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According to a New York University (NYU)
and Harvard University study by Solomon,
PhD, Chairman of the Marketing Department
Graduate School of Business it is not just
one thing that people judge about us just
seven short seconds after meeting us, but
there are eleven different factors. 2009
Scientists identify the Neural Circuitry of First Impressions
One ... two ... three ... four.
You might have started counting
aloud in your head as you read that.
Take a moment and count to seven,
use that time to appreciate just how
long seven seconds really is if you
are looking at someone.
Studies suggest that we make
our first impression almost instantly
and that this first impression lingers
with us for a long time. Some studies
report it takes 3 seconds, others 10
seconds, and yet others 30
seconds. Anyway, it obviously
only takes a moment, maybe a
blink of an eye, until others judge
you based on their first
impression alone.
This means that before you
even get a chance to introduce
yourself, e.g. your potential
employer, the interviewer or your
new boss already has a certain
image of you in his or her mind
because of how you look.
The 11 rapid-fire decisions our brain makes about others within the first 7 seconds of being seen:
1 Economic level
2 Education level
3 Competence, honesty, believability, credibility
4 Sex role identification
5 Level of sophistication
6 Trustworthiness
7 Level of success
8 Religious background
9 Political background
10 Social, sexual, professional desirability
11 Ethnic background
YOU HAVE SECONDSMAKE THEM COUNT!
Executive Image Consulting, 2013 1This E-Book is proprietary in nature. Any further distribution or re-use for commercial or private purposes without the prior consent of Executive Image Consulting is strictly prohibited.
The ABC’s of a
Professional Imprint
A professional imprint, which is a major part of your personal branding, requires all three components:
Appearance | How you lookIt’s your total look, the way
you present yourself from
head to toe. What do others
see when they see you?
Behavior | How you actIt’s your attitude and the way
you behave that makes a
significant difference in how
others see and judge you.
Communication | How you talkIt’s your ability to
communicate with others, for
better or worse.
“You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.”
First impressions are really tough to
change because, once formed, we
typically do not search for evidence to
change that initial conclusion. What
we look for is validation of our initial
opinion, not contrary evidence.
What you say does
not matter?
All right, that is a little
exaggerated, but studies suggest that
approximately 93% of how people
judge us when meeting face-to-face is
decided upon our non-verbal
presentation. Our body language and
the way we present ourselves. The
words that we speak? Those only
account for 7% or so.
No question, there are many
critics out there who roll their eyes
when hearing about this widely quoted
and sometimes misunderstood
research of Albert Mehrabian, a UCLA
professor, that shows the significance
of non-verbal signs in
communications.
Trainers and Image consultants
often misuse this data to indicate that
their client’s appearance overpowers
their actual words. The truth is that the
focus of this study was on some very
specific areas of communication and
not an accurate reflection of real-world
conditions. However, if you only have
seven seconds to make an excellent
first impression, there is not much left
other than your appearance and your
body language – the way you look.
You simply cannot use a lot of your
verbal excellence if you have only
seven seconds to impress.
It’s not fair to be judged on
first impressions alone!
Well, you might be right. But, we
all do it. Everyone makes judgments
about a person’s character, credibility,
intelligence, or income level based on
first impressions alone.
And, complicating matters is the
fact that confirmation bias makes sure
that the other person is likely to ignore
any signs that go against their first
impression.
However, they are extremely
sensitive to signs or indicators that
support their initial take on the type of
person you are.
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR IMAGE TELLS THE WORLD?
A
B
C
Executive Image Consulting, 2013 2This E-Book is proprietary in nature. Any further distribution or re-use for commercial or private purposes without the prior consent of Executive Image Consulting is strictly prohibited.
Dress to impress
So, in a situation where you have only one chance to quickly impress with another person – it could be an interviewer,
your new boss, a recent addition to your team, or a potential client – it is obviously important to ensure that you create the best
first impression, whether in the real or the digital world. Before you ever utter a word, the other person is going to look at your
clothes and immediately decide whether you dressed appropriately for this occasion. If you show up looking like you got
dressed in the dark, (for example, a disheveled tie for men) chances are that the other person is going to apply that perception
elsewhere. Perhaps they assume that you have a sloppy working style, that paying attention to details is not your strong suit.
Our appearance is a form of nonverbal communication, and one that speaks very loudly.
The way you present yourself
Even before you get a chance to shake hands, the way you present yourself can tell the other person a lot about you. Are
you a leader or a follower? Are you going to be someone who stands up assertively and has his or her shoulders back or do
you shrivel up and try to hide from sight? When applying for management positions, this is going to matter. The interviewer
may see you as someone who might avoid conflict if you seem shy or reluctant to stand out during the interview.
It’s not only about you
Our appearance reflects directly what level of care or time we spent on our very own valuable assets. Do we rush through
our morning routines at the expense of our hair or makeup, or clothes? These important steps taken to ensure our best
possible foot forward before we leave the home directly benefit the entire corporation in which we work. The reputation of
fellow employees depends on the looks of a company, and each and every one of the employees must provide their fellow
employees or clients with the best possible outward experience you can obtain. A company knows that their employees are a
representation of the company itself, and they want your first impression with clients, coworkers, bosses, supporters, etc. to
leave everyone with the best possible perception of you as an individual and an employee.
