In the first parts of this series, we introduced the concept of your Total Image, and discussed Hidden Image, your Reputation and your Experienced Image. This article, we'll continue the discussion of your Total Image with the fourth component: Your Proven Image.
Your Proven Image is you experienced over a period of time ? it can either build on or derail a positive first impression. Consistency in your self-concept, your reputation and your experiences with others will help to build a Proven Image that is an asset instead of a liability. Some factors to consider:
1. Interpersonal relationships ? are you taking time to acknowledge and appreciate others ? even those who can't hire you directly? A consistently friendly approach will be reported favorably throughout your community and help you gain more clients in the long run.
2. Working style ? do you work toward consistent delivery times for specific projects? Do your clients know what to expect for typical project turnaround times? Taking 3 days to complete a specific type of project one time, and then taking 2 weeks for the same type of project the next time will cause uneasiness with your clients and make you seem less dependable.
3. Advertising & Promotion ? have you developed a consistent message for your advertising and promotions? If you use a consistent group of fonts and colors in your advertising, marketing and promotions, you'll develop a consistent visual identity that will tie in to the image of your company and its services over time. Your clients should be able to tell easily if a particular advertisement is for your company or not.
You must, as an Independent Professional, take care to make the last exposure to you, your business or your expertise as valuable and positive as the very first one. Consistency is vital for creating valued business relationships.
In the initial meeting with a client, which may be in person or at their company, work toward showing interest and courtesy to everyone involved in that client's business. You can never know whether individual who appears to be an ordinary employee is in reality one of the principals of the business!
Your initial meeting sets the tone for the future relationship with that client, and you want to be confident, yet not disrespectful.
If you strive to complete projects for a new client within 24 ? 48 hours initially, and later let that time frame slide to 5 or even 7 days without a very good explanation, the client will begin to wonder why they aren't getting the same excellent service that they got at the start of their relationship with you.
Always be sure to under-promise and over-deliver where your clients are concerned. Wouldn't it be better for a client to say "I always get my jobs delivered early from XYZ Company ? they go to the trouble of making sure their work for me is never late," than for that same client to say "Well, my response time with XYZ company depends on what else they've got going ? if it's a busy time for them, we might not be able to nail down a delivery date."
Consistency should also be present in the way you look for new clients ? advertising and marketing plans are as distinctive as the businesses they serve. Local or regional networking events can provide a fertile testing ground for new client approaches, within a consistent framework and identity for your business. If you are trying out several different approaches to new clients in your target market, you would do well to concentrate on one at a time.
That same consistency should be present in the number and type of networking groups you commit your time to ? be choosy in this! You have a limited amount of time to network and develop new business ? make sure that the networking group you belong to is one that will support your established identity and reinforce the consistently professional image you have developed.
A consistently polished and professional Visual Image goes hand in hand with your Proven Image. If you are elegantly dressed for a public event and the next time a potential client sees you is in your sweatpants and t-shirt, be prepared for that client to be shocked and to think twice about your professional status ? even if (or especially if) they don't mention it! No matter what the event, try to carry forward a theme that relates to your business and your market in your visual presentation.
If the majority of your client base are banks and other conservative industries, be sure that your image reflects qualities they consider desirable, and that you are consistently well dressed. That doesn't necessarily mean expensive garments, but it does mean that casual attire (even business casual) may be unacceptable.
A primary market of small businesses and other entrepreneurs might mean that you can be less formal with your personal visual presentation, but you should still strive for a business-like appearance. Again, consistency is the key ? your visual image speaks to so much more than just what colors you like to wear.
If credibility and authority are of primary importance when dealing with clients, then stick to the medium-to-dark shades in your personal color palette, along with clean, simple lines in your clothing and equally simple lines in your accessories.
If likeability is of primary importance in your relationships with clients, then business attire in the lighter shades of your personal color palette along with more whimsical or personally significant accessories will give a greater sense of your personal taste and make you seem more approachable and friendly.
