Vol. 1, Issue 6 July 21, 2007 |
Why Image-on-the-1's? Because your image is your most powerful communication tool. We know your image matters to you and your image matters to us. You've got questions and we've got answers. So, on the 1st, 11th and 21st of each month, we'd like to answer your questions and provide you with tips and tools that you can really use. Stay tuned for on-going information that will help you save time, money and energy and guarantee that you present your very best self to your world everyday. |
I'm Lauren Solomon, President of LS Image Associates, and
along with my team of Experts, I'd like to welcome you to
Image-on-the-1's.
It's our pleasure and our goal to use your questions as our guide
to the topics we address in each issue. Please keep your comments and questions coming. Visit us at www.LSimage.com or send your questions and/or comments to AskLauren@LSimage.com.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Cheers!
Lauren
"What we love to do we find time to do." - John L. Spalding
Has anything like this ever happened to you?
--Jeff's phone appointment was scheduled for Thursday at 5pm, rescheduled to Friday at 10am, Friday at 4pm, then Monday at 10am - for sure. Monday 10am arrived without a jingle. Jeff called and left a voice message at 10:12 wondering if he had written the time down incorrectly. It could happen. At 10:30 he sent an email explaining that he would no longer be available after 11. At 12:19pm Jeff received a message saying, "Sorry. Sick. Will call when back at work." That was three weeks ago, still no word.
--Monday afternoon Cathy sent an email to confirm a full-day consultation for Wednesday. She confirmed with her vendors, since she had no reason to believe the plans had changed. At 10:25pm Tuesday night, Cathy received an email saying, "Sorry. Can't do tomorrow. Will call as soon as possible." That was one week ago, still no word.
--On Tuesday, James scheduled a phone consultation for Friday at 11:30am. At 11:30 he called, received the recorded greeting, and left a message about the scheduled appointment. Having heard nothing in return, at 12:30pm he left a second message with his apologies for being unavailable the rest of the day. On Monday, having still heard nothing in return, James left another message expressing his genuine concern. It's now Saturday, still no word.
These are the "Time Thieves". They have severely damaged their own images by disrespecting others, stealing their time, and, thereby, their money. They have, understandably, lost the trust of others, along with unknown opportunities for the future.
On the other hand, the "Truly Accidental Time Thief" who has made even the smallest effort to show genuine regret for the situation, is usually welcomed back for a second, possibly, a third chance.
In my classes I teach about the different images of time. Some cultures view time as a line...first this happens, then that, then the other and on and on. In other cultures, time is a cloudy mass of many things happening in tandem with no necessary relationship one to the other. However, in all cases, time is a well-respected luxury with a value like nothing else we know. Every human being can be heard at least once in a life wishing for more time. And, clearly, once time has passed, it will not return again.
Yes, life happens to all of us. And, it serves us well to be understanding and empathetic when it happens to others. Surely, the day will come when it will happen to us. Imagine that a date or time was recorded incorrectly in your calendar; Jimmy fell off the swings and needed stitches in his head; or, the toilet overflowed. The "what" doesn't matter.
It's the "how" that matters. There are emergencies and unexpected situations that force changes beyond our control everyday. It is not in the moment of the change that we sully the images and reputations we worked so hard to build. It is in that uncomfortable moment, that we must force ourselves to regroup and reach out with grace and style. If our image matters, we will make time to recover well and move ahead with honor and respect for others. Ultimately, we will gain or regain the respect of others and a mutual respect for time.
Hear Lauren's Interview on
The Marsh Engle Show, July 16, 2007
Hear Lauren share tips, tools and secrets that will expand your self-image and positively change your life.
E-Image Inquiry
Q: What exactly is a Personal Image?
A:Your Personal Image is the foundation of who you are in the world. It's the building blocks of how you show up - the clothes you wear, the things you do and say with your voice and those you do and say without a word.
Order your personal copy of
Image Matters!
First Steps on the Journey to Your Best Self
by Lauren Solomon