AN image is not simply a trademark, a design, a slogan or an easily remembered picture. It is a studiously crafted personality profile of an individual, institution, corporation, product or service.'Daniel J. BoorstinIt is a proven fact that consumers more readily buy the image or reputation of a product or service as opposed to its features. Most visually inclined businesses key into this fact and invest heavily in their image and marketing. For instance, in the cosmetic world, a great percentage of profit is put back into image building because they understand that most individuals, rather than investigate products, go for well-known brands because they believe that fame is the proof of effectiveness.We live in a highly visual time, so the significance of image building and branding cannot be overemphasized. Any upward mobile individual or corporation ought to understand and incorporate this knowledge into their products or services. All things being equal, i.e. one genuinely answers a need, it is necessary to invest in features that would reach, engage and convince your audience or public to go with your corporate or individual vision.The Ideal SituationAn individual or corporation wants potential clients to be open to receive information very quickly so that they can deliver a direct and effective impact in the shortest possible time.The Potential ClientApart from the basic need, all men have to be respected and liked, individuals and corporations should identify what they want their clients to feel and think about them. Ideally, this should entwine with the industry requirements, company's brand promise, individual and corporate vision and mission. For instance, a financial company would want to appear dependable, approachable and wise.The Fuel of Progress ' Optimal PerformanceThe greatest and most important asset in the world is human capital: employees, the individual ' yourselfetc. Now, image is important but it does not end there; you might look corporate and professional but you have to get the job done. You cannot be all brains and no looks or all looks and no brains; either state is pitiful. There has to be an effective balance. A good knowledge of your customer, your own strengths and weaknesses is required to find the perfect balance. Realistically, it would take trial and error but once the balance is found, it should be mostly smooth sailing all the way.Factors That Determine The Individual's Optimal PerformanceCommunication SkillsNo one is born with inherent communication skills; it is learnt through out a person's years and can be changed. Communication skills comprise non-verbal communication, verbal communication and tone of voice. If your personal communication skills aren't what they ought to be, work on them.Image'If you don't get noticed, you don't have anything. You just have to be noticed, but the art is in getting noticed naturally, without screaming or without tricks''Leo BurnettLooking good is important. Personal grooming and cleanliness takes up more than half the job of looking attractive. Grooming and cleanliness is the foundation of attractiveness. Any other enhancement will blend well on this basis. You don't want to wear anything, either of cosmetics or clothes, which would overshadow your personality; it should be strong enough to enhance and project your image but gentle enough to remain in the background.Fitness, Nutrition and WellnessBeyond aesthetics, beyond all the drama, your brain should be ticking! After you've taken care of your presentation forget about your looks so that you can concentrate all your energy into engaging your audience. A sure way of maintaining a consistent level of freshness and alacrity without being lethargic is to keep a body that is fit. Exercise and fitness in this part of the world isn't taken nearly as important as it should be. When our body is fit, it is able to perform at its very best. It has got various benefits; blood flows to the brain, it enhances your posture, it energises your body system and revitalises it, etc. I could go on and on but this would mean nothing to you to know if that knowledge is not applied to your daily life. Even if you cannot afford to get the advice of experts in nutrition or fitness, you can incorporate the little you know into your life. Eat right, get several forms of exercise ' both mental and physical, drop bad habits, etc.Go ahead and cultivate your marketability!(Apologies, the image used last week was not Angela Basset)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. Pamela also covers Workshops and Keynote speeches on Corporate Image and Etiquette.08167089656 (SMS only).E-mail:regalgraces@yahoo.com
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