About the Author: Dianne M. Daniels is an Image & Color Coach, Consultant and Professional Speaker, and the author/publisher of "Polish & Presence: 31 Days to a New Image". She has helped individuals refine and define their personal and professional image, along with corporations and organizations. Learn how to create your Personal Climate for Personal and Professional Success at http://www.imageandcolor.com.
There's no way to fake INTEGRITY. You are either are... Read More
I'm going to tell you the story of one of... Read More
If you want to create the good life -- a... Read More
â??The snow goose need not bathe to make its self... Read More
This year (2004), I've completed over 64 seminars. And one... Read More
How many times have you told yourself "yes!" today? Not... Read More
Perhaps, you have heard the phrase "May the force be... Read More
There is a thread of certainty that runs through many... Read More
Recognizing your gift of choice is liberating. This means acknowledging... Read More
Wherever you go, there you are. There's no escaping it... Read More
When the mind was fidgety, like a monkeyWhen you felt... Read More
Tip #1. Find your purpose. Finding one's purpose is the... Read More
Your Access to AchievementA few years ago I read the... Read More
Making a fabulous impression on people opens doors for your... Read More
Are you looking for that "something" to give you the... Read More
Have you ever been really sure about something, only to... Read More
Here we continue to discuss a few commonly held beliefs,... Read More
How To Prove To Yourself That You Are Going After... Read More
Do you know anyone who always seems to have bad... Read More
Have you ever noticed that there is no shortage of... Read More
Do you feel all alone and out of sorts on... Read More
In some of my counseling and coaching sessions, my clients... Read More
The statement ""The concept of free will is a fallacy""... Read More
Lady Twilight felt angry. It was one of those days... Read More
Once in a while a book comes along that can... Read More
There is nothing more motivating than reading a story about... Read More
A woman phoned me the other day to ask me... Read More
... Read More
When I was a kid sitting in school I can... Read More
The Luck Factor rips apart the notion that luck is... Read More
If you've done any reading on the subject of marketing,... Read More
How would you like to have what you want AND... Read More
Ever had a time in your life when those closest... Read More
In earlier articles, I've often spoken about the supreme importance... Read More
As many different people there are on this planet, that... Read More
Would you like to be able to experience more of... Read More
Who's World Is It?Who's world really is it? Is it... Read More
Flow is the quality of ease that can be integrated... Read More
I wish you never have to go through that kind... Read More
Feeling trapped by lack of funds? We can learn from... Read More
Tornadic weather threatens southeastern Colorado and life on the plains... Read More
I just moved into my new luxurious, harborside condo, overlooking... Read More
I bet you're like me - you want results now,... Read More
We are all part of the universe. The universe is... Read More
'Until you make peace with who you are, you'll never... Read More
"It's choice ? not chance ? that determines your destiny."... Read More
Do you know anyone who always seems to have bad... Read More
Many scientific studies have demonstrated the reality of intuition for... Read More
If you live in modern society I'm sure at some... Read More
Not everyone is programmed to be a successful businessperson, many... Read More
Most folks who know me, know that when people write... Read More
What's In a Name?How often have you thought about the... Read More
Confidence without competence is a dangerous combination. Make it easy... Read More
Love. You may notice that I made that an entire... Read More
What do people want most in the world? What is... Read More
Are you on the road yet? If not, pony up... Read More
Lady Twilight felt angry. It was one of those days... Read More
Very often in relationships we do not seem to be... Read More
I'm sure most of you have heard of, and perhaps... Read More
Lotus dakini gathers energy. When wanting and grasping hold sway... Read More
When others are angry with you, loving to you, critical... Read More
Most people want to do their life's work. Some people... Read More
I've written this article specifically for individuals contemplating change with... Read More
'Image & Professionalism' we hear these words being thrown around... Read More
If you've ever thought about wanting to increase your physical... Read More
Imagine there is an event that will take place in... Read More
Attraction |