Contents

• Why A Professional Image Is Important
  
• Choosing Colours
  
• Working in cramped conditions

WHY A PROFESSIONAL IMAGE IS IMPORTANT

The image we portray sends an important message to our clients, as well as influences how we feel about ourselves. Therefore, as soloists, we too need to consider our professional image and how to dress for success.

Peter Morgan’s article on dressing for success generated a lot of comments when it first appeared on the Flying Solo website. The writer’s dilemma was what to wear to a client interview and a possible photo shoot - and whether to wear a tie or not. Reader reaction ranged from “I wear a funny bowtie to break the ice” to “my best suit” to “who cares?”

Some solosists do not place too much importance on dressing up for work, particularly when many work from home offices. In my view, however, there are many reasons why soloists should have consideration for their professional image and what they wear.

It is important to feel confident in the way you present visually through what you wear and you need to understand the professional image you are putting across. Image is created by a lot of different ingredients acting together. Physical appearance, dress, voice, manner, the views you express or the fact you don’t express any and the way you react to the people around you. These impressions are made instantly.

Images are so powerful because, however little you may like it, they do say something true about your personality. It’s no accident that you dress, talk and behave the way you do.

Some soloists grab the first thing they see in the morning, where as others put some thought into what is the most appropriate outfit for that day. Having an extensive wardrobe of all the latest fashions isn’t really necessary, particularly if you are working from home. Establishing your own professional image and a strong sense of individual personality and style is the key. You may only need a few quality signature pieces that reflect your individual style that you can mix and match. You don’t have to look different every day – you just need to look good and look professional.

So if you are working from home…Get up and get dressed! Ditch the pj’s and trackie daks. Put on something smart and comfortable.

I’ve often read that it helps to have a separate work place in your home, a dedicated office phone line – well it’s the same with your personal brand and professional image. To be making calls, sending emails and acting in a professional way to run your business, means dressing in a professional way too.

Now I don’t mean you need a shirt and tie or a corporate outfit but choose clothes that make you feel like you’re working. You must look smart not only in the eyes of the people you’re around but your own eyes as well. It’s about creating positive energy. Some kick start their day with a run or walk. Why not choose to start work on the high of looking good?

If you are going out to meet a client, dress appropriately for the occasion. Do your research. You wouldn’t go to a client meeting without knowing something about the company. Find out how the boss dresses – that’s a start, or the dress code in that organisation and take it up a notch. After all, you’re there to win the client’s business and that won’t happen if you dress inappropriately or look like a slob.

Think about what they’re looking for. If you’re in finance, law or another professional service, they want you to look like a credible, successful business person. You might be in IT or a creative service. Your potential client wouldn’t expect to see you in a three piece suit, however that doesn’t mean you need to wear jeans and scruffy sneakers.

Think about it – you are part of the package that you’re presenting to the client. People shouldn’t judge us by our outward appearances, but of course they do.

I know a number of professional speakers, it’s the industry I’m in. Let me share an example of two men, both $10,000 speakers. One works mostly with creatives yet has invested time and money into developing his professional image, finding the right cut to suit his body shape, wearing flattering colours and choosing smart casual outfits. He looks like a $10,000 speaker. The other, with a great reputation for the work he does with leading entrepreneurs, still chooses to wear the tried (or maybe tired) and trusted jeans and black jacket.

Is it important? Does anyone really care – what do you think?

I think your appearance does label you, therefore it is important to get the right label!

Sue Currie - Shine Communications Consultancy
www.shinecomms.com.au

Sue Currie is a business educator and speaker on personal branding through image and media. Sue’s strategies help boost your public profile and increase profits by enhancing your professional image and building brand visibility.

WORKING IN CRAMPED CONDITIONS

I had the wonderful experience of going soaring the other day. You know, in a small plane. It was exhilerating, but it brought back to me how some people, for work or pleasure, need to work in confined conditions.

I once had a job operating small excavting equipment. Like the little aeroplane, my cabin space didn't leave much room for movement, and as a result some clothes were more comfortable and certainly more practical than others.

Ever tried getting something from your jeans or trouser pockets while sitting down? The value of multiple shirt pockets for drivers, pilots and machine operators cannot be overstated. Easy reach for keys, your notebook and pen, a GPS navigator, camera or cell phone is a real necessity. And everthing within easy reach makes life safer. Look for loose fitting shirts that allow you to twist in your seat, with easy to reach pockets.

