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A study out of USLA proves that…85% of all decisions are
made with our eyes.
Whether you like it or not, the personal brand you project affects others
decisions as to your intelligence, character and ability and determines
whether or not they want to do business with you. The way you dress, act
and eat has a remarkable impact on the people you meet professionally
and socially. This greatly affects how others treat you.
Without a winning personal brand strategy, I’ve seen client deals
fall through, appointments cancelled and sales stagnate. If your personal
brand (image) is not professional and congruent, attractive and attracting
or you lack good manners and don’t have the proper dining etiquette
you will be passed over - guaranteed. Therefore, to be competitive, to
have a greater influence on others, attract more business and be more
successful it is critical that you pay greater attention to personal branding.
Before you sell anything…your product, company or service you sell
yourself first. Shift the balance of power in your favor …
when you brand yourself you are perceived to be more desirable and in
demand. Brand Status increases the bottom line …both
personally and corporately.
Take large, successful companies for instance. They understand the power
of branding a product. They spend a lot of time, money and energy to create
a brand that is eye catching and appealing enough to sell their product
through to market and enhance their corporate image. They want to ensure
that the buyer builds a strong connection with that brand.
Image coaching helps an individual create a well defined personal brand
and provides a tremendous advantage over the competition. Whether it’s
social or business, when you are well branded you are pre - sold, giving
you a huge advantage over others selling themselves.
Perhaps like many of the individuals I coach, you have not even thought
about how you are being perceived. Can anyone leave something as important
as their most valuable asset to chance?
We know that in the current economy, competitiveness has increased dramatically.
Business has become more serious and conservative - not only in attitude
and business attire but in etiquette training as well. As an image consultant
I am being hired by individuals and companies to present training in the
fine art of image management, presentation skills, good manners, business
etiquette, dining and appropriate dress.
Even though intelligence, experience and education count, companies tell
me they are simply not hiring those who do not possess these all important
communication skills.
It is the whole package that counts.
The hallmarks of successful individuals in a fast paced global marketplace
are their confidence, manners and poise.
Mediocrity is dead -----and it’s about time. We have turned the
corner…there is a “ Personal Brand Revolution” a foot.
The sloppy casual dress, sloppy work ethics, disrespectful behavior, lack
of civility and manners are leaving the scene. Simply, it’s not
working. It’s not acceptable to dress inappropriately or do business
with the wrong fork. Productivity is down, communications are suffering,
profits have dropped and sexual harassment cases are increasing.
There is a return to formality, elegance, manners and sophistication.
It’s evident in what’s happening all around us. People are
brushing up on their business etiquette, manners and dining skills. They
are getting dressed up again, dining in fine restaurants, are entertaining
clients and being entertained.
It’s been my experience that when we understand the power of perception
we will make the changes necessary to ensure that we communicate more
effectively through the power of personal branding.
Hot Tips to pay attention to -
1. Ensure that your personal brand matches your goals – 2 years
– five years.
2. Be authentic and be the best you possible.
3. Study the competition. Take a close hard look at them.
4. Know your target market and adjust your brand accordingly.
5. Keep re inventing yourself. What worked yesterday doesn’t work
today. A willingness to change and keep current is critical to your success.
6. Keep fit and healthy. Eat healthy…BE energized.
7. A positive attitude gets you everywhere. Carry yours with you at all
times.
8. Brush up on business etiquette, social manners and cocktail party
rules. They count big time.
When you are well packaged… It’s only natural
that you will attract more of what you want in your life. Be a smarter
marketer ...to attract the best, you need to be the best!
These skills are your passport to universal acceptance!
You can buy Shannon Smith book(s) here at http://www.booksbywomenforwomen.com,
and access other free articles in our archive; and in addition, find out
more about some of our other amazing authors.
Shannon Smith is a leading image strategist and founder of Premiere Image
International. She is also an etiquette consultant, writer, TV personality
and featured in national publications. Shannon assists individuals transform
from unnoticed to unforgettable and provides one on one training and programs
for company across North America in Apersonal branding. Simply put –
a contemporary finishing school for adults. Customized programs include
image mastery, executive dress and grooming, presentation skills, manners,
business etiquette, executive dining to international protocol.
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