Whoa! Does your personal brand need reassessment? Not getting the recognition or job advancement you think you deserve? Feel that opportunities are passing you by? Here’s the rub – don’t look ‘out there’ for the answers, although it might be worthwhile asking a few people you trust for some honest feedback on the impression they have of you. You need to look ‘inside’ to find out what is really going on. Are you valuing yourself? Living purposefully? Honouring your highest values? Taking time for yourself? Dreaming big dreams?
Because people will form opinions of you based on the very superficial visual and behavioural messages you leave them with. Don’t complain – what else have they got to go by? Your work ethic? The time you get to and leave work? The amount of work you get through? Well – these things won’t cut it if you are looking haphazard, lack-lustre, dishevelled and lacking in energy. Worse still if the things you wear and carry are in the same condition. If this is the case – then move over for the up-and-coming ‘living purposefully’ hot-shots hard on your heels. YOU are about to be over-taken, left in the dust, forgotten in the bleachers. That is – unless you want to take serious stock of where you are at – and what you are willing to do to get you back on track.
Here are a few – yes, superficial… tips that will have you looking at your reflection in the mirror and seeing yourself once again in the role you either want to hang onto, or the one you aspire to. Or is it that you want to feel attractive again?
Tip 1 – Reality Check
Depending on your immediate agenda….e.g. want that promotion? want that job? want to attract a life partner? etc. Then get dressed for whatever it is that you want to attract. For example – if you want that promotion – get into your best business attire, if you want a life partner or want to put some life into an existing relationship – get into your most appealing outfit.
Now go get a paper bag – and put it over your head – leaving two holes so that you can ‘see’ yourself without actually seeing your face – I know – this sounds crazy, but do it anyway. Now stand in front of a full length mirror and take a good hard look at yourself. Would you be attracted to ‘this person’? If you met yourself at a business event or at a party – would you be impressed? You see, when you cover your face – you take the ‘me’ part out of the visual picture which makes it easier to actually assess honestly what you see. Now making sense?
This can be a ‘moment of truth’ for many people. If you are not satisfied with the image staring back at you – you have work to do. Congratulations to those who are happy with the reflection they see.
Tip 2 – Toss the Tossers
Do yourself a favour – and go to your wardrobe and toss everything that doesn’t make you feel attractive when you put it on. Go on … toss all those nasty pilled shrunken sweaters, tracky-daks, oversizes T-s, flag-daddy shorts, anything oversized/undersized, washed out rags and those truly ugly shoes that look like old boats in Hong Kong harbour. Get rid of them out of your life!! Now.
Feel better? Like in relationships – you can’t attract the ‘new’ into your life without first getting rid of the ‘old’ :-) Oh – and don’t think about passing them onto your friends or rellies, because they won’t want them either. You are allowed a few old T’s to keep as polish cloths if you must.
Tip 3 – DIY or Engage an Image Consultant
If you can, create a list of must-haves you need to buy. Be honest. New suit? Two new suits? A fabulous dress ladies? Something appealing, alluring and yet classy? List everything you need. Don’t be put off by the length of the list – you can prioritise it and get the essentials now and the no-so-urgent things in the next few pay-cheques. If this is too daunting, then do yourself a favour and engage a recommended image professional who will take all the hard work out of this for you. No – I’m not talking about those shop-floor attendants who are now labelled as stylists. They may only know how to show you clothes…and more clothes to try on (more about this in another blog post). No – you need someone to work WITH you who will keep an eye on your current role/s, your goals. your preferred style/s and natural colour direction.
There are more Essential Branding Tips to follow. Visit us again in the next few days – looking forward to your comments.
How often have you found yourself living by someone else’s agenda?
Have you sometimes wondered why you are doing something you just don’t want to do? I know I have. I’ve been invited to functions and found myself asking myself “what am I doing here?” ”If only I could slip out the door now!” As I mentioned on my Facebook Page – living life the way we choose to, is all about remaining true to oneself and it’s an everyday conscious decision. Distractions will beckon, and other people’s expectations will always be there to have us become derailed. The question remains, do we want to jump to our own tune or to someone else’s? Of course, it’s going to be to our own tune – right? This requires soul searching, planning, immense focus and all the while, ensuring that fun is part of the process.
