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Your Professional Image

Beauty Solutions by Ferial Youakim AICI

In today's competitive business you need to be unique and different from your competition. To be ahead of every one, you need to evaluate your total image; we are not talking just about your higher degree or dressing for success. To climb the corporate ladder and be ahead of every one else, you need to look at all aspects of your image. Companies are looking increasingly at those men and women who have class and style and that are confident within themselves to reflect a polished professional image to enhance the company image.

To master your professional polished image and to get ahead in life you need to excel in all areas that value your total image.

If you have been wearing jeans, open shoes, plunging necklines to work, you should start evaluating the way you present yourself by dressing more professionally.

Although the specifics of your dress code will vary depending on the industry you are in, and the policy of your company, take a look around you, see what others are wearing. You will make a better impression and feel more comfortable in the workplace, if you are dressed appropriately or according to the dress code, or better yet, to dress one level up is always better than dressing down.

One thing to keep in mind, if you are dressed appropriately you will look better and therefore you will feel better and generate better allowing you to shine among your co-workers.

Your first impression is a lasting one too

You only get one chance to form a good first impression. Studies conducted by Professor Albert Mehrabian show that people will judge you,

• 55% on your image
• 38% on your body language and behavior
• 7% only on what you have to say

So you see, as soon as you enter that room you have formed an impression on others. The way you walk, the way you carry yourself, the way you look, the way you smile, your grooming, and your attitude toward others, all this is taken into consideration.

Lets face it, we are living in a visual society; we live in a negative one too. People will remember the worst thing about you. If you have a beautiful outfit with scrappy shoes they will only remember your shoes, or if you have unclean teeth, people won't remember that you had a beautiful smile.

You must look your best to do your best. The color and the style you wear are very vital. When buying clothes the first thing people see is color, then they look at the line and design of the garment and the last thing is the style, but it is after all your total image that they look at. The essential color for corporate wear, is better in one solid medium to dark color, the darker your suit the more authority you are portraying. Creating contrast in the colors you wear in your accessories is very important and powerful. For example a dark navy suit with a white shirt and red tie is screaming to others to notice you and pay attention to what you have to say.

Professional clothes are made in a classic look that rarely changes in style. That is why it is always good to invest in 100% wool for the durability and quality of this versatile material

The best business look for men is a suit in the best quality you can afford, such as a silk tie and a long sleeved shirt.

The best business look for women and the most powerful is a skirt suit. The deeper the color the more authority you are portraying. Keep in mind the skirt shape should be straight cut and tapered to give the wearer a slimmer illusion, especially because most women are bigger on the bottom than the top.

• Wear monochromatic colors from top to bottom, to create the illusion that you are taller and therefore slimmer.
• Your shoes should be in the same color as your hemline or darker than your clothes.
• The ideal size earring is between a nickel and a dime, in plain silver, plain gold or a pearl, but never chunky or dangly.
• Men's ties are very important, they should be in a solid color like red, which always works and conveys power. If a pattern is desired, choose a small paisley or polka dot, but please no cartoon characters or silent massages that offend others.
• Shirts in a solid color are the most powerful, a shirt with a single color stripe is less authoritative, if the stripes are in a different color, wear it for more casual days.
• Accessories should be in the best quality you can afford, shoes, belts, handbag or briefcases should be in good quality leather.
• Women shoes should be in medium height heels.

Body Language

As mentioned before, your body language is the second most powerful non verbal communication so let's make it right.

• Keep your head up. Walk with confidence and poise. Keep your head up and look at where you're going.
• Make eye contact. Keep eye contact long enough to gauge eye color
• Hand Shakes. Firm hand shake with two to three pumps from the elbow not the shoulder.
• Hands go at your side. Put your hands by your side not in your pockets. It is the first give away for nervousness, not to mention disturbing because most males tend to jingle and play with their loose coins or keys.
• Posture. Avoid having a bad posture by sitting on to the front part of the chair with your back straight.
• Gestures. Use them to your advantage by having your body language and gesture in agreement and sending the same massage.
• Smile. You will be surprised where a smile will take you. After all it is your strongest weapon. People will always remember you by your smile. It is a sign of confidence, authority and friendliness.

To master your professional polished image and to get ahead in life you need to excel in all areas that value your total image and you certainly need to be ahead of everyone else to climb the corporate ladder. I went thorough an adequate amount of detail above to help you find your professional image, but do consult with us, if you feel unsure or need some help at any point after all, we are here for you.

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