“Your professional image is so much more than your appearance.”
What you do and say contributes to
the impression you make either.
However, if you mess up with your
appearance first, it will be harder for
you to be perceived as professional
based on your behavior or
communication skills afterwards.
Therefore, appearance first!
YOUR IMAGE IS THE FIRST THING IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE TO OTHERS.
Executive Image Consulting, 2013 3This E-Book is proprietary in nature. Any further distribution or re-use for commercial or private purposes without the prior consent of Executive Image Consulting is strictly prohibited.
Tips to make a powerful first impression Tips to make a powerful first impression Tips to make a powerful first impression
1Bad breath Remember that
food or drinks can lead to bad
breath quickly. To ensure that
you will not have this problem,
brush your teeth before an
important interview or meeting.
Alternatively, you want to make
sure to have breath-fresheners
with you at all times if brushing
your teeth beforehand is not an
option.
2Check your teeth If you are
having a lunch meeting or
interview after lunch, make sure
that you check your teeth
afterwards. It can be next to
impossible to take someone
seriously if he or she has food
stuck in his or her teeth.
3Dirty shoes There are too
many people who ignore their
shoes, assuming that just
wearing nice shoes that match
your outfit is enough. Remember
that unpolished or scuffed shoes
detract from your professional
appearance. If you know that
you have a meeting coming up,
there is no excuse for messy
footwear.
4Professional Pen Asking for
a pen during an interview or
meeting looks unprepared and
unprofessional. However, it may
be even worse if you bring your
own pen that looks as though it
belongs to a 10-year old. Bring a
pen that has a simple finish and
writes in black or blue ink.
5Brief, attaché, laptop case Remember that these
carry cases also matter when it
comes to your professional
appearance, both inside and
out. You do not want to open up
a case and reveal a completely
disorganized mess of chewing
gum wrappers, business cards,
old sticky notes, and scattered
papers.
6Coffee, beverage stains It would appear that coffee and tea
stains have an uncanny knack
for targeting the most visible
spots on your dress, suit, or tie.
Use a napkin underneath your
spoon or cup to prevent any
accidents.
7Hair Remember that hair
frames the face. With the right
hairstyle for your facial features,
you are going to need minimal
makeup because you are
already accentuating your strong
suits.
8The finer details People
are going to notice the smaller
details, such as your shirt not
being pressed or your nail
polish peeling. There is no
reason not to have your dress
shirts, skirts, and suits dry-
cleaned before an important
interview.
9Piercings & Tattoos While
you may claim that it is a “part of
who you are” when going in for a
professional interview or work,
leave the piercings at home. If
you have any tattoos, cover
them up.
The Importance of
Appearance in the Workplace IAppearance is important from
the job interview to every day at
the office. Image is paramount in
the workplace; before employers
discover your merits, they have
already made a judgment based
on your physical presentation.
Appearance is not just about
your clothing either; it also
relates to your complexion,
nails, hair, tone of voice, the way
you walk, and even your facial
expressions.
Before you ever reach forward
to shake the hand of the person
you are meeting with, they are
forming some sort of opinion
about you. Now, it is true that
e.g. your interview may be able
to persuade them otherwise, but
you would have to excel at
interviewing and would already
be working against a certain
prejudice. These 100
suggestions are going to help
you with making the right first
impression. Some of these are
subtle, while others are
straightforward.
“People don’t notice when you do these things. But, they do
notice when you don’t.”
Executive Image Consulting, 2013 4This E-Book is proprietary in nature. Any further distribution or re-use for commercial or private purposes without the prior consent of Executive Image Consulting is strictly prohibited.
100
Appearance alone will not determine your success, but it plays a major contributing role. Your appearance cannot only land
you a job, but it can determine your longevity with a company. This doesn’t mean you have to be beautiful to get or keep a job.
But well, in fact it is helpful when people perceive you as beautiful. Therefore you have to make sure that you look the part. If
you don’t look as though you care about your appearance, it can undermine people’s trust in you. I know, we have all heard
the saying “don’t read a book by its cover”. And yes, to some degree we should not pre-judge someone by the way they
look. But, unfortunately that’s not how business and life works ... at least most of the time.
Executive Image Consulting, 2013 5This E-Book is proprietary in nature. Any further distribution or re-use for commercial or private purposes without the prior consent of Executive Image Consulting is strictly prohibited.
10Watch Make sure that you wear a
conservative watch, nothing with too many
colors or too much “bling”.
11Facial hair Facial hair is not a problem as long
as you keep it perfectly groomed.
12Hair Hair should be neat and groomed – all the
time. Make sure you visit the barber at least once
a month.
13Tags & Stitching You might be surprised
to learn how many men leave the tags and the
extra stitching in their suit. Remove these
before you go in because they make you
appear less than professional and as though
you are unable to pay attention to details.
14Cologne Remember that you want your
cologne to entice, to tease. You do not want
your scent to linger in the office four hours after
you have left.
15Nails While a manicure is not expected for men,
you want your nails neat and relatively short.
There is no excuse for dirty, chewed fingernails
and people are going to notice.
16Jewelry Even though jewelry has become
somewhat accepted for male professionals,
remember that it must be minimal and
professional. Do not wear anything that draws
attention to it or serves as a distraction.