So live your life like you own it – because you do! You owe it to yourself and to those who care about you. When you nurture yourself, you have more of yourself to nurture others.
Best wishes to my beautiful Blog followers. Happy New Year – and stay looking good!
Warmly
Evelyn Lundstrom
It is amazing to find that some people have no idea as to how important their email communications are and what can be assumed about a person based on what they divulge in an email. I advise companies to adopt an email policy that will give them an ‘edge’ on their competitors and at the same time,protects them from awkward liability issues. Listed are some email blunders that occur so often in business.
The Blunt Emailer:
“Need that print-out from you. Urgent. When you go out, can you get me a coffee, 1 sugar”
General comment:
This is way too blunt no matter how well you know the recipient. Respect for others in the workplace is essential if you want to build rapport and keep work relationships healthy. People give more when they feel respected.
What it says about the sender:
Lacks respect for the subordinate or workmate. Unprofessional, uncaring, rude. Sens mixed messages.
Why it is bad to have this e-ttitude:
Not only can it be intimidating for those who work in close proximity, it lowers the professionalism of the department &/or company. It can have an adverse affect on marol and output. It can build bad feelings within a department.
How to improve next time:
Don’t make demands and ask for favours in the same breath.
The conversation could go like this: ”That printout is required urgently. How soon would you be able to give that to me?”
or
“Would you mind doing that print-out for me as soon as you can as it’s now urgent?”
A separate email request regarding the coffee could go ”Would you mind picking me up a coffee with one sugar if you are going that way?” Be prepared to offer the same favour for your workmate at other times.
The Nuisance Emailer:
Helllllllllooooooooo! Aren’t you going to say hi today? Any, check out these pics from the party! The one of so-and-so co-worker is sooooo funny! Can’t stop laughing. What’s new? xx”
General comment:
This is way to familiar an email for the workplace. Emails should be brief, to the point and should not be eliciting idle comment from a co-worker.
What is says about the sender:
Immature. Lacks respect for follow workers, especially around boundaries and their time. Assumes familiarity with the recipient that may not be there. Has little regard for priorities.
Why it is bad to have this e-ttitude:
This sort of e-ttitude will affect this person’s reputation across the board. It will be difficult for anyone to take this person seriously, and one should be wary of trusting this person with one’s personal details.
How to improve next time:
Eliminate over-friendly banter in the workplace altogether. Being friendly, polite and respectful will build trust with follow-workers and the boss. If sharing photos of the work-party – keep the photos appropriate, and send them only if requested to do so. Otherwise notify by email that you have copies and if anyone is interested in receiving them, to indicate this to you.
Send them with short explanation in subject line e.g. Subject: Photos of Friday evening. And restrain yourself from comment on any of the photos. Do not ask for, or expect a response from those receiving the email.
The Needy Emailer:
“I get the feeling you aren’t talking to me. You haven’t said hi to me for the past two days, and I’m trying to figure out what I’ve done to annoy you. Can we have a talk?”
General comment:
It is very inappropriate to express a personal concern by email.
What it says about the sender:
This person sounds and acts immature, hesitant and lacking in confidence. The whiney edge to this email is a credibility breaker.
Why is it bad to have this e-ttitude:
Trying to put a guilt trip on a co-worker shows poor jedgement, a lack of propriety and a neediness that can be very annoying and sometimes intimidating. This will affect this person’s standing with co-workers and the boss if he/she hears about this.
How to improve next time:
If there is a concern that one may have over-stepped the mark or offended, don’t address this or any other concern in an email. Address the issue personally and make a time (preferably out of work hours) to meet with the other person on neutral territory so that your conversation is out of earshot of co-workers and the issue can be discussed and sorted out amicably. Always have a satisfying outcome in mind before the meeting so that when you DO meet, you already have a positive mindset. There is nothing more off-putting than a ‘cap-in-hand’ approach.
The Terrified Emailer
“Hello, Mary. I’m so sorry to bother you, I know you’re really busy and you don’t have time for annoying people like me! However, I was just wondering if we might be able to go through my ideas this morning at some stage? If not, don’t worry, I just thought I’d ask. Sorry to be annoying!”
General comment:
This is so apologetic and assumes the worst situation so much so that it actually creates the situation. There are people I’ve met like this and I want to slap them.
