Make Your First Impression Your Best Impression!
By Michele Benza
Michele Benza Image Consultant
You probably know that it takes less than five seconds to make that critical first impression when we first meet someone. Whether it’s that new job, a promotion, or that new love, we want the critical first impression to be positive. The style, fabrics and colors of the clothes we choose, our make-up, hairstyle and the way we carry ourselves are all part of non-verbal communication.
Your Image is Key!
Your image is your key! Your appearance communicates to others who you are and how you see yourself. It reflects your background, successes and respect for others. And conversely, how others perceive us affects how we feel about ourselves, as well as how we relate to others.
Professional Image Consultants help you make your first impression your best impression.
The commitment of an Image Consultant is to help you capture your individual style. Their first step is to listen carefully to your personal and professional needs.
How do you hire an Image Consultant?
1. Ask for Recommendations
Talk to your friends, professional associates, and use the Web. Choose a consultant with experience. Ideally, Image Consultants should be specialists in style, color, wardrobe, cosmetics, skin care, hairstyle and accessories. Opt for a full-time established consultant, someone with a studio or office space that has a comfortable and professional atmosphere.
2. Chemistry Check
It is very important that you and your new image coach are a good match; someone who is easy to talk to and makes your feel comfortable. Given today’s technology, your image coach does not have to be in your geographic location.
For example, I offer image consultation online using ‘I-chat,’ Skype, and Webcam. Each method allows my local clients to consult with me while they are traveling abroad. It also allows me to work with clients all over the world. Phone consultations are also popular and successful.
The most important thing is to feel confident and comfortable with your Image Consultant, because you will spend a lot of time talking.
3. Inquire About the Process and the Fees
A professional Image Consultant will send you her image consulting policies prior to your first meeting. And, speaking of first meetings, ideally it should be a face-to-face meeting and take place in a calm, private place. Make sure the Image Consultant discusses the privacy and confidentiality of your conversations or your photographs.
What to Expect
Once you have chosen your coach, your transformation will start with a two to three hour consultation (based on the consultant, this time may vary). During that first meeting, your coach wants to hear about your goals, problems, needs and dreams. You and your consultant will then create an action plan, evaluate your style, your needs and requirements.
During the next sessions, your consultant will identify your optimum color palette and identify the style of clothing that will enhance your figure and support your lifestyle. In your home, your Image Consultant will assess and, if necessary, update your current wardrobe.
And this is where it really gets fun because a personal shopping trip is next on the agenda! Once you’ve made some fabulous new purchases, your Image Consultant may suggest another in-house visit to show you how to create new outfits that take advantage of both your new and tried-and-true clothes and accessories.
You’re Going to Love Opening Your Closet Door!
Imagine what it will be like to open your closet door and know what style suits you, every time! You will be able to dress and accessorize to emphasize what you love in your body and conceal what you dislike. You will know what colors are best for you, and how to use them in your daily makeup and hairstyle. And best of all, you will feel confidant and assured that you are making your best impression!
Michele Benza is the founder of “Michele Benza Image Consulting and Posture” a program that focuses on enhancing one’s personal and professional image. She is certified in image consulting from European Institutions and her niche is European style and elegance. Michele is a member of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) and is the only American member of the Association Francaise pour L’image Professionnelle et Personnelle (AFIPP)!
Michele Benza is San Francisco’s best kept secret! To learn more, please visit her website at MicheleBenza.
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