The_Art_Self_Packaging
The_Art_Self_Packaging
The Art of Self- Packaging
Written on the 23rd of June 2009 by Rachel Quilty
With clients increasingly looking for value and retrenchments announced daily in the press, it has become imperative to review your professional image and determine if you are sufficiently well branded to take advantage of the existing economic climate and thrive.
Personal Branding is the art of self packaging. How does your personal image brand you? What does your image say about your abilities and professionalism? When you consider yourself as a product that you must sell, market and promote, your career will take off and your income increase.
The following 7 tips will help you to brand yourself and jump the queue:
1. Specialization:
The best positioning you can have among your prospects and customers is that of an expert, an authority in your area of expertise. What one area of specialization will be the most helpful to my brand?
2. Leadership
Three in four people said that a person?s appearance on the job is likely to affect whether they are taken seriously. Your image is a reflection of what you?re capable of. Do you dress and look like the leader in your industry?
3. Personality:
What is the best positive personality characteristic which would support your brand? Statistics show that people who are bright, verbal and attractive make more money and are more successful. Do people say you are nice, friendly or professional?
4. Distinctiveness:
How do you express yourself in a unique way? This can be a gift, a signature or the manner in which you dress. It must be something that distinguishes you.
5. Visibility
You must be seen repeatedly and consistently. Attend networking functions, get involved, go on committees or sending thank you notes. Often people will give a reference or testimonial for no reason other than you are known to them.
6. Be Consistent
Your public behavior should always be consistent with your private behavior. Treat everyone the same and always be the same. People largely accept you, at least initially, at your own evaluation of yourself. So treat yourself well and others will treat you well.
7. Be Yourself
Be your own Brand. Don?t follow trends, fads. As Judy Garland once said, ?Always be a first rate version of yourself instead of a second rate version of someone else. ?
Most people do not know how to dress for success. Instead they sabotage their career and income potential. It pays to design your image to sell. The way you look is a reflection of you and how your product or service works. If you look good, your product or service will be good, and your prices justified.
Professional Image Consultants specialising in professional image can assist you to regularly review your professional image and personal branding to ensure a positive response, successful promotion and business positioning. Becoming your own unique brand is essential! Improving your image is an investment in building your personal profile, reputation and the results you will achieve.
? Rachel Quilty, internationally certified Professional Image Consultant, speaker and author believes, ?Building your profile is as simple as developing a strong personal brand and a striking personal image.? Rachel encourages Jump the Q clients to think strategically when developing a professional image to get that job offer, gain that promotion or win that client. Take control of the decisions others are making of you. Start with these simple strategies, in our free ebook ?Make Your Mark? available at www.jumptheq.com.au.
Creating an impact with your image to leverage your abilities and sky rocket your success is easy with Jump the Q?s advice on:
- Your personal best colors
- Styles that suit your body shape
- Wardrobe and travel planning
- Simple stylish hair and make up
- Savvy shopping for your shape
Jump the Q today!