What it says about the sender:
Totally lacking in confidence. Doesn’t trust people nor their own judgement. They put other people down in a covert way without realising it e.g. you are bothered by my interruption; you don’t have time for me; you think I’m annoying etc.
A covert controller perhaps?
Why it is bad to have this e-ttitude:
This type of behaviour will undermine this person’s professional standing and personal relationships. They come over as capital ‘L’ for looser and will be ignored &/or taken advantage of.
Stop the negative thinking. It’s not all about YOU! Appreciate your strengths. List the areas that need attention and do something about it. Find a mentor. Seek counselling. Do unexpected things for other people WITHOUT expecting a response, acknowledgement or thank you. And get an updated image (hair, apparel, accessories). A serious change is needed here – and it’s the visual change that gets noticed first.
How to improve next time:
The Insecure Emailer:
“Do you think my latest report was terrible? Will I get fired? PLUS, I’ve been late for the last two days. Oh God. Have you heard anything?
General comment:
This is so inappropriate. Also when asking for a response with a negative outlook, you are sure to get negative feedback, if not directly in an email, but future responses from the recipient of your initial email.
Lacking self control, lacking in self confidence, erratic, drama-queen. Too self aware, overly self indulgent. “It’s all about me.”
Why it is bad to have this e-ttitude:
People will not take this person seriously. If they can’t control these sorts of outbursts, their career path will be stymied – no future. Submitting a report where one expects it to be viewed in a negative way is nothing short of incompetent.
What is says about the sender:
Get a grip, get serious about your position and the job at hand. Be prudent, think carefully before opening your mouth, and never send pathetic emails like this again.
How to improve next time:
Hey babe! Can I get that info from you this morn? Don’t tell Boss I was late – hot date went a little too sell last night! xxxxxxxx
The Overly Familiar Emailer:
General comment
Way too familiar with a co-worker. Sending bad signals from woe (literally) to go about personal life
What it says about the sender:
Poor judgement, lacking self control, no respect for co-workers, the company or the ‘date’, lier (work hours) cheater (the organisation), very gushy, pushy and annoying.
Why it is bad to have this e-ttitute:
No one could trust this person to do the decent thing. Unprofessional conduct in work hours and poor conduct outside of work hours reflects badly on the individual and those they associate with.
How to improve next time:
Keep your private life to yourself – never discuss at work under any circumstances. Never call a co-worker by any name other than their own. Babe is a major put-down. Asking someone to not tell the boss something assumes that they would have done so – thus putting them down at your level. This is disrespectful to all concerned. x-kisses should never be seen on any email sent to co-workers or to anyone’s business email address – EVER. For that matter, it’s a bit passe on any email. Family and close friends would be the exception.
Footnote: Check your email etiquette and if any of the above examples relate to you – stop immediately. Your future is at stake!
Are you a presenter? Speaker? Speechmaker?
You’re got the content? check. Rehearsed the delivery? check. But is your visual presentation supporting you?Whether you’re delivering a speech at a wedding or a keynote address at a company conference, we have a few tips on presenting yourself to ensure you don’t distract your audience with ‘visual noise’.
Let your presentation shine …NOT your nose, forehead or the parts where hair once grew. It’s hard to look confident and credible when you’re glowing like a beacon. A light dusting with translucent powder works wonders.
The Ghost that speaks… are your features disappearing? Remember, what has impact in the mirror, maybe bland at a distance or under certain lighting. Eyebrows which enhance facial expression, often need greater definition; your face may require shading to look 3D. Lipsticks on women need to be darker or brighter, and eye makeup more pronounced, especially if you’re wearing glasses. Both genders: wear non-reflective lenses.
I’m planning a ‘sickie’… does what you’re wearing near your face suit your skin tone? Unflattering shades will give your skin a greenish or greyish tinge. Learn what suits you by getting professional colour advice.
Where are you? Is your outfit merging with the stage background or wall colour? Know in advance the colour of the background, and make sure you can be seen! Conversely, do not let your clothing speak louder than you! Once it’s on, you can’t just turn the volume down on a garment that’s upstaging you.
First Impressions Image offers specific advice and training to speakers, presenters and entertainers on all aspects of their visual presentation.www.firstimpressions.com.au
From Middle Management to Ground Floor!
