Look Like A Winner
By Elaine Heng
Many people have misconceptions about the term 'image consulting', believing it to be all about giving advice on how to be fashionable. Some even feel that image consulting is only for the rich and famous, beauty queens or model wannabes.
But image consulting is not about following the fashionable crowd. As Napoleon Bonaparte once said:"Fashion condemns us to many follies; the greatest is to make ourselves its slave."
Image consulting, instead, takes a more holistic approach to appearance.Its guides people to achieve a well-groomed appearance, and improves their communication skills and etiquette so that they can act appropriately and confident in any situation.
Image consulting is for everyone. Children aged between 9 and 12 years, for example, can attend social graces and dining etiquette courses to improve their social skills. Well-behaved children are always more welcome than those who are not.
Good manners not only the foundation for future success in their lives and careers, but will also give them confidence in handling social situations as they mature.
Are you returning to work after an absense of a couple of years? Do you have a job interview, or an important meeting or a first date? Or maybe you just want to revamp your image. Whatever your situation, if you look the part, you are more likely to act the part.
When you look good, you will feel good about yourself. Subsequently, you are more likely to project yourself positively and act confidently. An attractive image will encourage much better responses from others.
Your image is like your personal advertisement. It contributes strongly to your impact and influence in the workplace and in social circles and gives you the edge when it matters.
Whether you are male or female, young or old, in the workplace or based at home, image consulting will help to improve your appearance and change the way you feel about yourself. Expert advice from image consultants on manners, business and dining etiquette is always useful.
An image consultant help you develop life-long skills to enable you to look your best and act professionally. She will work on your image based on your physical characteristics, personality, lifestyle and occupation.
for instance, she may do a colour analysis to find out which colours best suit you. That will be followed up with a figure and wardrobe personality analysis to find out what clothes you look good in. You can also ask for a make-up and hairstyling demonstration to top off your head-to-toe makeover.
An image consultant also offers personal shopping services for people who want professional advice when buying clothes, as well as advice on deportment.
For executives who need to improve their networking skills, tips on body language, and social, business and dining etiquette will help them navigate social functions with confidence.
Find an image consultant whom you are comfortable with. You will have to be very open with her about your issues with your appearance, figure flaws and any other concerns. An efficient image consultant will help you achieve your objectives and advise you frankly on where and how to improve your image.
It does not end here. With the advice and guidance, it is up to you to work on your unique image and style in a consistent and confident manner.
Remember, you never get a second chance to make a good first impression, so make the best out of it and become the stylish and confident person you have always wanted to be!
About Author
Elaine Heng is the principal image consultant/trainer, Elaine Heng Image Consultancy
Source: The Star, Saturday, November 10, 2007
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