Avoid the Three Biggest Image Mistakes That Cost YOU Money
By Sandy Dumont
If heads don't turn when you enter a room and you don't consistently get your foot in the door and receive deferential treatment, it suggests that your image may not be impressive. "Don't judge me by my looks, judge me by my competence," you might say.
Unfortunately, we DO judge a book by its cover, and even more so today in this fast-paced world. You need a state-of-the-art appearance at a single glance so it is assumed that everything associated with you outclasses the competition. If a single element of your image is dated or if you look "average" it will be presumed that your products or services are ordinary.
Here are the three biggest image mistakes to avoid:
1. A dated hairdo.
A dated hairdo undermines the most dynamic "power suit." It is the number one "image killer" of American women today. The most polished and professional hairdos are European looks that are somewhat straighter, like Katie Couric's new hairstyle. They look uncontrived and classy. Bangs that curl under are particularly passé; and if you do have bangs, you want stylized straight ones like Laura Bush. Most pageboys look too collegiate, but they can be updated with "pointy layering" (a la Couric) so that your hair hugs the face and frames it softly. If you have curly hair, make sure you get a precision cut so it doesn't look sloppy. Lastly, Barbie-doll flips and shags appear unkempt.
2. Clothing that makes you look invisible.
Choosing clothing in shades that match your superficial coloring is a temptation that most women can't seem to resist. For example, redheads wearing orange, blondes wearing pastel pink, and dark-skinned brunettes wearing brown. Unfortunately, it causes you to blend into your clothing, so that you look nearly invisible. "But I get compliments when I wear orange," redheads say. And they do. But they are getting compliments for "false harmony" - not a dynamic, eye-catching look. You need contrast in order to stand out and be noticed. Furthermore, pastels suggest passivity and timidity. Note: White and bright yellow are not perceived psychologically as pastels, nor do they cause you to disappear into your clothing as pastels do.
3. Unimaginative "Robot" Dressing:
Blazer suits look too "safe," especially when they are worn with a matching mock turtle or shell. The look not only smacks of a deadly lack of imagination, but it looks ordinary. Blazer jackets also look like you have borrowed "daddy's jacket." Especially when worn without accessories and professional makeup. The one exception is when a blazer jacket is in a bold color or has "high fashion" tailoring. Choose suit jackets with a distinctive style and you will not only stand out, you will look head and shoulders above the competition.
Don't be afraid of bold colors. They impart an air of confidence. Some vivid colors are classy and some are flashy; learn to make the distinction. In general, "brash" colors such as orange and lime are flashy; while magenta and racing green are classy. Here's the rule: jewel tones are classy; food colors are brassy. You want to stand out and be remembered, but not for the wrong thing. Good colors include black, red, navy blue, royal blue, cobalt blue, racing green, magenta. Avoid grunge colors, as they give a dreary, tired appearance.
Wear accessories. They give a "big city" professional look. Bold earrings can rev up even a classic blazer. Try chunky hoops (not thin wire hoops) or door knockers; but make sure they hug the face. If they stand away from the face too much, you will see the earrings before you are seen.
If you are interested in Sandy's "Impression Strategies", check out her 10-part book (250+ pages) available in the Banker Store!
Sandy Dumont is Director of the Impression Strategies Institute. She is an internationally-recognized leader in the field of image psychology and has worked with Fortune 500 companies for more than 30 years. Sandy has also authored e-books and DVDs on the subject of image. Contact her at www.theimagearchitect.com.
First published on BankersOnline.com 3/06/06
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