These are the details that make the difference between looking professional or not, and include belts, handbags, briefcases, watches, hosiery, details on hems (skirts) right down to shoes and shoe details.
Although the business ‘uniform’ relaxed for women in the 90s allowing for more freedom of expression, it’s the accessory that determines individual style.
In our last Blog – Part I, we covered accessories from ‘middle-management’ upwards, which included the watch, scarves, jewellery, eyeglasses, hair accessories and the infernal umbrella.
In this blog we will focus on the accessories from the waist down.
The Belt
A good quality belt literally pulls your business outfit together. Self-coloured buckles and keepers allow more versatility regarding metals your jewellery, briefcase catches, frames etc are composed of. If your buckle is metal, it’s best in the same colour as your jewellery e.g. silver buckle and silver jewellery. If the colour of your belt doesn’t match the colour of your shoes and bag, but it must your clothing. A good fit is a finger’s thickness between a tucked-in shirt or blouse and belt. Don’t wear your belt too tight.
The Handbag
The more you use an investment hand (or shoulder) bag, the more it justifies the high price-tag – and it’s handy to hold all your personal items like your mobile, lipstick, comb, money purse, keys, cotton handkerchief (ok – tissues if you must!), business card holder etc. If you don’t need a briefcase, then the bag must be big enough to easily carry your ipad (or perhaps a small computer). Avoid overstuffing handbags – this will distort and ruin the shape.
The Briefcase
You need to invest in a good piece of leather well constructed that will last for many years and will improve with age. Don’t risk self sabotage by venturing to work with a handbag (or briefcase) in need of repair. The same goes with using vinyl.
Hosiery
Your hose should be the same or similar colour as your shoes, toning in with your hemline. Skin-toned hosiery is always appropriate. More on this in an upcoming Blog ‘Leg Work’.
Hem detail
Although not seen as an accessory – it IS a clothing detail and therefore distinguishes your style preferences. A hem detail could be a pleat; a geometric or uneven hemline; multi-layer hemline; a hem with a braid detail etc In business, any hem detail should enhance the outfit and be business appropriate. Once again -
Shoes
To put your best foot forward (as they say in the classics) wear what works – comfortable shoes! 
If you’re visibly harassed by your shoes, you look inefficient and distracted. However, comfort doesn’t mean a departure from style. The definitive business shoe is the pump – elegant in a quality leather and a mid-high heel, it’s message is solid and reliable. Flimsuy, strappy or stiletto shoes in business hour say “frivolous”, and “erractic”. You need two pairs of business shoes so that you can alternate between them.
If you have any detail on the front of your shoes (ladies) keep it subtle and elegant for work. Outside of work – anything goes, if it suits you!
Your Money Purse
Purses are not born ‘fat’! If your’s is putting on weight, clean it out. A fat money purse hauled from the dark confines of your exquisite handbag shouts “Ugh”. It should be made of a quality leather and when it starts to show signs of wear – pull out some notes and be prepared to replace it.
From Middle Management to The Head Brass!
To be adept with accessories, you need to be able to find them when you want them, and know they are in excellent condition. As inconsequential as they may seem, they are the details that make the difference between looking fabulous or not. If you want to look professional and even worth more money – upgrade your accessories if they are looking ordinary (and your hair for that matter). With more flexibility in dress codes today, this doesn’t mean that dress standards should slip. We will cover accessories worn on the top part of the body including watches, scarves, jewellery, eyeglasses, hair accessories and even those hidden business accessories that get produced in occasions.
Let start with The Watch!
The ultimate emblem of efficiency, it needs to be a quality plain and simple analog, either in gold or silver (or a combination of both). The band should be leather, metal, or a woven fabric (grosgrain) in black, navy or brown for business – or if you work in less corporate environments, then you have many more choices.
Scarves
Scarves can reinvent a classic suit with a splash of colour, texture and pattern. In silk, it is both luxurious and glamorous, and when hand-rolled at the edges, signifies high quality. Aim for balance. Larger scarves and shawls suit a larger framed body, a two-small scarf will make a larger framed person look larger. Similarly, a smaller frame can look overwhelmed in a large scarf. Learn to knot and tie them in a multitude of ways.
Jewellery
Oversized, overstated, very expensive and jangling jewellery is a distraction in the workplace. Business jewellery should say discretion, quality and elegance.
