Visual Impact at Work

Helen Robinett, Director of Image Quest

Your personal image is the visual presence that you project; it’s about the way you look. It’s the choices you make about your clothing, accessories and grooming, and the way you put them together to reflect who you are and what message you want to send to others about yourself.

Every day when you get out of bed and get dressed, you are making a positive or a negative statement. This is very black and white – there are no grey areas happening here at all! The image you project will never be “so-so”. It makes a very strong statement one way or the other, and a message is always received by people you come into contact with, whether that message is consciously received or not.

So, what messages are you sending today? Are they positive or negative?

The most senior people in your workplace are likely to visually reflect their level of success through style, grooming, the car they drive and the pen they use to sign up a new client. They know how important visual presence is when meeting a new client for the first time. They also understand how crucial it is to maintain consistency with a professional image for the duration of working with a client.

   > The world we live in is highly visual. Your clients’ eyes will believe whatever they see. 

   >  First impressions count.

   >  There are no second chances. 

Experience has proven that the only people who invest in professional image management are the ones who already have a degree of success in business. They know how important it is and are looking for the finer distinctions to move them to the next level.

A very successful professional speaker was quite impressed on learning about the distinctions in colour and contrast and how this impacted on his “communication centre” – his face. (As human beings we listen with our ears, see with our eyes and speak with our mouths. In business communication we need to keep the focus of attention on the face and away from the body.) He very quickly arranged for new photographs to be taken and applied to his website. The clothing choice he had previously made was closing off his communication centre and had him appearing a little cold and unapproachable. With a suggestion to implement a different colour combination and a more open neckline, the desired result was achieved. He looked OK to begin with; now he looks fantastic!

Don’t stress! I’m not suggesting that you be transformed beyond recognition. Nor will I recommend that you toss out the entire contents of your wardrobe. It’s about refining and enhancing your personal style, and respecting that, as a professional, you have choices. It is entirely up to you to exercise discretion and choose what is best going to serve your career direction while honouring who you are as an individual.  You already look good – it’s moving you to great that will have an impact!

Helen Robinett Director and Image Advisor, Image Quest

Helen is obsessive about helping people to feel fantastic about themselves. With a background of over 20 years in sales and marketing coupled with extensive experience advising leading corporate and individual clients, Helen understands why personal and professional image are key ingredients in business success. Helen works with clients to develop a comprehensive imagemanagement strategy and ensures that staff reflect the image and branding of the company. Helen is experienced in delivering dynamic presentations designed to inspire and enlighten. Popular topics include the importance of first impressions; managing perceptions of those around you; dressing for where you want to be; and effective wardrobe management. Helen is known for her warmth, humour and impactful style.

Her ability to maximize the potential look and feel of individual personalities and corporate cultures is second to none. Helen is recognized within government and corporate environments as the ‘go to’ person for customized image consulting. Clients who have experienced Helen’s magic touch often speak of having a new attitude and approach to their work and life. She is one of only four image professionals in Australia to achieve the designation of Certified Image Professional through the Association of Image Consultants International and has recently published a book on Personal Branding, Apprentice to Business Ace.

Helen is the President on the board for Try Youth and Community Services in Melbourne and facilitates the ‘Look good feel better’ program at the Freemasons Hospital for cancer patients. Helen can be contacted via www.imagequest.com.au  or helen@imagequest.com.au