17Purse or Bag If you have a purse or bag to
carry items with you, remember that these
accessories have to be clean, in good shape,
and possibly match your shoes.
18Belt Belts are a man’s stand out piece. Replace
your belt immediately if it shows signs of wear.
Make sure that you have at least two quality belts,
one brown belt and one black belt.
19Suit and Shirt For a professional
interview, you cannot go wrong with a suit in a
dark color (black, dark gray, navy) and a plain
shirt (white, bright blue).
20Shirt sleeves Even in the summer you want
to wear long-sleeve dress shirts.
21Tie When looking for ties, try to avoid trends. A
classic silk tie is always going to remaining in style.
25Makeup You want to make
sure that your makeup is
conservative. The more
makeup you wear the less
professional (and the older)
you look. Avoid everything that
is overly colored, bright,
glittery or heavy.
26Perfume Remember that
some people are sensitive to
odor, be conservative in the
amount of perfume that you
use, it must be subtle enough
to hint without being
overpowering.
27Jewelry While you can use
jewelry to accentuate certain
features, keep it minimal. You want
to ensure that it does not serve as a
distraction.
28Purse If you are carrying a
purse into an interview, make
sure that you pick one that is
still in good shape, clean and
possibly matches your shoes.
29Skirts When opting for a suit
with a skirt, make sure that
you are aware of the hemline.
When standing, you want the
skirt to reach at least knee
length.
30Underneath your jacket Underneath your suit jacket, you
want to go with a conservative shell
or blouse.
31Shoes Make sure that any
shoes you wear are closed-
toe, in good shape and clean.
32Pantyhose Make sure that
your pantyhose do not have a
run in them. It is always good
to have an extra case with you
just to be sure.
33Accessories Especially if you
have a casual personal style,
accessories can play up your outfit.
Remain current by adding quality
pieces to classic outfits. Buy your
accessories together (bracelet,
necklace, earrings) to ensure that
you are organized when you get
dressed. Make sure that you do not
over-accessorize.
34High Heels A great pair of
heels is a powerful tool: it will
change your mood, your
posture, your attitude, your
image.
35Trashy nails Remove any
“bling” from your nails.
Furthermore, french
manicures look fake and are
rarely done well.
36Hair A high pony tail, a sparkly
glittery hair accessory, a side-braid,
a hair poof or an over-use of curling
iron. If you do anything of those –
stop it! It’s not professional.
Executive Image Consulting, 2013 6This E-Book is proprietary in nature. Any further distribution or re-use for commercial or private purposes without the prior consent of Executive Image Consulting is strictly prohibited.
How you are dressed not only affects
how other people perceive you, but
how you view yourself. If you look
the part, you act the part. You will
have more confidence, more respect
from co-workers, and make a strong
impression with clients, supporters,
and bosses. In addition, society’s
preoccupation with and marketing of
physical attractiveness reinforces the
assumption that being good-looking
pays bigger benefits than it actually
does. The undeniable truth is that
being good-looking is helpful
sometimes.
Many of these studies are summarized and
discussed in the 2011 book “Beauty Pays:
Why Attractive People Are More Successful”
written by Daniel Hamermesh, an economist
at the University of Texas in Austin. The
research reviewed by Hamermesh shows that
attractive people earn an average of 3 or 4%
more than people with below average looks.
Beautiful people are also hired sooner, get
promotions more quickly, are higher-ranking
in their companies, and get all kinds of extra
benefits. Because, it turns out that more
attractive people often bring more money to
their companies and therefore are more
valuable employees.
Several Studies show that more attractive people are, on average, wealthier and have higher-paying jobs than less attractive people.
2011
37Start Whitening if you are yellowing. We
always seem to notice if somebody has
discolored teeth. And, we always praise
people who have very white teeth, don’t we?
It’s the first thing your counterpart will notice,
when talking or smiling to him or her.
38Control your dandruff Dandruff might
not be painful or contagious. But, if you have
any flakes on your dark suit or black top, you
have to find out its roots and control them.
Start with buying a lint roller.
39Toss your pants Check all your pants today. Are
there any pairs with a broken hem at the backside?
Are they too long and you have walked the hem off?
Toss them or bring them to a tailor.
40Trim them Check your nose, eyes, neck. If
you see some hair in the mirror, others see
them as well. Buy a hair clipper today or visit
a barber. Yes, it’s true for women and men.
41Professional color Stop dyeing on your
own, get it professional done. Don’t use over-
the-counter products. It just doesn’t look very
natural.
42Check your back Most people know about the
importance of a mirror check before leaving the
house. However, most people also forget to check
their backside. Do you ever look at your backside in
the mirror?
43Don’t overuse hair products The only
thing worse than using no products at all is to
overuse them. But the look of crunchy hair is
one that’s better left in the 80’s and doesn’t
look professional at all. You can create shape
and definition while still maintaining a natural
appearance. Just use less!
44Thinning hair Baldness can start early and
you can be left with patchy growth or nothing
at all. That’s true for men and women. Don’t
ignore it. Try to slow down the process and
buy some products. Also, talk to a
dermatologist and cut them short.
45Stop overbranding There is nothing wrong with
being a label or brand lover, but discretion is the
name of the game. If there are any items in your
closet with big logos or brand advertisement, you
shouldn’t wear them at work.
