It's not news that we have fewer and fewer human-to-human interactions each day. E-mail, cell phones and the Internet have replaced our critical human face-to-face “touch points” over time. So, when people see you for the first time, they may not be seeing “you” exactly. How then do you “touch someone” in a way that leaves a positive, memorable image, that makes others want to know you, know about your business and potentially want to do business with you in the future?

Let's consider the following:

Printed Materials: These include your letterhead, business cards, brochures, newsletters, promotional items, and give-aways. Anything that represents you in print should share the same “look and feel. Consistency builds familiarity which builds trust and relationships. 
E-mail: It is no longer a quick and dirty way to pass information between the geek squad. E-mail is for everyone...including your 94 year old grandmother. So, do check your spelling, your grammar and your content. Remember, once it's sent, there's no taking it back.

Website: If you have a website or a webpage, let it share the best of your personality. Graphics, photos, colors and interactivity bring the electronic experience to life. The more like-you and life-like your content is, the more people will feel a connection and come back to visit you again and again. It's truly the next best thing to being there.

Phone Messages: Outgoing - Be clear, be brief, be done. Let callers know they've reached the correct number and that you will respond in a timely manner. Musical introductions and other forms of audio entertainment may be cute, but may be annoying to the listener.

Incoming - Who are you? When and why are you calling? How can I help? How can I reach you? Oh, and your name and number once again, just in case I didn't have a pen at the beginning of the call. Avoiding the endless game of telephone tag will endear you for many calls to come.

Appearance: Even if someone sees you from afar, we want them to ask, “Who is that?” The answer should be emblazoned in their memory, leaving them wanting to know you, make the effort to find you or, at the very least, remember you when they see you again. That picture is worth a thousand words. Let it work for you, every time.

Handshake: Should you have the good fortune to actually “touch” someone, make sure the memory is of a firm, not crushing handshake. Unless you are clergy, an octogenarian or greater, or expressing deep sympathy, do not introduce a third hand into the mix. And by the way, if your handshake in any way resembles a dead fish, no one will be rushing back to shake it again anytime soon.
And, just for fun...if you've never done it...

'Google' Yourself: Go ahead. It's free. And, it could be fun. Everyone else is going to 'Google' you before they call. Wouldn't you like to know what the world knows about you before Great Aunt Jeannie calls and says, “I saw you on You Tube?”

E-Image Inquiry

Q. Why would a company or individual hire an Image Consultant? It seems to be a luxury for those with too much time or money.

A. It may sound cliché to say that you only get one chance to make a first impression. Nevertheless, we all know it's true. And, by the way, that chance is approximately three seconds long.

Have you ever misjudged or underestimated someone upon first meeting them? Has anyone ever misjudged or underestimated you?

Have you ever been passed over for a job, a promotion, a raise or even a date?

Have you ever been turned off by the appearance or presentation of a prospective vendor and immediately decided that the quality of their product or company was inferior as well?

Three seconds may pass too quickly for you to show someone all the reasons they should want to know you. They may just look at you, unimpressed, and walk on. You may never even get the chance to prove yourself. It sounds pretty risky to me.

Image Consultants help you to eliminate the risk. They understand that your image defines you in the world through your appearance, your words and your behavior. A great Image Consultant can see the real you and provides you with the tools and skills to guarantee that the world sees the real you, too.

Corporations have understood for some time and individuals are quicky learning that investing in a quality product or service is only half the story. People invest in or purchase relationships. They buy YOU.

Therefore, what is the true value of walking out the door everyday radiating
complete confidence, knowing that you are dressed appropriately for any occasion, and knowing that you will respond and act appropriately in the face of any situation that may arise?

Priceless.