Size counts. Wear jewellery to suit your body proportions. Many women think that wearing a small gold chain with everything covers ‘all bases’. It’s boring, lacks imagination, and may suggest you lack confidence.
If your colouring is delicate, avoid wearing large heavier-looking pieces. Conversely, if your colouring is stronger, avoid small necklaces – they will look insignificant.
If your jewellery has a colour, make certain that the same or similar colour is evident in your outfit.
If your hair is short or worn off your face, earrings are important to achieve a polished look.
Does the jewellery you wear in business stop moving when you do? It should!!
Eyeglasses
They are the ‘window’ through which we are noticed, and can imply intelligence, and glamour. Apart from function, they can direct attention to the face. It’s important to get the shape and proportion correct. Do you want to appear strong? Dramatic? Sophisticated? Unconventional? Interesting? Choose your frames accordingly.
Hair Accessories
For taming a wild mane or simply personal expression, the hair accessory in business should be simple, elegant and unfussy. Avoid overly large effects – bows and hair ‘clamps’ and printed scrunchies should be banished forever.
The Gloves
Fine knit cashmere orwool is elegant. Leather and suede is sporty. A colour that blends with your outfit says business, while a contrasting pair adds sizzle.
The Business Card Holder
Invest in one straight away if you don’t have one. It shows personal organization when placing a newly acquired business card in a specially designated place – and they keep your cards free of soiling and edge-wear.
The Pen
A ‘purchased-by-the-gross’ plastic disposable doesn’t say something positive about you. Your pen should be first rate quality and feel good to hold. Go for plain black or navy, or plain silver if you can’t afford that distinctive one right away. Watch it – they stray!
The Umbrella
I am forever shocked when I see a business person running for cover clutching a shabby looking umbrella – worse if the spokes are showing. So – you only need one on a rainy day getting to and from work and perhaps at lunch time. That doesn’t mean that any old umbrella will do. Purchase a new one when yours starts to look tired. And like pens, they do stray so don’t do the designer version – just keep to a simple black with wooden or silver handle and you won’t cry in anguish if it gets left somewhere or strays on it’s own accord.
Best of business – Evelyn Lundstrom.
One would think that the following information would be so common sense – however I have found that common sense ain’t always that common. So here are a few questions with answers to address this topic of what NOT to wear to the office… as if you wouldn’t know already!
Q + A’s
Q1 What are your top 3 banned items of clothing for office wear?
Because this relates specifically to items of clothing – it is not possible to generalise on this question. I will give you three items for women, and three for men.
Women:
(1) any item that exposes too much flesh ie midriff tops, low cut blouses/shirts, very short skirts, and anything that exposes bum-crack when seated.
(2) flip-flops and insignificant strappy sandles.
(3) very casual apparel ie jeans/cargos, tank tops, and anything that would easily fit in with relaxed weekend activities. For some unknown reason – there are women who don’t know this, or just don’t care enough about their positions at work to care. They are either not conventionally ambitious, or ignorant of the opportunities they’ve lost for their career development. They don’t last long in an organisation where visual communication is as important as other mediums of communication. Men:
(1) An obvious casual shirt worn with a suit and tie
(2) too casual a shoe ie boat shoes/or relaxed loafers
(3) silly ‘party/cartoon’ ties and socks
Q. 2 What mistakes do people often make when dressing for work?
Generic:
(1) Over-exposure – too much flesh showing.
(2) As above for women.
For men:
(1) Short sleaved shirts &/or shirts not long enough (resulting in the hanging-out look)
(2) Pants worn half-mast (somebody die?)
(3) Open neck shirts especially when undone past the first 2 buttons….. hmmmm
(4) Wearing ‘down-market’ clothes. This certainly won’t communicate to those with plenty of ‘clout’ in the organisation that they are ambitious and want to be taken seriously.
(5) Poor grooming e.g. the daily ‘bad-hair day’ syndrome; clothing that needs attention &/or cleaning; unpolished shoes and poorly groomed nails (Women: include nasty chipped polish).
Basically not enough attention to detail – which tells those decision-makers that this person could cut corners in other areas as well.
(6) Men: Obvious gold neck chains, bracelets and even facial piercings are not seen as particularly pleasing in most professional organisations. A person can limit their career opportunities with superfluous adornment such as these.