46Ditch the backpack As soon as you
enter the professional job market you can
save your backpack for camping. Get e.g. a
leather messenger bag instead.
47Hide the underwear Does anyone see
your underwear? At the collar, at the waist,
underneath your fabric? That’s just wrong.
Make sure nobody does.
48Dress up Always dress up ... and not down. How
are the people who have climbed the ladder
dressed? Dress like they do – or even better.
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49A weak handshake is a no-no It does not matter if you
are meeting with a man or a
woman, make eye contact,
smile, and then proceed to
deliver a firm handshake. You
do not have to crush someone’s
hand, but you want the
handshake to be firm. Make sure
to have palm-to-palm contact
and apply as much pressure as
the other person does. The
appropriate amount of pressure
is going to vary from person to
person.
50Invading personal space Some people have no concept
of personal space, if you are
meeting someone for the first
time, you do not want to get
right in their face or go in for a
hug. For many people this is
extremely uncomfortable.
51Crossing your arms When
you cross your arms when first
meeting someone, it makes you
look uncomfortable or defensive.
Make sure to gesture with your
hands; you will look engaging
and more enthusiastic.
52Lack of eye contact It is
perfectly natural to look away
from time to time when you are
talking. This means that you are
accessing different parts of the
brain. However, when the other
party is talking to you, you want
to make eye contact and appear
attentive. You need to treat eye
contact as a connection tool with
the other party.
53Not smiling at all If you do
not smile during a job interview
or when first meeting someone
you come across as unfriendly
or nervous. You do not need to
burst out with laughter, keep it
subtle.
54Smiling all the time Some
people tend to smile all the time.
You should always pay attention
to when you are smiling. Try to
match your facial expression to
your message.
55Do not hide your hands Many people hide their hands or
(worse yet) sit on them during an
initial conversation. Using your
hands makes you more
expressive.
56Read the mood Find out
what the person across from
you is feeling. If he or she is
casual, you can afford to be a
bit more casual while still being
courteous and professional. If
they are formal, you want to
remain formal as well.
57Having a seat If you want to
take a seat, it is a good idea to
ask first (to ensure you do not sit
somewhere that he or she
planned for themselves), or wait
to be told to take a seat. This
shows consideration and good
manners.
The Importance of
Behavior in the Workplace IWorkplace behavior and ethics
are crucial to your employment
and success. They are both
important aspects for a
company’s efforts to be
profitable and respected. Proper
behavior is as important as your
appearance, communication,
and skills. Every business in
every industry has certain
guidelines for the employees,
and they should be followed with
attentiveness. Behavior
generally includes attire,
interaction with colleagues,
language, how to handle
situations, etc.
There is a lot we can do to make
a good first impression.
Dressing nicely and
communicating properly with the
person we are meeting are just
a handful of options. However,
some other aspects play an
important role in how someone
is going to remember us. Some
of these suggestions may not be
applicable to someone you
randomly meet for the first time,
but when attending a meeting or
having a job interview, you will
be able to benefit from these
behavioral tips.
Executive Image Consulting, 2013 8This E-Book is proprietary in nature. Any further distribution or re-use for commercial or private purposes without the prior consent of Executive Image Consulting is strictly prohibited.
Executive Image Consulting, 2013 9This E-Book is proprietary in nature. Any further distribution or re-use for commercial or private purposes without the prior consent of Executive Image Consulting is strictly prohibited.
Although possessing the necessary skills is essential, a positive attitude can carry you a long way. There is an important
reason why work places have guidelines for behavior in the workplace – because it matters. If your conduct is less than
prototypical then it could not only hurt you, but the company. Poor conduct costs a company time, money, and resources.
Companies know that for a successful and productive working environment you must have good people-to-people
communication, attitude and behavior.
58Do not exaggerate Make sure that you
maintain a balance between a ‘stiff’ posture
and subtle movements. You do not want to
flail your arms around constantly. This is
perceived as distracting. The best way to gain
trust is by mirroring the behavior of the person
across from you. It shows non-verbal
agreement with the other person and
establishes a subconscious ‘connection’.
59Do your homework Before a job interview
or meeting someone for the first time, you want
to research information about the company or
the person you are meeting with. This is not
only going to make you appear prepared, but
instantly generates a positive first impression
with people you meet.
60Be on time Unless you have specific
instructions that go against it, you want to make
sure that you are 5 to 10 minutes early for a
meeting. This shows that you are both eager
and punctual. However, if you arrive too early, it
may be seen as inconsiderate and prove an
inconvenience for the person you are meeting
with. Remember that at no point it is ever
acceptable to be late. Regardless of what the
other person tells you afterwards, this is going
to make a negative first impression.
61Plan for possible delays Keeping in
mind with being on time, you want to make
sure that you give yourself ample time for
public transportation to get you where you
need to be or allow you to park your car. If
you are too early, you can look around,
prepare for the meeting, have a coffee or stay
in your car until it’s time for your meeting.
62Turn off all mobile devices Just as with
taking off in an airplane, a first impression
means that you turn off any cell phones,
pagers, or other devices that may disturb your
conversation. Most cellphones have a silent
button that you can easily use, but make sure it
does not vibrate and create a “silent” distraction.
63Do not drink, eat or smoke It is also not
acceptable to chew gum during an important
first meeting. Of course, it is all right to accept if
the third party offers you coffee, tea, or water
(or any other beverage) but you do not want to
take outside foods or drinks into a conversation.
