | | wondered whether the HR people or top managers |
| accomplishments, and stake your claim in the | | | | in those firms are really ready to have the kinds of |
| professional spotlight. | | | | difficult, sensitive, honest conversations that are |
| As author D.H. Lawrence wrote, "Why do fashions in | | | | required to candidly cover the topic of employee |
| clothes change? Because really we ourselves change | | | | appearance. Personal image is probably not a subject |
| in the slow metamorphosis of time." My brave clients | | | | they feel comfortable discussing, and even if they do |
| who have worked with me as their coach over an | | | | bring it up, image consulting is not their area of |
| extended period of time understand that the image | | | | expertise. During phone conversations I have had |
| journey is a process and a continuum, not an isolated | | | | with top CEOs they are very descriptive about what |
| acute one-time event. | | | | image challenges their organizations face. They tell |
| Professionals continue to evolve and grow over time | | | | me the minute details of employee dress and |
| as they set their sights on career advancements or | | | | appearance and I am always amazed at how they |
| top-tier jobs. Are you wearing clothes that date you | | | | can recall such specific examples of people within |
| back to five years ago? Is your hairstyle a | | | | their companies who sabotaged promotions because |
| throwback to 1980s big hair? Gentlemen, do your | | | | of a poor image. Trust me when I say that people at |
| slacks resemble those triple-pleated ballooning | | | | the top of your organization do indeed notice the |
| numbers from the era of Miami Vice and do your | | | | "little things." |
| high-waisted trousers and baggy suit jackets make | | | | Brand Me Successful |
| you look like a character from a 1930s vaudevillian | | | | A professional image coach can be constructive and |
| show? | | | | offer you suggestions to bring out your authentic |
| Time for a Tune-up | | | | brand style while also understanding the culture and |
| Even luxury sports cars need a tune-up now and | | | | position you hold within a company. I understand how |
| then, and this is the year when your presence needs | | | | important it is to be honest with people regarding the |
| to shift into high gear and exude an updated sense | | | | visual image they are projecting to others. |
| of classic-modern style with a dash of fashion spice. | | | | Sometimes it may take a while for professionals to |
| Otherwise you might fall behind in the slow lane as | | | | step up and make the commitment to discover their |
| others pass you by en route to coveted positions | | | | new and improved brand image. But once you do |
| and winning career roles. | | | | you will feel more self-confident, be more productive |
| Perception is reality! If your superiors or colleagues | | | | at work, establish relationships with greater ease, and |
| see that you are not renovating your appearance, | | | | be more successful within the organization. |
| you may not to be taken seriously and might miss an | | | | Don't let 2010 pass you by before you take the |
| opportunity for a promotion. Don't let your image | | | | necessary steps to discover how to stand out and |
| become a clunker due to neglect. Take advantage of | | | | be unique in today's crowded and competitive |
| the expertise of a professional image coach who can | | | | business arena. Start investing in your visual presence |
| help you define your authentic self-brand and then | | | | today to set a positive trajectory on this year's path |
| assist you in creating a visual presence from the | | | | to greater career success. |