This special issue of Inside Image, is devoted to helping you to succeed, even in a down economy.
I know that it can be difficult to navigate through uncertain times, but if you apply the image tips and techniques in the articles below, you will be one step closer to your goals.
Instead of bringing you separate articles for men and women, this month my feature article addresses similar issues facing both genders.
Make sure to visit my blog for the rest of "Leverage the Power of a Professional Image in a Down Economy: 5 Ways to Beat the Recession" to get the full article and all 5 tips.
Ten Deadly Image Mistakes that Men and Women Make at Work, Interviews, and Career Fairs
If you are confused about what attire is appropriate for work, then you're not alone. Our society has become increasingly casual and companies are finding it more difficult to define and enforce their dress codes. It's not unusual to walk into a business and see employees wearing anything from gym clothes to traditional business attire.
How much is this "anything goes" attitude impacting businesses, really? Human Resource professionals report that nearly 95% of people dress inappropriately for work on a daily basis. What that means to business is fewer sales, unhappy customers, and lower employee salaries.
Imagine how these workplace disasters could be avoided if staff and management simply understood the importance of appropriate business dress. Most workers put their own personal comfort and personal style ahead of being appropriate and relatable. The problem with this attitude is that it doesn't just cost them, it costs the company BIG in terms of credibility, brand promotion, and income.
So what SHOULDN'T you wear to work to avoid these fatal mistakes?
First, start with these three basic rules:
1. The more skin you show, the less professional you look. (In fact, too much skin is actually a credibility killer.) 2. How you dress for business is perceived as a reflection of your skills. If you appear sloppy, it will be assumed that you are sloppy. 3. How well you represent your company's image through your attire will determine how easily you succeed there.
If you simply cover appropriately, dress with care, and represent your company with pride, you have a good basic understanding of what not to wear.
Here are the top ten specific items to avoid at all costs in your work wardrobe:
9. Shoes that distract 10. Piercings (other than earrings for women)
Even if you think these guidelines are old fashioned and infringe on your personal style, remember that in the current economy your personal style may be a small sacrifice when it comes to getting a job, promotion, or increased sales.
There's not a lot of wiggle room in creating a good first impression in business; either you're dressed appropriately, or you're not. Once you cross that line into inappropriate, you lose all credibility- regardless of how brilliant you are.
Consider this: Imagine trying to follow a sports game on television where the players are all in plain clothes and not in a uniform. Do you think you could keep track of who is who? What about the officials and judges? Could they make fair and appropriate rulings if they can't follow game play? What about the players? In the heat of excitement do you think they could easily pick out their own teammates from the crowd? Uniforms serve a purpose; they help everyone observing game play to track what is happening.
Business attire is the same. You may not consider your wardrobe a uniform, but that is what it is. Show up to work in the uniform of your industry, and you can get to work on "moving the ball forward," so to speak, in fulfilling your company goals. Show up in any old thing, and people have to figure out what team you're on and what position you play. It can stall your career just like it stalls a game, but without you even realizing it. So what should you NOT wear to work?
Anything that jeopardizes your credibility and pulls attention away from the matter at hand: fulfilling the job you were hired to do.
Leverage the Power of a Professional Image in a Down Economy: 5 Ways to Beat the Recession
If your image is a walking business card communicating who you are as a professional, then what does your image say about you? Just like marketing and branding your business, you want to be sure your focused and conscious choices about the messages your image 'business card' sends, noting especially if it is aligned with your professional aspirations. There is more to image than the clothes you wear. Image is the total package. Not only including clothing, but how you accessorize, the way you communicate, how well-groomed you are, your poise and posture, the non verbal cues you send, your ability to maintain eye contact, and so much more. Do you know what message your image sends?
In the uncertain market our current economy and with U.S. unemployment climbing, do you gear yourself to stay competitive? How do you set yourself apart from the victim of retrenchment? You may have the required academic certifications, others have it too. Don't just survive in, but dominate during recession.
For years most people have thought of image as "soft skills". Studies are proving that image does make a difference when it comes to business. This relates to getting and keeping a job, getting that coveted raise or promotion, and productivity issues in the workplace.
Mastering these "soft skills" is now more important than ever. You may find yourself passed over in favor of those who practice the power of etiquette & image and that all important 7-Second First Impression!!!
Invest your hard earned time and money wisely by upgrading your "soft skills". You can book a personal workshop with Bonnie today, or if you are unable to bring Bonnie to your company or home, you can participate in her online interactive image webinars.
Workshops on:
Personal Presentation
Business Etiquette & Protocols
Conversational Skills, Social Networking and Mingling
Interview Skills and effective social grace
Positive Thinking, corporate behavior and attitude
Presenting yourself with style and confidence
Impression Management and outclass your competition
Email your top 3 workshop topics, we will schedule a learning Webinar OR you can contact Bonnie to bring your workshop to your Professional and Networking Group or to your Company!!
INSIDEIMAGE NEWS AND EVENTS
September has been a busy month.
I was honored to attend my daughter's wedding in Florida. It was such a spectacular event and wonderful to see how so many months of planning paid off. Congratulations Lisa and Anthony Cicarella!
Image Consultants, please visit my website to find out more about online Image Courses offered through The ImageMaker Inc. ®