Eppaulettes are a popular addition to transport uniforms. Tradionally used to attach insignia of rank, they add a touch of professionalism, and are often used to hold a hat or other lightweight object.

Jackets too need to be practical in the same way. "Flying Jackets" first made popular by military pilots have not lost their appeal in over fifty years. Although now made from new high tech fabrics, the practicality of a well padded, tough garment with sleeve and internal pockets will never go out of fashion. New styles (and names) continually appear but think about the practicality of the openings and fittings of your jacket. Make sure to get quality zippers that will last, and a fit that allows for movement.

Work clothes need to be tough, everyone accepts that. But do you workpants have any "give"? are they comfortable to sit in, sometimes for hours at a time? lightweight fabrics are often more sensible for drivers, crane operators and excavators - after all your seat will go allong way toward keeping your butt warm. but movement and real pockets that you can get some fingers into are important. Cargo pants with pockets in the legs can make life easier by storing necessities within reach where they wont get lost.

So when ordering your next work uniform think not only about the style and colour, but also the practicality of pockets and other features. We all spend a lot of time at work, so choose your workwear carefully. And if it's your pleasure to fly or drive, maximise your comfort.

Mark Lehmann
Originality Uniforms

CHOOSING COLOURS TO ALTER PERCEPTION

The colours you wear can influence how clients perceive you and how you perceive yourself. They affect your mood and reveal personality traits. For instance bright colours make you feel happier and convey a positive attitude, so soloists who want to lighten up, should brighten up! Once you know their different qualities, choosing colours to alter perception becomes easy.

WHITE traditionally symbolises innocence and purity and is often considered a summer colour. It clears away old thoughts, stimulates new growth and opens up new ideas. When wearing white, people are often described as looking fresh or crisp. White is light, neutral and goes with everything. However if you have warm-toned skin, choose off-white clothing as white is considered a cool colour.

PURPLE implies royalty, dignity and spirituality. It is also associated with wealth, luxury and elegance. It’s a balancing colour. Wear purple when you feel stressed or sad as it promotes peace and restfulness. Purple is calming to look at and be around. It is said to stimulate intuition and creativity.

GREEN calms your emotions and helps with relaxation. Performers and people waiting to appear on TV sit in ‘green rooms’ to calm their nerves. Green is a refreshing colour and symbolises nature and fertility. Dark green is masculine, conservative and implies wealth.

BLUE is known as the executive colour. Blue enhances wisdom and stimulates self-awareness, so wear it when you are discussing important issues. Dark blue says you are a person who knows who you are and where you are going. Blue stimulates the mind but can be seen as a cold colour. It is also the colour of the sky and the ocean and is one of the most popular colours.

RED says success. Wear red to express power and stand out in a crowd. A person who wears red is not afraid of showing a strong image. Red is stimulating and romantic. Red boosts physical energy and helps overcome negative thinking and feelings of rejection. Since it is an extreme colour, red clothing might not be helpful in negotiations or confrontations.

YELLOW is an excellent colour to wear when you’re feeling down. Yellow stimulates your desires, promotes positivity and prevents depression. It is a welcoming colour and good for communicating, so wear it when you want to sell yourself and your skills. It is cheery, optimistic and an attention getter. Although eye catching, it is a difficult colour for the eye to take in, so it can be overpowering if overused.

ORANGE promotes spontaneity and warmth. Orange is bold and cheerful and improves social behaviour. If you need some added motivation and fun wear orange; it’s said to be an anti-depressant. It’s a colour that is lively and active, helping to exude a dynamic or extroverted personality.

BROWN is solid and reliable. It is the colour of earth. People who wear a lot of brown are natural, casual, reliable and genuine and often Mother Earth types. Brown is a warm colour and is said to promote restfulness and tranquillity. Brown can also be seen as a dull colour, very safe and conservative. To offset boring brown, wear with an accent colour like orange or turquoise.

BLACK is a colour of authority and power. Always popular in fashion, it is stylish, timeless, elegant and slimming. Totally black outfits can sometimes be overpowering or make the wearer seem aloof. If you want to evoke mystery or you’re not in the mood to talk, wear black. Black keeps you hidden and distances people. To be more approachable, wear a different coloured shirt or top with an all black suit.

How do you respond to different colours? What about your clients? Why not experiment with choosing colours to alter perception and post a comment about the results.

Sue Currie - Shine Communications Consultancy
www.shinecomms.com.au

Sue Currie is a business educator and speaker on personal branding through image and media. Sue’s strategies help boost your public profile and increase profits by enhancing your professional image and building brand visibility.

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