career management

You have something that works much like a book cover. It’s called your image. Visually, it’s the sum total of what you’re wearing, including the color, style and fit of your clothes; your accessories as well as your skin, hair and nails—everything about you that’s visible to the eye. Your image should engage and captivate others just like a book cover. The qualities you want to be known for should all be conveyed in that visual snapshot. So, how important is your image? Very!

Sometimes word-of-mouth buzz will sell a book regardless of the cover. In the business world, that kind of buzz is something everyone hopes for, but even with a good reputation, there’s plenty of opportunity to blow it. If potential clients meet you and the values you or your company espouses don’t connect with your image, the mental head scratching begins. They can become instantly suspicious, doubtful or mistrusting. It’s all non-verbal, but it counts for a lot of decision-making. If the image does match, they’re calm, excited and ready to go where you want to take them. It’s that simple.

Invest in your image

When we’re reinventing our career or tweaking our current one, most of us are willing to spend time and money to update our message, service offers or product packages. We work with web designers, brand experts, copywriters, even business coaches. Yet, the amount of time we put into assessing our image could be one of our most important investments yet.

How can you be sure your image is conveying the qualities you want to be known for? Professional image consultants can certainly help. Check out www.aici.org for someone in your area, or follow these steps to get you started thinking about your image.

Get clear about where you are and where you want to be.

Pull out paper and pencil. On the top left, write “Moving Away From.” On the top right, write “Moving Toward.”

As you think about your image and your aspirations, where are you now compared to where you want to be? What are you ready to move away from and what would you be moving toward? Everything you write in the left-hand column will reflect the old you. Everything in the right-hand column speaks to how you want to be perceived now.

When you get dressed, focus on what you’re moving toward. Maybe looking polished is your new “book cover” so you’ll pay attention to details, get a manicure, get your shoes repaired, be sure everything fits properly. Your appearance could go from a C- to a B+ by listening to yourself and then taking small actions.

Identify qualities you’re going for and then dress for them.

If you know the qualities you want to convey to others, you can make choices about how you dress just by focusing on that recipe. For instance, if you’re all about creative solutions for a client or a company, what about your personal style matches that core message? Could someone look at you and say to him or herself, “Wow, I get it! He’s creative! He can help me!” That doesn’t mean taking fashion tips from Rolling Stones musician, Keith Richards, but you’re doing yourself a disservice if you conceal the very aspect of yourself that distinguishes you from the competition. You could demonstrate creativity by wearing a unique accessory, an unexpected color combination or interesting shoes.

If you’re over 50 and want to convey that you can be a team player in a workplace full of 30-somethings, then something about you needs to look youthful. Your appearance can help you get that point across. If you’re a guy, you could change your too-rigid haircut and get a clean short, cropped haircut. If you’re a woman, you could update your look by wearing contemporary accessories.

Once you have your list of words, ask trusted friends to give you their advice. Give them the list of qualities you want to be known for and then ask them what about your appearance “says” that. Be open to some constructive criticism.

Remember, while you’re reinventing your career, don’t be so focused “out there” that you neglect your second skin—the powerful billboard space that advertises your talents and gifts. Turn your image into a best-seller!

Brenda Kinsel is a 25-year veteran of the image industry. A national speaker and author of five popular books on fashion and style, she has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Canada AM and HGTV as well as numerous radio and newspaper sources globally. She is the image and wardrobe guru heard weekly on the syndicated radio show called The Richard Stevens Show. Visit her online at www.brendakinsel.com.