I am the president of a company whose main product is me''Cindy CrawfordIF you were the CEO of a company whose main product was you, how would you invest in yourself' What level of importance would you give to growth and development, to value and packaging in your life' Take a moment and reflect on that. If your most valuable asset were yourself, what investments would you make'Before we move further, we must deal with the fact that it is therefore of necessity that one knows what he or she is aiming for. The Bible says that without a vision, a people perish. Visions and missions are not exclusive to corporations; individuals can have theirs too. One cannot always predict the future or the circumstances that will arise but one must have a vision larger than oneself to live for.So, what are your dreams and aspirations' Where do you see yourself in the next six months, the next one-year, the next two years, the next five years' What would you hope to become if it were indeed possible' With a clear vision of your journey in mind, you can then deal with the goals and achievements you hope to accomplish this week, in two weeks, this month. Being the best of what you can possible be doesn't start with one big quick fix. No. It is a journey with sacrifices and decisions to make and keep each day. Writing down your dreams doesn't have to be such a difficult task.Start with the little things you hope for and very soon you will gain momentum.You alone know what thing you hope for. I am only going to mention here such things as pertain to your image and personal branding. Your personal brand is one of your greatest assets. Think product packaging; you will lose credibility and interest if you cannot successfully sell yourself. If you cannot influence people with your personality and image how successfully can you sell your product or service' Mind you, this does not just apply to the work place, it applies to your social life as well; how do you want to be perceived and how would you like to be treated' These things depend more on you than on the imaginations of others since people generally respond to what they perceive (see, hear, feel').Be An Expert At What You DoThere is no excuse for not knowing your product or service like the back of your hand. Read widely and get to know your competition and how you standout from them. Learn about your client's likes and dislikes too and you will have the required tools to add value to your service and relationship. When it comes to your personal vision, know and understand it like the air you breath! How else would you be able to recognise opportunities when they come your way' How else would you be able to shine when key opportunities come to pass'Polish Your Communication SkillsResearch shows that communication skills are the top determinant for upward social and professional mobility.Let your voice be pleasant and your words seasoned with salt. Culture a kind but firm voice that commands authority and yet exudes approachability. It's an art to be cultivated carefully.Body Language is a field that most times isn't given its deserved importance; Research shows that body language takes up more than half of total communication. This means that your lips might be saying one thing but the listener is listening to what your body language is saying. Teach your body self control and condition it to portray gestures, posture and the bearing that proclaims positivity and solidity.Create a Powerful Visible ImageIf more people understood the rudiments of man's infatuation with his or her personal image, they would invest more in their image and their knowledge of creating perceptions. The guideline here, is to approach each situation from the appropriate angle and with the desired level of attention. For instance; if you are going for negotiations you want to dress keeping authority and power in mind. If you're going to sell you do not want to intimidate the client so you dress with his or her comfort in mind as well as dressing to look credible and reassuring.First Impressions:Lastly, about first impressions, you never get a second chance. Work on your ability to put your best foot forward. There is a lot people notice when they first set eyes on you. For corporate prowess, beyond the way you look, have a well thought-out, 30 seconds introduction speech that could launch you smoothly into a sale pitch for instance. Keep it flexible.Learn Good Business and Social EtiquetteIt is given that one not only has to be an expert at what he does but also but also an excellent communicator if he wishes to rise to the top of his career. Attitude and personality is a great determinant to how far a person can get in his career and sometimes, people value interpersonal skills than they do one's expertise.If you thought your vision, product or service had nothing to do with you, perhaps you should think again.Image and Etiquette addresses general perceptions, societal norms and expectations and personal expressions with the goal to cultivate social graces, suavity and a dignified presence for interpersonal relationships. If you have questions on Image and Etiquette please send them to askpamela@regalgraces.com or SMS 08038240870.08167089656 (SMS only).E-mail:regalgraces@yahoo.com
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