PERCEPTION TRANSLATES INTO REVENUE!

(Scroll down to the bottom for pictures!) I recently had the opportunity to meet Clinton Kelly of TLC's What Not To Wear show, which was very exciting (I also got to meet Stacy London last fall)!  It was great hearing him confirm all of the things I have long suspected were true!  For example: The average person has to try on 20 pairs of jeans before finding a flattering cut, color, and fit!  Also, you will likely need to have at least 50% of your clothing altered to ensure a correct fit!  How many times have you left the fitting room frustrated and irritated because 'it didn't fit right'?? What's funny to me is that I used to be Director of Costuming and worked with amazing seamstresses for years but I still felt that having my own personal clothing altered was something that should only happen occasionally - this has changed my perspective and given me a lot more room for what I felt was my own imperfections!

Speaking of imperfections... one of the things I often find when I am working with clients is that many people mistake making a positive impression and being perceived in a positive light for having to be perfect.  Don't let this happen to you!  Perception is a combination of things... being aware of your appearance, your behavior, your body language, your facial expression, your pitch and tone of voice, and the way you connect emotionally with others.  It doesn't mean you need to be perfect, but it does mean that you need to make an effort.  Research shows that often in the business world (more often than not), the way others perceive you contributes to your ability to get hired, attract clients, receive a larger salary, and be promoted.  In other words, perception translates into revenue.  Reach your full potential!  

For example, I also just finished working with an Image Client (see her before and after pictures) and when I showed her before and after pictures to a group of participants in a leadership workshop I was conducting, the response was overwhelming.  Hands down they believed that the person in the "before" picture was someone who was not necessarily happy, successful or in a professional occupation.  On the other hand, when they saw the "after" picture of the same picture they now saw her as a successful, friendly, happy, intelligent, trustworthy, professional woman.  What a difference perception can make! 

A few  things you should consider when you begin to work on polishing your appearance/building up your perception.  

*Perception is important for both men and women

*You can put on a pretty dress but it won't necessarily make you feel pretty- your image starts from the inside out.  You are good enough, smart enough, and doggone it, people like you! (if that doesn't work, you might want to consider a few self-empowerment coaching sessions which I offer through my coaching practice)

*Don't forget to "claim your space" - your posture and stature should not be overlooked - stand up straight, slow your pace and take longer strides when you walk. 

*If you decide to hire an image consultant, be sure they consult with you on how you want to be perceived.  Do you want to be seen as a high powered executive or an artistic free spirit... maybe something in between? You definitely want to be sure you have a defined target.  

*Your image consultant should be your advocate and work on your behalf to find clothing that looks great on you (not just clothing that the sales clerk wants to sell you).  They should also work with a professional hairstylist and makeup artist and oversee their work to ensure that you are happy with your new look. They should spend time with you to ensure you know which outfits you can mix and match to get the most out of your investment.  They should take "before" and "after" pictures to document your progress.  They should also accompany you or instruct your seamstress on where your clothes need to be altered to ensure proper fit.

*Your image consultant should be experienced and approachable, they should concentrate on building your self-esteem and reaching your goal.  They should also mirror the tips that they recommend to you. 

*If you are interested in hiring an image consultant that fits these qualifications, please feel free to contact me at info@inblissconsulting.com or call 407-595-6771 and we'll talk about options that are right for you. 

Copyright © 2008 InBliss Coaching and Consulting LLC  All Rights Reserved Internationally.   No portion may be reprinted or used without prior written permission.

Hit The Target on Perception

IT’S HARD TO HIT THE TARGET IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHERE IT IS...Understanding Perception

By Lisa Broesch

As a business image consultant, I can’t stress enough the importance of making a positive first impression.  We’ve all met people we just didn’t ‘connect’ with.  Sometimes it’s hard to identify why, but nonetheless without making a positive first impression, the opportunity to form a meaningful personal or professional relationship is likely lost.  Which brings me to this month’s essential element in the ‘Connect...Like You Mean It!’ series...  Perception.  

Whether it’s personal perception (how others view you) or business perception (how others view your business or the business you work for), we often form an impression of others in a matter of seconds - typically 6 seconds or less.  So it’s no surprise that I am often asked questions such as  "How can I quickly make a positive impact on others?" or "Is it ok to have a sense of humor if I am in a management position?"  The truth is, it all depends on what your target is.  What is your vision of a positive first impression? In other words, how do you want to be perceived? And that’s where it’s time to do a little soul searching.  Because to be truly self-confident, a key component in forming a positive first impression, you must have a very clear image of how you want to be perceived. 

Now, this may sound a little daunting, but with a few quick tips you can start to really form a clear image of who you are and how you want to be seen by others.  So let’s get started!

Step 1 find a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed for a few minutes.  Close your eyes and start to really imagine the ‘you’ that you have always dreamed of being.  Really, picture the hair, the clothes, the walk, the look on your face.  Picture yourself going through your day.

Step 2 Now, add in other people and as you do, notice how you appear in the interaction.  Are you serious and scholarly? Courteous, respected, and helpful? Intelligent and outgoing with a sense of humor?  Really notice the details.  Notice also how others look when they are interacting with you...do they look like they appreciate being around you?  Remember, ultimately this is how you want them to react.

Step 3 Next, focus on how you feel as you are experiencing this interaction.  Many people find that they feel very relaxed, filled with hope or a renewed level of self-esteem.  Some say that they finally felt ‘like themselves’.  

Step 4 Once you’ve had a chance to let this settle, open your eyes and make a list of words that describe how you would like to be perceived. Funny, intelligent, well respected, warm, focused, etc.

Step 5 Understand that this is now your target.  If you have found that you want to be seen as intelligent and well respected, then keep that in mind when you talk with others. Make sure that your answers are thought out and avoid being overly sarcastic or flippant. If you want to be seen as confident and friendly, be sure to make eye contact right away and give a nice warm smile whenever you greet someone, even if you’ve met them before.  The same principles apply to your business. Once you have an idea of how you want it to be perceived, be sure that everyone and everything in the environment reflects your vision.  

Step 6 Lastly, consider the environment that you’re in.  Obviously you want to be sure that the image you have in mind is appropriate for your environment.  Typically, I have found that most people assume they should err on the side of being overly reserved in business. But the good news is many employers and clients prefer to work with people who have (an appropriate) sense of humor,  warmth and friendliness.  

The important thing is to find what feels right and to be aware of the message you are sending. That way, whenever you meet someone you are able to Connect...Like You Mean It!™

Copyright © 2007 InBliss Coaching and Consulting LLC  All Rights Reserved Internationally.   No portion may be reprinted or used without prior written permission.