The New Nation - Internet Edition

Have you thought about your image lately? If not, it may be a great time to take an inventory of areas you need to work on. Use the following questions as a guide.

1. What image do you project to others? How do you want to be perceived? Have you thought about these questions lately? If not, now is the perfect time to re-evaluate the messages you are conveying to others. Remember, YOU have almost complete control about how you are perceived. You can train people to think about you the way you want them to think.

2. Are you poised? Are you aware of your posture when seated and standing? Good posture not only makes you look more commanding and in charge but also enhances the way you look-you actually look younger and slimmer. Yes! Stand straight and tall regardless of your height. People will notice.

3. Do you consider yourself a brand? Whether you are a professional on the fast track, a senior executive with a high profile position, an entrepreneur, business owner or a sales professional, once you are representing a company or interacting with customers or clients in any way, you better believe you're a brand. What does that mean? It means you need to manage your image and make sure it is aligned with your business's brand. It means that your image is communicating important messages about your product and/or service just as your marketing collateral is. Your image is a critical marketing tool and when you examine your appearance from that vantage point, it'll make you be more mindful of your brand presence.

4. What is your signature look? Do you even have one? What distinguishes you from the next person? What do people immediately notice about you? These are questions that help you define a look that is uniquely yours. Why is this important? Because it gives you more confidence, it conveys independence and self possession, you look like 'you', you're more authentic, you're optimizing your assets and you look different from anyone else. All those benefits give you power-the power to use your image to your advantage. When you discover your signature be consistent with it in all your interactions.

5. Do you create a lasting, memorable and positive first impression? First impressions count and they're indelible. This is a judgmental culture and frankly people do judge a book by its cover. Don't underestimate how much power you have over perception. Go all out - dress impeccably and in alignment with your personal style and goals, 'work' your signature look, develop panache and élan. Take your presentation of yourself as seriously as you do your work and master the nuances of your image, personal style and communication that spell confidence and success.

6. Are you using color in your wardrobe strategically? Want to look confident and to stand out? Wear red or violet? Want to blend in? Wear green. Want people to trust you? Blue is the hue. Each color is associated with specific attributes and when you wear that color, those attributes pass onto you. But of more significance is wearing the colors that are in harmony with your skin hair and eyes-the colors that make you pop. Unsure of what those colors are? Schedule a color assessment consult with me.

7. Is your presence purposeful? My tagline 'presence with a purpose' is not just a cute phrase-it's meant to convey something quite profound. 'Presence' -that ability to project a sense of ease, poise, or self-assurance is an energy and an attitude. It can be magnetic. When it is purposeful, you have created the equivalent of a slam dunk. Know your intention-the effect you want to convey to others. Then dress and act accordingly.