Unless you are at a lunch meeting, saying “no
thank you” to snacks is always a good option,
mainly because you do not risk making
embarrassing mistakes or are called upon to
answer a question with your mouth full.
64Go home Are you often the last one who
leaves the office? There is something wrong,
isn’t it? Believe it or not, others think exactly
the same – there is something wrong with you
or your work ethics. Therefore, define your
exact work hours and no matter what – stick
with them.
65Shake hands first It is important to shake
hands in any setting, business meeting, job
interview or just to say thank you. But, the
person who extends his or her hand first has
the “power” in every setting.
67Play the game Your career is nothing else
than a game. Take any kind of sport you play or
watch and think about some game rules. You’ll
find immediately the analogy to your career.
Behave like it’s a game – because it is!
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68Stand up straight Mom always told us
that posture is important, and she was right.
Always try to stand up straight. It creates a
sense of confidence and pride, and shows
everyone you are secure in the body you are.
69Introduce others Lucky you, if everyone
knows you. But don’t forget those who don’t
know each other. Introduce all people you
meet to each other.
70Spend some money Is it your assistants
birthday? Your co-worker is in the hospital? Your
client just re-ordered something? A lunch here or a gift
card there will not break your budget, but it shows
your loyalty. It’s a smart invest!
71Widen your stance When you stand with
your feet close together, you can seem unsure
of what you are saying. However, when you
widen your stance, relax your knees and center
your weight in your lower body, you look more
confident.
72Try a steeple At least, try it. Many lecturers,
politicians and executives use this hand
gesture when they are quite certain about a
point they are making. When you want to
project conviction and sincerity about a point,
it’s worth a try.
73Sit up straight Make sure that you sit up straight
and lean forward in your chair a bit. This projects
engagement and interest in the interaction. Mimicking
your body’s position to the person sitting across from
you shows agreement and admiration, but be careful
not to make it too obvious.
Negative behavior translates into our work, especially when it comes to teamwork. Our office interaction is one of the
biggest aspects affected by behavior. A person with consummate behavior has better relationships with colleagues, people
want to work with and for them, and therefore productivity is increased. The opposite is true for those who are unlikable in
the work place. Additionally, if it shows that your behavior is less than exemplary there is no incentive to offer you
advancement opportunities.
IF YOU DON’T TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR PROFESSIONAL IMAGE,SOMEONE ELSE WILL.
“Your behavior effects your success with the company because poor behavior on the field could potentially lead to a client taking their business elsewhere.”
Furthermore, if your conduct doesn’t
meet the standard of the company
after verbal and written warnings, you
could ultimately be fired.
74Relax your voice The
quality of your voice can be
a deciding factor. People
with higher-pitched voices
are judged to be less
empathic, less powerful and
more nervous.
75Speak clearly Scientific
evidence supports the idea
that we see people who
speak clearly in a very
favorable way. Those who
speak clearly are seen as
more trustworthy, smarter,
and more attractive.
76Do not fill silence with chitter chatter If you are
uncomfortable with silence,
chances are that you might
blurt out information you
should not or appear less
than professional. If
something is unclear, answer
with a question.
77Focus on what you say Speak at a moderate
pace and annunciate
clearly. You want to make
sure to vary your voice
intonation. Coming off as
monotone is not good and
makes you appear “boring”.
78Speak the language If you are interviewing for job
that requires a great deal of
technical expertise, slang
and jargon is acceptable.
However, if you are using
slang and jargon that do not
apply to the person
interviewing you, this is
unacceptable.
79Avoid filler words Filler words such as “like” or
“uuuum” have no place in
making a good first
impression. People use them
to fill gaps in the
conversation, but they make
a person sound
unprofessional and
unpolished. A better
alternative is to be mindful of
what you are saying instead
of trying to think ahead of the
conversation or anticipate a
question. Practice with a
friend if you can to eliminate
these words from your
speech.
80A happy, friendly face Some people aim for a fake
smile, this is never going to
seem convincing because
the wrinkle lines around the
corners of your mouth and
sides of your eyes indicate
a genuine, natural smile.
Just try to be natural – and
friendly.
81Easily identifiable facial expressions The
facial expressions that
people are able to identify
easily are surprise, joy,
sadness, fear, contempt,
disgust and anger. Make
sure you control those
expressions very well.
82Expressionless Remember that someone
who is nervous or tense
often has an expressionless
face. This means that if you
know you are meeting
someone for the first time,
you want to make sure to
practice smiling a few times
and “shaking” off your scared
face. This is going to help
you convey your facial
expressions even when
nervous.
The Importance of
Communication in the Workplace I
After the first seven seconds of
meeting you, that person you have
never met before now has an opinion
of you. This means someone might
have made up his or her mind about
you before you ever utter a word.
When it comes to communication,
most people believe that the words we
say are what truly matters. And they
are right. Of course. But, it’s not only
about “what” you say, it’s also about
“how” you say it.
When properly used, communication
can be your key to greater success. It
can help you develop positive
business relationships, influence and
motivate the people who report to you,
improve productivity, bond with
members of your team, and present
your ideas with more impact.
Knowing that, we are going to delve
into the communication aspect of
making a good first impression with
someone you have never met before.
