Image - SEND!

Have you ever sent an email and right after you pushed send, you realized that you didn't want to send it yet? Your image or first impression is a lot like that email, once you send a first impression it's impossible to get it back.

A first impression is a one shot deal; you have 6 - 10 seconds to make a first impression with no "re-do's." Clothing and appearance are among the most important criteria we use to judge people. We tend to make judgments based on the visual data that we gather. Once you realize that people are judging your appearance before they know your talents, you quickly learn to be more critical of your appearance. Your total appearance says more about you then what any verbal message will be able to deliver. Consequently, nonverbal communication strongly influences the way we are perceived.

Color, style and fit are the primary factors in your appearance. How you put them together sends your message. Few people have "the perfect figure." Almost all of us need help to make our clothes look as if they were made for us.

What you wear reveals eight things about you: (1) Self-esteem - What people see on the outside lets them know how you feel about yourself on the inside. (2) Self-respect - Those who respect themselves know how to dress to emphasize strengths and minimize body flaws. (3) Confidence - The way you carry yourself contributes greatly to the air of confidence others perceive. Your goal is to create an aura of confidence when you walk into a room. (4) Organizational skills - You want to create a complete look from head to foot, without calling attention to any one item or color. Recruiters often say that they use appearance to judge organizational skills. (5) Attention to detail - About 90 percent of your image is made by clothing - the remaining 10 percent of your impression is made by your grooming. (6) Creativity - Express your uniqueness through a special tie, matching hankie, a scarf or a special/exquisite piece of jewelry. (7) Soundness of judgment - Knowing and wearing the appropriate outfit for the right occasion is an important indicator of whether you can make accurate decisions at work. (8) Reliability - All of the above factors indicate how reliable you are...from the big picture to the details.

Self image is how we see ourselves. It influences your self-esteem, which is developed during your childhood. It includes personality, abilities, strength, weakness and physical appearance.

4 Ways of developing a positive self image is: (1) Accept yourself - The most important step is accept who you are right now, accept your flaws. (2) Negative messages -Negative messages is the other person's perception and expression of frustration, this doesn't mean that it will remain with you forever. (3) Find your strengths - Make a list of your strengths and observe these strengths, start to see that you are smart and cleaver. (4) Invest your time with positive people - Invest your time with people who compliment and support you.

What affect do you believe people's image has on today's society? Do you sense the lack of professionalism is due to the image people are sending?
What message are you sending and is this the message you want the people you come in contact with to receive?

(Resources: Lillian D. Bjorseth, President, Duoforce Enterprises, Inc., Self EsteemAwareness by Carla Valencia)



About the Author: Joanne Kanute is a Certified Master Life Coach, Certified Health & Wellness Coach, Certified Nutritional Consultant, and is certified in Fitness & Nutrition. Joanne also is a Master Certified Image Consultant. She is a member of the American Associate of Christian Counselors, Christian Coaching Alliance and Toastmasters. Joanne volunteers at Calvary Chapel bookstore, Pima Council on Aging as a certified/licensed leader of their Healthy Living Program and is a Health Coach volunteer for the Tucson Medical Center Senior Services. Joanne is a successful business owner, with 28 years of life coaching experience. Joanne's topics of interests are; How well is your Wellness Plan, Healthy Aging, 12- key Factors to Success and Sandwich Generation-Parenting your Parents. Her goal is to help people make the most of their choices in life and bring balance to your life. If you would like to contact Joanne for a speaking engagement or coaching sessions visit her website at www.unlimitedcreations.net or call 520-405-4587.