With 93 per cent of a first impression based on how you look and sound and only seven per cent on what you say, Nicole Holgate reveals how to make people remember you for all the right reasons.
Having a confident appearance in the workplace not only helps you to present an excellent image to clients, but also signals that you have the right attributes, and attitude, for promotion. The corporate division of Colour Me Beautiful image consultants, CMB Image, aims to help you develop a personal brand that can also pay dividends in your career.
CMB Image offers a range of bespoke corporate image consulting courses and personal presentation sessions that cover topics such as building executive presence through personal branding. With more than 30 years? experience, CMB Image establishes what is required to help you look the part within your industry, while remaining true to yourself, your personality and your budget.
A coach will demonstrate why certain garments flatter you, as well as matching you to a palette of shades. Colours send messages, and these are discussed to explain how to achieve an authoritative, friendly or creative look. Sessions are tailored to each team that attends and are highly participatory.
The aim is to build your confidence so, together with your look, CMB Image will also explore body language; you?ll learn the importance of a confident handshake, of the art of networking and engaging eye contact. Listening is also key ? not only about whether you appear sympathetic to others, but how your colleagues listen to you. CMB Image will work with you to develop a well-rounded professional image.
Tried and tested
Brenda Berthier attended two interactive workshops with CMB Image. A frequent participant in various training courses, she enjoyed the sessions because they weren?t classroom-based ? no blackboard and certainly no desks. The small group of participants was seated in a way that allowed them to share their comments and thoughts easily.
The meeting was led by Mandy Lehto of CMB Image, who began with a short presentation about the strong first impressions people receive from your appearance in the first five seconds of meeting you. Brenda found her engaging and said there was a comfortable atmosphere in which to share any guilty clothing secrets.
While no-one is forced to wear anything they dislike, Mandy recommended using stronger colours and patterns to improve confidence. Each attendee was also given a reference book of different body shapes, colour matches and styles to take home and refer to. Some of the matches surprised people; Brenda was told that animal prints look good on her. Having since bought a tan and black-striped cardigan, she has received so many compliments it has now become one of her favourite items of clothing.
But although it was a chance to chat about all things sartorial, the focus of the session was strictly professional. Alongside a review of each person?s body shape, Mandy discussed appropriate workwear tactics, such as not showing too much cleavage if you want to be taken seriously. She also got participants to consider two things: the way you want to look to represent your workplace, company or brand, and the way you want to feel when you enter the workplace each day.
?It?s too easy in a city environment to wear black suits and shirts,? Brenda reflects. She now feels bolder in the outfits she chooses to wear and thinks the courses are worthwhile for any office worker who wants to show their true colours while remaining professional.