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83Use the person’s name There is nothing
people love hearing more than their own
name. You can make a conversation more
personable by reiterating the person’s name
back to them a number of times. It shows that
the other person was important enough for
you to memorize their name and you were
paying attention during initial introductions.
However, do not use his or her name too
often. Using a name too often when just
meeting someone comes off as insincere.
84Is there more than one person you are talking to? If you have more than one person
you are talking to in a business setting or job
interview, make sure that you briefly address both
(or more) with your gaze. While you want to make
sure that you address everyone, ultimately you
return your attention to the person asking you a
question.
85Don’t rub or touch your nose This has
long been considered one of the traditional
“tells” that someone is not speaking the truth.
86Don’t rub your neck or head Even if
you have an itch or a cramp, remember that
these behaviors are associated with
disinterest or indecisiveness.
87Don’t shake your legs repeatedly This
not only works as a distraction, but also signals
that you are not comfortable with your current
surroundings.
88Don’t slouch in your seat If you are
slouching, you are suggesting that you are
either unprepared and want to get out of there,
or disinterested in the conversation.
86Don’t cross your arms across your chest This makes you appear disengaged
and unfriendly. Experts consider this a
“closed” posture.
90Show interest Make sure to keep an
interested expression. Provide positive gestures
in moderation and nod occasionally. You do not
want to come off as a bubblehead.
91Avoid seeming judgmental You don’t
always have to like them or agree with their
ideas, values, or opinions. However you do
need to set aside your own judgment criticism
in order to fully understand a person.
92Observe them Use public places, such as
a shopping mall, bus, train, restaurant or even
TV shows. Try to “mute” the sound.
Observing how others use body language can
teach you how to better receive and use
nonverbal signals when talking with others.
93Deliver bad news in person Written
communication channels (e.g. e-mail) don’t allow
you to soften difficult messages with nonverbal
cues, and they don’t allow you to deal
immediately with intense emotion.
94I’m not joking! Telling inappropriate jokes
makes people uncomfortable.
Communication is sharing information and ideas between individuals or groups to reach a common understanding. With so
many personalities, ideas, and an overload of information in the workplace, effective communication is a challenge for business
owners, CEOs, managers, and general employees. Effective communication is a business tool and essential employee
attribute. A company knows that in order for its objectives to meet, communication is the key to success. Communication links
and facilitates all aspects of a company. When all members of a team, department, and workplace communicate effectively
together then productivity increases, a better workplace environment is created, and objectives are met more efficiently.
Communication is not only important in the workplace but for the company when dealing with partners, clients, vendors, etc.
The way you communicate sets a precedent for the company, therefore your communication needs to be clear, persuasive,
and concise. If you can learn to openly and effectively communicate, you will set yourself apart and opportunities will come
your way more frequently. Fortunately, effective communication is a skill that can be learned. Follow these tips, and you will
be communicating your way to success in no time.
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95Don’t cry Tears do not communicate
leadership potential, because you have to be
able to control your emotions.
96Don’t swear It’s generally considered to be
unprofessional of any person in the workplace,
but especially leaders.
97Don’t flirt Yes, some people believe flirting can be
a currency in the office. But, flirting is just a subtle
suggestion of the possibility of something sexual
occurring between two individuals. And this can easily
be taken the wrong way.
98Giggling too much Rumors say, this is
especially true to women. Appropriate laughter
is a major indicator of gravitas.
99Think global Cross-cultural communication
is important. Even if an American business
person understands if you mention, that a
certain negotiation “was a home run”, an Asian
or European person might have no idea what
you are talking about. Speak internationally!
100Listen carefully Communication is a two-way
highway, and listening can often be more important
than speaking in a workplace conversation.
PROJECTING A POWERFUL IMAGE DOESN’T JUST HAPPEN. IT HAS TO BE CULTIVATED.
The Consequences of an
unprofessional imprint at work
1. Disrespect from othersFellow co-workers or your boss might think you are clueless, or might start joking about your inappropriate attire or behavior. Is it right? No. Is it fair? No. Is it professional? No. Can it happen? Yes.
2. Distraction from your workIf others are starring at you because of your weird appearance or your inappropriate behavior, they are paying less attention to your work, your projects, your results.
3. Loosing ClientsIf you meet with clients and dress inappropriate or behave weird this might result in less opportunities and sales. Clients want to work with professional, trustworthy and reliable people, they might take their business elsewhere.
4. Missing OpportunitiesThe job you didn’t get, even if you performed a fantastic interview. The promotion you didn’t get, even if you would have been the best person for the position. The boost in pay you didn’t get, even if you deserved it. Did you ever consider it has something to do with your appearance? Maybe, they just thought you wouldn’t represent them visually as required for that specific position.
5. Sexual HarassmentGreat if you feel confident about your body, but you shouldn’t show too much of it at work. Be aware that this kind of attention grabbing appearance can easily create an uncomfortable and possibly dangerous situation for you.
6. Becoming a lonerC’mon! It’s a team sport. Like it or not, every corporate environment is nothing else like a sports game. You’ll find a referee, a coach, and team members. You are one of them! Make sure you don’t become a loner, just because you don’t take care of yourself.