Q. 3 What clothing advice can you offer someone who wants to make a good impression at the office?
Whatever a person wears – or carries in business, must be appropriate for their role and industry. Business apparel should also reflect current trends.
Note: Trends when introduced stay current over a 4-5 year time-frame. Fashion by contrast is an ‘in this year – out the next’ situation and these fashion items are useful to add ‘life’ and interest to the basic wardrobe items.
Firstly, decide on a realistic budget for your most visible professional overhead – your business wardrobe.
Buy basics like suits, jackets, pants (women: + skirts) that are very good quality – so that they last and look good wear after wear – thus making it possible to build a wardrobe that works.
There is nothing worse than ill-fitting clothing. If the shoulder/hip/neck areas fit well – then with minimal alteration the wearer can get the fit perfect by using a recommended tailor/alteration centre for hems, sleeves and side seams.
Add inexpensive fashion items like business tops &/or shirts in new season colours, as well as fun yet appropriate jewellery pieces (Men: incl. cuff-links) to create interest and allow for self expression.
Always ensure that hair, shoes, jewellery items and shirts or tops are impeccably maintained and up-to-date. These support otherwise ‘aging’ business basics that are scheduled to be ‘retired’ soon.
Get assistance if unsure about what works for you – engage the services of a respected image consultant. They are worth their weight in gold.
If you’re wondering if it is worth the cost – try this….. Add up the cost of all the clothes in your wardrobe you don’t wear (for whatever reason). NOW do you think it worth it?
Just a thought….!
To ensure you enjoy the experience of shopping - follow these tried and true tips from shopping expert Evelyn Lundstrom.
Keep your objectives in mind to dodge the impulsive buys
Know what you already have, what you intend to get, and know the specifications. The specifications? you may ask. If you don’t know them, you need to see us. These involve knowing exactly what suits your body shape and proportions, and your colouring – essential for smart shopping.
Set aside the time you need
A credit card and a lunch hour are usually insufficient for making a smart purchase. Leaving it to the last moment is like buying an umbrella on a wet day. Diarise the time needed.
Be awake, aware and alive!
Tuck away a bottle of mineral water – dehydration dulls the brain.
Ensure you do not have distracting and competing needs arising from hunger, tiredness or the demands of a friend or children.
Have a light meal before the excursion and wear comfortable shoes for the walking part.
Check out the store/s
Certain stores should set off warning bells almost immediately. They will usually be inadequately lit and have few or no mirrors until you get to the change room. It goes almost without saying that sales assistants have a target to meet and that you need to keep the purpose of your shopping excursion firmly in mind. Tell them what you are looking for, what you need it for and your (correct) size. If they don’t listen – then leave.
Know your budget
Our advice is always to go for the best quality you can afford at the time. A high quality, practical item which lasts and doesn’t date can be more cost-effective than one which seemed a bargain at the time but gets little wear over its short life span.
Questions to ask yourself if shopping for sales items
• would I consider buying it if it were not on sale?
• am I compromising quality, fit or appropriateness for price?
• will I have to spend too much on alterations to make this fit?
• will I be able to combine it with at least two other items I own?
Be realistic about weight gain and weight loss
If you are heavier than you would like to be, forget about buying too-small sizes that will fit once you ‘lose the weight’. You could be diverting your resources to a hope rather than benefiting in the immediate, practical present.
Put function before fashion
Avoid clothing which follows the latest fashion trend unless you have the means to renew your wardrobe frequently.
Dress for the shopping experience – or risk the ‘Pretty Woman’ encounter.
You will be given the service and respect your deserve when you step into a store looking well turned out.
Oh – and take with you…..
• your colour direction reference swatch
• the shoes you need for the outfit/s you intend to buy
• your wits!
…..and wear your best supportive underwear.
On the other hand – you might simply prefer to call us and let us do all the thinking and planning for your best summer wardrobe yet. Call us if this appeals to you.
So go ahead, be generous of yourself and have a resplendent 2011.
So you do your job well. The question is, do you look like you can do the job? To achieve any business goal you need to dress up the product – and that product is YOU. It’s your personal image, management style and visibility that make the difference to how far you get in your organisation. Are you reinforcing or undermining who you are and what you do? Your personal image is an indispensable asset when working on your career and way forward.