How things are seen in the corporate world
At this point you are probably aware that we are judged
daily, and taking proper steps to ensure a great verdict is
essential in your professional and social life. Improving your
appearance and constantly evaluating your own behavior can
have a drastic effect on your social life. Because your
outward appearance is directly related to what people infer
from you. So, maybe you should consider to finally lose some
weight, to toss those ill-fitting clothes, to use some makeup,
to get well-dressed, to hire a professional image consultant,
and to take the time to do your best with what you’ve got. We
are all worth it. You are worth it!
Employees who don't visually represent the company
are at risk for being passed over when it comes to
promotions. As an employee, if your desire is to advance
your career, having a clear understanding of how you are
perceived, is critical. But, it’s not only about you. It’s also
about your clients, your employer, your boss, your team
members. You represent not only yourself, you represent all
of them.
In every corporation and in all industries your
appearance directly affects the entire company. We are
representing, not only ourselves, but the entire company.
Think of it as each employee is like an ambassador. Does
your company life a professional, elaborated, planned, clean
and a well-fitted business strategy, or is your company
specializing in dishevelment, mismatched, spotted, frumpy or
too lumpy business standards? Who is going to take their
business to such an enterprise? Is it you?
Valuable clients and revenues may fly out the window
only because someone on the team made a terrible or less
than good first impression. The slightest disheveled look can
cost the entire team these highly valued clients. A domino
effect can be a positive lucrative one with the correct
equation, but if one piece of the formula is incorrect the
domino effect can go in a bad direction for yourself, your
career, your team, your company.
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So, do you need an Image
Consultant?
At this point, you probably also
already heard the adage “dress for the
job you want, not the job you have.”
One of the best ways to improve the
overall appearance that you present
on a daily basis is by hiring an image
consultant to overhaul your entire
image. When people hear the term
“image consultant”, it often conjures
up images of a specialist who comes
to your home or place of business and
makes sure that you look your best,
that your wardrobe matches the image
that you are trying to present to
others.
But, it’s not just selecting a
wardrobe; it is about mentoring,
guiding, coaching, and educating
people through the science and art of
image management. While an image
consultant certainly addresses fashion
as well, it goes far beyond that. It is
about communicating in a way that
presents your message in an
articulate and professional manner; it
is about maintaining a professional
image at all times. An image
consultant empowers clients to project
the confidence and competence
needed in order to make an
appropriate and authentic appearance
for any professional, social, or
personal situation.
Can you afford it?
This is the first thing that people
wonder about when they hear the
term image consultant, “can I afford to
hire someone to work on my image?”
Even though it is not polite to answer
a question with a question, it suits this
particular issue: can you afford not to?
Especially at a time that increased
competition on the job market has
become commonplace, you cannot
have those first seven seconds of a
first impression (which have been
meticulously analyzed in a study
published by New York University) be
anything less than professional and
direct. Appearance is the first thing
that people notice, and with improved
appearance comes improved
behavior and communication (what
we already called the “ABC of a
professional imprint” – Appearance,
Behavior, and Communication).
Simply put, you look better – you
feel better and present yourself as
such. This is not about fashion, this is
about image – what image am I
sending out into the world?
You should not rely on merit
alone
Another reservation that people
have is “I should be judged on my
work, what I do for the company
should matter more than how I dress
or act.” Even though the human
resources department may look for
qualified personnel on paper,
especially promoting from within often
hinges on appearance and image just
as much. It is important that you take
an active approach in advancing your
professional career. People cannot sit
back and expect things to be handed
to them anymore, the competition is
too great. Just put yourself in the
recruiter’s mindset for a moment. If
you have two qualified candidates that
have similar experience levels but one
requires a bit more refinement before
he or she has a professional attitude
whereas the other makes a far better
first impression – who do you think is
going to receive the job offer?
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YOU IMAGE IS NOT WHAT PEOPLE TELL YOU ABOUT YOU.IT’s WHAT THEY SAY BEHIND YOUR BACK.
Do I loose my sense of self?
Some people feel that they may lose their personal
sense of self if they hire an image consultant. However,
you have to keep in mind that anything an image
consultant presents to you is advice, not a direct order. A
professional image consultant will sit down with you, talk
about what motivates you, what your aspirations are, what
your experiences are. They will provide advice based on
that. They are not going to make you over into something
you are not; they are going to help you improve on what
you are already doing. They are going to emphasize the
positives instead of trying to make you into something that
you are not.
Everyone can benefit
Another benefit of working with an image consultant is
that anyone can benefit. It does not matter if you are fresh
out of college, recently unemployed, or have worked with
the same company for a decade, anyone can benefit from
a few consultations. Recent college graduates may balk at
the notion of spending money in addition to their college
loans, but remember that few companies are hiring and the
competition is fiercer than ever before. Keep in mind that
for many people an image consultant is not necessarily an
expense, but it is an investment that can help you stand out
from all the other people currently on the market.
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What customers
have to say ...
“Sylvie is simply amazing. She has helped me mold and shape myself, my brand, and my career.”IRA B., HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER, NEW YORK.
“Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to work with you. The last days have opened my eyes to a whole new world.”KIMBERLY H., REALTOR NEW YORK
Absolutely fantastic! I'm currently making a career transition and really need to put my best self forward. The whole experience with Sylvie was amazing and I found working with her excellent, straightforward and right to the point. Her professionalism is outstanding and she is the most organized professional I’ve yet to meet in this industry. Thank you.JASON W., JOB SEEKING
“Sylvie is quick to respond, professional, and knows the industry. Her attention to details is remarkable.”EVE M., EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT RETAIL, NEW YORK
For father's day, I gifted my husband (who needed new suits) a consultation with Sylvie Di Giusto. She helped guide us through the entire process – from identifying his current style preferences, to picking a direction between bespoke and made to measure, finding and recommending an appropriate tailor for our needs/budget, guiding us with style decisions commensurate with his body type, industry, and appropriate trends, selecting material – basically everything. It was an awesome investment.BROOKE W., NEW YORK
“As an entrepreneur with many diverse interests, working with Sylvie enabled me to bring all of my passions and goals into one cohesive, impactful brand and look.”ANNA F., ONLINE ENTREPRENEUR, NEW YORK
“I’m basically not able to walk through my neighborhood without thinking about what you had to say about the ‘center of lycra’. It was fun and entertaining. Btw, I threw away all my Crocs. Sigh.””SEEDA V., STAY-AT-HOME MOM, NEW YORK
“I was very fortunate to work with Sylvie di Giusto. She is a focused and dedicated professional who is passionate about her work. She’s always to the point, full of ideas and doesn’t stop until the job is done.”JULIA K., CROSS CULTURAL TRAINING CONSULTANT, NEW YORK
“Sylvie quickly helped the students to understand that they have to be consistent in how they project
themselves to others in person, on paper, and via the web. ”CARLA B., DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING, NEW YORK
“By working with Sylvie I learned that only a great idea is not good enough. She showed me that action and commitment are also necessary to succeed. It has been only few months now, but I feel Sylvie is a mentor and as an inspiration for people who want to start a new business or career.”MARTHA N., LIFE COACH, NEW YORK
“It was a great experience with Sylvie: great tour and the advices I truly going to use! Thank you so much for everything!”LAURA A., BARCELONA
“Sylvie di Giusto has a profound understanding of an organization’s business objectives, is conceptually excellent, executes with extreme perfection, and demonstrates continuously extraordinary dedication and commitment.”MATTHIAS B., EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER
RETAIL & TOURISM GROUP, GERMANY
“At her events Sylvie establishes a productive working atmosphere while using modern and varied techniques. Great content, put in a nutshell and easy to understand. I absolutely recommend her without any reservations.”EMANUEL S., LABOR DIRECTOR, RETAIL, GERMANY
Ultimately, you decide whether you believe that an image consultant can help you. Would you want to sit back years from
now and think about how those few short hours could have made a difference, could have helped you stand out and achieve
the career that you were hoping for? It is your career, it is your image, and you decide whether you want to make the most
out of it or not.
Sincerely yours,
YOU HAVE SECONDSTOGETHER, WE WILL MAKE THEM COUNT!
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Copyright © 2013 by Sylvie di Giusto, Executive Image Consulting
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write or e-mail to the publisher at the address below.
Executive Image ConsultingSylvie di Giusto8 Spruce StreetNew York, NY 10038United States
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Sylvie with Oscar de la Renta, Tim Gunn, Diane von Furstenberg, Jennifer Hudson,
Manolo Blahnik, Kenneth Cole, Stacey London, Cuba Gooding Jr.,
Christian Siriano, Marylou Luther, Michelle Smith, Rebecca Minkoff,
Dmitry Sholokhov, Iris Apfel, Ilona Royce Smithkin, Patricia Field
People Packaging is what I do ...Sylvie di Giusto, Executive Image Consulting, New York
Sylvie di Giusto, Personal Branding Strategist and Image Expert, has
more than twenty years of corporate experience, educating and inspiring
thousands of clients across Europe and around the world. She has long
been fascinated by the power of image and the way people can use their
personal brand to positively influence their own career. Having spent
years observing, supporting and influencing people’s career paths, Sylvie
has witnessed how important the role of a professional image is in setting
a person apart from the competition and projecting his or her unique
selling points. As an experienced consultant, a speaker retained by
companies, an effective trainer, and an enthusiastic workshop leader,
Sylvie is familiar with the typical challenges that professionals face in
their workplace. She has a proven track record in corporate and
individual counseling, using a results-orientated approach. Ultimately, her
ability to empower people to influence the success of their own career
and her passion for fashion has led to her launching Executive Image
Consulting, based in New York City. It is here that she uses her extensive
corporate expertise to help clients project a powerful visual image of
themselves to the outside world.
Throughout her career, Sylvie has held senior positions, mainly within
Human Resources, for organizations ranging from 10 to 100,000
employees. Former companies and clients include: BMW, BASF, Bayer,
Henkel, McKinsey, and Thomas Cook. She has become a recognized
member of the international business community because she worked
with every strata of management from CEOs to young executives within
the finance, automotive, pharmaceutical, retail, and tourism industries.
Living abroad gave Sylvie the opportunity to gain further qualifications in
her field from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and from
the Academy of Professional Image and the International Academy of
Image and Style in Australia. She is an active member of the Association
for International Image Consultants, the National Speakers
Association and the National Association of Professional Women. Within
the United States Sylvie is represented by the speakers bureau Global
Top Speakers as well as in Europe by 5 Sterne Team.
Connect with me here:
Book an appointment with me here:
www.executive-image-consulting.com